Key Points
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission has drafted regulations that would eliminate credit cards as a deposit method for sports wagering accounts
- Approved funding methods would include bank transfers, wire payments, debit cards, account winnings, and promotional offers
- Leading sportsbook companies including Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have voluntarily implemented similar restrictions
- The change would make Ohio the ninth state in the nation to implement such regulatory restrictions
- The draft regulation remains open for public feedback through May 15, with implementation possible by summer’s end
Regulators in Ohio introduced draft regulations this week that would prohibit the use of credit cards for funding sports betting accounts throughout the state.
The proposed amendment targets current sports gaming rules by removing credit cards from the list of acceptable deposit methods. Bettors would lose the ability to charge sports wagering funds to their credit card accounts.
According to the draft language, permitted deposit methods would be restricted to automated clearing house (ACH) transactions, wire transfers, promotional bonus credits, account winnings, and any provider-initiated corrections that include customer notification. The proposed restriction does not impact debit card usage.
The proposed regulation includes provisions allowing the executive director to authorize additional payment methods as circumstances warrant. This clause provides regulatory adaptability as financial technology continues to evolve.
Industry Leaders Have Already Implemented Voluntary Bans
Ohio’s regulatory proposal follows voluntary decisions by the nation’s dominant sportsbook platforms to discontinue credit card acceptance. Caesars Digital eliminated credit card processing last week throughout all its U.S. operations, affecting Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and World Series of Poker Online.
The Caesars decision came after DraftKings rolled out its credit card prohibition in 2025. FanDuel discontinued credit card processing in March, with BetMGM implementing an identical policy during the same time period.
International operator bet365 established its own prohibition in April. Fanatics has maintained a policy against credit card deposits since launch.
Given that most prominent operators have already blocked credit card transactions, Ohio’s regulatory action may have minimal real-world consequences. A significant portion of bettors had already transitioned away from credit card funding methods.
Credit card companies generally categorize sportsbook deposits as cash advance transactions. This classification subjects bettors to elevated fees and interest charges beyond standard purchase rates.
Debit cards continue to serve as the preferred funding mechanism for most players. The proposed regulation does not restrict their use.
Ohio Set to Become Ninth State With Official Ban
Should regulators approve the measure, Ohio would join eight states that have formally prohibited credit card deposits for sports wagering. These jurisdictions have already enacted similar restrictions.
Iowa, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Maine, and Virginia currently enforce credit card bans. Virginia’s prohibition became law in April following Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature.
Maine’s legislation also became effective in April after Governor Janet Mills declined to sign but allowed the measure to become law without her approval.
Additional states continue deliberating comparable legislation. Colorado’s Senate passed enabling legislation last week that incorporates a credit card prohibition and forwarded it to House members for consideration.
Maryland legislators advanced consumer protection legislation in March that awaits final Senate action. New Jersey introduced legislation earlier this year targeting credit card deposits for both online sports betting and casino gaming, though the measure remains stalled in committee.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission will collect public input on the draft regulation through May 15. Additional public hearings and legislative review processes will follow.
Upon final approval, the prohibition could become operative during the latter part of summer.
