Key Takeaways
Contents
- Effective March 31, BetMGM will no longer accept credit card deposits, matching the policies of competitors DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics throughout the United States.
- Financial experts from Citizens JMP Securities and Macquarie Capital project negligible financial consequences, referencing DraftKings’ experience showing no significant changes following its 2025 prohibition.
- Industry research from Macquarie suggests credit cards account for merely 10% to 20% of total gambling deposit volume in the US, with users anticipated to migrate toward debit cards, ACH transfers, and e-wallet solutions.
- Legislative initiatives in states like New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Illinois aim to impose statutory restrictions on credit card usage for online wagering platforms.
- Fanatics has maintained a no-credit-card policy from its 2023 inception as a sports betting platform.
Last week, BetMGM revealed its decision to discontinue credit card deposit options beginning March 31. The announcement came during a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board public session held on March 25.
At the same meeting where the PGCB levied a $100,000 penalty against BetMGM for inadequate customer verification procedures, Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney informed regulators that the platform would cease accepting new credit cards for account funding.
This strategic pivot aligns BetMGM with leading US sports betting platforms. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have already implemented similar restrictions on credit card transactions.
DraftKings eliminated credit card funding options in August 2025. The organization characterized the change as a “strategic business decision” designed to protect customers from additional transaction charges.
FanDuel implemented its prohibition in February 2026, officially enforcing the policy on March 2. The timing followed closely after Sen. Elizabeth Warren contacted prominent operators seeking details about credit card betting transaction fees.
Fanatics stands apart by never permitting credit card deposits. A company representative described this stance as a “foundational promise” established when operations commenced in 2023.
Financial Experts Forecast Negligible Business Consequences
Although a 2025 industry study revealed that 24% of sports bettors used a credit card cash advance to place bets, market analysts maintain the prohibition won’t damage operator performance.
Jordan Bender, representing Citizens JMP Securities as an equity research analyst, informed Gambling Insider the effect should prove “minimal.” He referenced DraftKings’ experience, where betting volume remained essentially unchanged following its credit card restriction.
Bender characterized Citizens’ perspective on the transition as “more of a headline rather than a real impact on the business.”
Sam Ghafir from Macquarie Capital shared similar assessments. He noted multiple states have already implemented credit card deposit bans without generating operational difficulties.
Macquarie’s analysis indicates credit cards represent only 10% to 20% of total US gambling account funding. Ghafir observed these payment methods typically attract newer users and recreational bettors.
He acknowledged potential modest short-term effects spanning three to six months stemming from added transaction friction for casual players. However, he anticipates most activity will transition to debit cards, ACH bank transfers, and digital wallet platforms.
Legislative Momentum Builds Toward Statutory Restrictions
For gambling operators, the prohibition may actually generate positive outcomes. Ghafir suggested it strengthens positions in regulatory conversations, diminishes future policy uncertainty, and enhances environmental, social, and governance credentials.
He cited the United Kingdom’s experience, where aggregate gross gaming revenue stabilized within two to three quarters following credit card restrictions. The outcome produced higher-quality customer segments and marginally improved financial performance.
Numerous US states have already enacted legal prohibitions against credit card gambling deposits. The list encompasses Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont.
During the current legislative session, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Illinois have advanced proposals to ban credit cards for online sports wagering or casino gaming.
In Virginia, Del. Marty Martinez’s HB 515 secured approval from both legislative chambers. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has yet to provide final authorization. Comparable legislation awaits Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ signature.
BetMGM’s elimination process launches today, March 31, blocking new credit card additions to user accounts. The operator intends to systematically remove credit card funding capabilities across its entire platform network.
