Key Highlights
- State gaming commission has submitted a regulatory amendment eliminating credit card funding for wagering accounts
- Approved deposit methods would include ACH transactions, wire transfers, debit cards, account winnings, and bonus credits
- Leading platforms including Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have voluntarily eliminated credit card options
- The state would join eight others nationwide with formal prohibitions on credit card betting deposits
- Stakeholders have until May 15 to submit feedback, with implementation possible by late summer
Ohio’s Casino Control Commission has introduced a regulatory modification this week designed to eliminate credit card deposits for wagering accounts throughout the state.
The proposed amendment would strip credit cards from the list of acceptable funding sources within Ohio’s sports wagering framework. Bettors would lose the ability to use credit cards when adding funds to their betting platforms.
According to the updated regulation, acceptable deposit mechanisms would be restricted to ACH transactions, wire transfers, promotional bonus funds, account winnings, and adjustments initiated by operators with proper customer notification. Debit card usage remains unaffected by this proposal.
The regulatory language also provides authority for the executive director to authorize additional payment channels down the road. This provision allows officials to adapt as financial technology evolves.
Industry Leaders Have Already Eliminated Credit Card Options
Ohio’s regulatory action follows voluntary decisions by the nation’s dominant sportsbook companies to discontinue credit card acceptance independently. Caesars Digital eliminated credit card processing last week throughout its American operations, encompassing Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and World Series of Poker Online.
Caesars’ decision came after DraftKings, which rolled out its credit card prohibition in 2025. FanDuel discontinued credit card deposits in March, with BetMGM implementing identical restrictions during the same timeframe.
UK-based operator bet365 established its own prohibition in April. Fanatics has maintained a policy against credit card deposits since its inception.
Given that most prominent operators have already blocked credit cards, Ohio’s regulation may have minimal real-world consequences. A substantial portion of bettors had already transitioned away from credit card funding methods.
Financial institutions generally categorize sportsbook deposits as cash advances. This classification results in bettors incurring elevated fees and interest charges compared to standard transactions.
Debit cards continue to be the predominant method players use to fund accounts. They remain unaffected by the pending regulation.
Ohio Positioned to Become Ninth State With Ban
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 such restrictions.
Iowa, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Maine, and Virginia all maintain active bans. Virginia’s prohibition received Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature in April.
Maine’s legislation also became law in April after Governor Janet Mills declined to veto it, allowing automatic passage.
Multiple additional states continue deliberating comparable proposals. Colorado’s Senate passed legislation last week incorporating a credit card ban and forwarded it to the House for consideration.
In Maryland, a consumer safeguard measure moved forward in March and awaits a Senate floor vote. New Jersey legislators filed a measure earlier this year to prevent credit card deposits for online sports wagering and casino gaming, though the bill remains stuck in committee.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is collecting public input on the proposed regulation through May 15. A formal hearing and legislative examination will subsequently occur.
Upon approval, the prohibition could become operational during the latter part of summer.
