Ohio proposes ban on credit card use for sportsbooks, iGaming
Ohio regulators are considering a proposal to ban credit card deposits for online sports betting accounts as part of broader responsible gaming measures. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has proposed an amendment that would restrict sportsbook funding options to ACH payments, wire transfers, winnings, promotional credits, and other authorised payment methods.
The action is a response to growing worries about debt from gaming and the financial danger associated with using credit cards. Credit card deposits have already been voluntarily phased out by several major operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, and bet365. As sports betting regulation continues to develop, the rule’s approval could have an impact on comparable regulatory talks in other US states.
Proposed Ohio rule
The OCCC has proposed an amendment that would remove credit cards as a funding option for sports gaming accounts, while keeping online sports betting itself legal. Under the new rules, users could still deposit money through ACH bank transfers, wire transfers, existing winnings, promotional credits, or correction payments from providers. A clause also allows the executive director to approve other payment methods in the future.
Since the adjustment primarily impacts account deposits, withdrawals and betting activity remain unaffected. The focus is on limiting the use of borrowed money through credit as part of a regulatory plan to reduce financial risks without outright prohibiting sports betting.
Psychology behind gambling with credit
When discussing credit card deposits in sports betting, discussions frequently transcend beyond simple payment options. Using a debit card or making a bank transfer seems genuine and fast. But credit cards function quite differently, and most people don’t realise how crucial this difference is. Repayment delays put a natural barrier between you and the money you are spending, which can reduce the immediate pain of losses and gently encourage people to take bigger chances.
A proposed change must pass through a number of steps in Ohio’s rulemaking process. Public input is currently being gathered by the Casino Control Commission, and written comments are welcome until 15 May 2026. The proposal goes through administrative review after formal filing, which includes assessment by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review and the Common Sense Initiative Office.
Sportsbooks already ban credit card use
Even before authorities mandated it, a large number of American sportsbooks had already ceased taking credit card deposits. Credit cards will no longer be accepted on any of Caesars Digital’s platforms, including World Series of Poker Online, Horseshoe Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. While Fanatics has never allowed credit card deposits, other significant operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365, have implemented similar limitations.
States ban credit cards for gambling
Credit card use for sports betting deposits has already been outlawed in a number of states, indicating a larger trend towards more stringent payment regulations in the gambling industry. Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia are among the states that have such prohibitions.
While Virginia recently put its prohibition into effect after legislation was signed in April, Maine extended restrictions to include both sports betting and iGaming. Operators are enforcing stricter credit card rules as a result of the rigorous implementation of responsible gambling regulations in Massachusetts.
States considering similar restrictions
New limitations on gambling payments are being considered by several states, and credit card prohibitions are becoming more popular outside of Ohio. While Maryland is discussing a more comprehensive consumer protection bill that contains similar prohibitions, Colorado has adopted legislation in the Senate that would restrict credit card deposits for gambling accounts.
Due to the state’s power over national gambling regulations, Senate Bill 3461 in New Jersey, which would prohibit credit card funding for online sports betting and iGaming, is being widely followed. Legislators in Ohio are currently examining proposals that might increase Internet gambling through lottery systems and online casinos.
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