Quick Summary
- Ohio’s Casino Control Commission has introduced a regulatory amendment to prohibit credit card funding for sports wagering accounts
- Approved deposit methods would include ACH transactions, wire transfers, debit cards, account winnings, and promotional funds
- Leading sportsbook platforms including Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have independently implemented credit card restrictions
- Implementation would make Ohio the ninth U.S. state to formally establish such restrictions
- The public comment period extends through May 15, with possible implementation by late summer
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has introduced a regulatory amendment this week designed to eliminate credit card deposits as a funding mechanism for sports betting accounts throughout the state.
This proposed modification would strike credit cards from the approved funding methods outlined in Ohio’s sports gaming regulatory framework. Bettors would no longer have the ability to utilize credit cards when adding funds to their wagering accounts.
The updated regulation would restrict deposit options to ACH transactions, wire transfers, promotional credits, winnings, and adjustments initiated by operators with appropriate customer notification. The proposal does not impact debit card usage.
Additionally, the regulation provides authority for the executive director to authorize alternative funding mechanisms going forward. This provision offers regulatory adaptability as financial technology continues to evolve.
Leading Sportsbook Platforms Have Already Implemented Restrictions
Ohio’s regulatory proposal follows voluntary action by the nation’s dominant sportsbook operators to discontinue credit card funding options. Caesars Digital eliminated credit card acceptance last week throughout its U.S. operations, encompassing Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and World Series of Poker Online.
Caesars’s decision followed DraftKings, which rolled out its credit card prohibition in 2025. FanDuel discontinued credit card deposits in March, with BetMGM implementing identical measures during the same timeframe.
U.K.-based operator bet365 established its own restriction in April. Fanatics has maintained a policy against credit card deposits since its launch.
Given that most prominent operators have already blocked credit card usage, Ohio’s regulatory change may have minimal practical 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 represent the predominant funding method for player accounts. They would not be impacted by the proposed regulatory change.
Ohio Positioned to Join Growing List of States
Should the regulation receive final approval, Ohio would become the ninth state to formally prohibit credit card deposits for sports wagering. Eight states have already implemented comparable restrictions.
Iowa, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Maine, and Virginia all maintain active prohibitions. Virginia’s restriction received Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature in April.
Maine’s legislation also became law in April after Governor Janet Mills permitted it to take effect without her signature.
Numerous additional states are evaluating comparable legislation. Colorado’s Senate passed a bill last week containing a credit card prohibition and forwarded it to the House for consideration.
In Maryland, consumer protection legislation progressed in March and awaits a Senate floor vote. New Jersey legislators introduced legislation earlier this year to prohibit credit card deposits for online sports wagering and casino gaming, though the measure remains pending in committee.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is collecting public feedback on the proposed regulation through May 15. A public hearing and legislative examination will follow.
Upon approval, the prohibition could become operational during the latter part of summer.
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