Key Takeaways
Contents
- State gaming officials in Ohio have put forward regulations that would eliminate credit card funding for sports wagering platforms
- Acceptable deposit methods would include ACH transactions, wire payments, debit cards, account winnings, and bonus credits
- Industry leaders including Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM previously implemented voluntary restrictions on credit card use
- The Buckeye State would join eight others with formal prohibitions if regulators finalize the measure
- Stakeholders can submit feedback on the proposed regulation through May 15, with implementation possible by summer’s end
Gaming regulators in Ohio introduced a proposed regulatory amendment this week designed to prohibit the use of credit cards for funding sports wagering accounts throughout the state.
The planned modification would eliminate credit cards from the list of acceptable deposit mechanisms outlined in Ohio’s sports gaming framework. Bettors would lose the ability to transfer funds from credit cards into their online betting platforms.
Should the regulation advance, permitted deposit channels would be restricted to ACH bank transfers, wire payments, promotional bonus funds, betting proceeds, and provider-initiated adjustments with customer notification. The proposal specifically excludes debit cards from the restriction.
The drafted rule includes provisions allowing the commission’s executive director to authorize additional payment methods down the line. This built-in flexibility enables regulators to adapt as financial technology evolves.
Industry Giants Previously Eliminated Credit Card Options
The regulatory action in Ohio follows voluntary decisions by the nation’s dominant sportsbook companies to discontinue credit card acceptance. Caesars Digital implemented a company-wide credit card restriction just last week, affecting all its American properties including Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and World Series of Poker Online.
Caesars’ decision came after DraftKings rolled out its prohibition on credit card transactions in 2025. FanDuel eliminated credit card funding options in March, with BetMGM implementing identical restrictions during the same period.
International betting firm bet365 enacted its own credit card ban in April. Meanwhile, Fanatics has maintained a policy against credit card deposits since launching its platform.
Given that most prominent operators have already restricted credit cards voluntarily, Ohio’s regulatory change may have minimal real-world effect. A substantial portion of the betting public had already transitioned away from credit card funding methods.
Financial institutions generally categorize sportsbook deposits as cash advance transactions. This classification subjects bettors to elevated fees and interest charges compared to standard credit card purchases.
Debit cards continue to represent the predominant funding mechanism for player accounts. They would remain unaffected under the proposed regulatory framework.
Ohio Poised to Join Growing Coalition of States
Should regulators approve the measure, Ohio would become the ninth jurisdiction in the nation to formally prohibit credit card deposits for sports wagering purposes. Eight states have previously enacted such restrictions.
Iowa, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Maine, and Virginia currently maintain active bans. Virginia’s prohibition received Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature in April, cementing it into law.
Maine’s corresponding legislation also took effect in April after Governor Janet Mills opted not to veto the bill, allowing it to become law without her endorsement.
Additional states continue working through comparable legislative initiatives. Colorado’s Senate chamber passed enabling legislation last week that incorporates a credit card restriction and forwarded it to the House for consideration.
Maryland legislators advanced a consumer safeguard measure in March that awaits a final Senate vote. New Jersey’s legislature introduced companion bills earlier this year targeting credit card deposits for both online sports betting and internet casino gaming, though the proposals remain stalled in committee proceedings.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has opened a public comment period on the draft regulation running through May 15. Following the comment period, officials will conduct a formal hearing and legislative review process.
Assuming approval, the credit card prohibition could become operational by late summer.
