Ohio Regulators Push to Ban Credit Cards in Sports Betting

Ohio’s Casino Control Commission has moved to tighten funding rules for sportsbook accounts, proposing a ban on credit card deposits. Earlier this week, the commission submitted a rule change that would “remove credit cards as a funding option for deposit‑enabled accounts” under state gaming regulations.

The amendment targets provisions in the sports gaming code and would reshape how bettors can load money into their accounts.

If adopted, the change means players could no longer rely on credit cards to fund wagers. Instead, accounts would be limited to deposits from promotional credits, winnings, ACH transfers, wire transfers, or corrections made by providers with notice to customers.

The rules also leave room for “any other means approved by the executive director,” giving regulators flexibility to authorize new funding methods in the future.

Major operators have already banned credit cards

Ohio’s regulators may be moving to formalize a ban on credit card deposits, but many of the country’s biggest sportsbook operators have already taken that step on their own.

Caesars Digital stopped accepting credit cards last week across its U.S. platforms, including Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and World Series of Poker Online. The restriction does not apply to its operations in Puerto Rico or Ontario.

Caesars joins a growing list of operators that have phased out credit card funding, with DraftKings introducing its ban in 2025, FanDuel ending credit card deposits in March, and BetMGM following suit the same month. British operator bet365 also imposed its ban in April, while Fanatics has never allowed credit card deposits at all.

With most leading sportsbooks already cutting off credit card payments, the commission’s proposal may have less impact than expected. Even bettors have moved away from credit cards themselves, since issuers treat deposits as cash advances and attach high fees and interest.

Debit cards remain unaffected and continue to be the most common way players fund accounts. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is taking public comment on the draft rule until May 15, with a hearing and legislative review to follow. If approved, the ban could take effect later this summer.

Ohio could become 9th state with official ban

Ohio’s proposed rule change would place it alongside a growing list of states that have already shut the door on credit card deposits for sports betting. Eight states have acted so far, including Iowa, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Maine, and Virginia.

Virginia’s ban was signed into law in April by Governor Abigail Spanberger, while Maine’s measure cleared the same month when Governor Janet Mills allowed it to pass.

Other legislatures are still debating similar restrictions. Colorado’s Senate approved a bill last week that includes a credit card ban, sending it to the House for further review. In Maryland, a consumer protection measure advanced in March and now awaits a Senate vote. New Jersey lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 3461 earlier this year to block credit card deposits for online sports wagering and casino play, though the proposal has stalled in committee.

If Ohio’s regulators finalize their plan, the state would become the ninth to officially adopt a ban.

Source: SBCAmericas

Ohio Regulators Push to Ban Credit Cards in Sports Betting

Major operators have already banned credit cards

Ohio could become 9th state with official ban

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