Key Takeaways
- BetMGM to remove credit card depositsÂ
- Decision follows regulatory scrutiny and fraud findings
- Shift aligns with broader responsible gaming initiatives
BetMGM has announced plans to eliminate credit card payments as a funding method across its betting platform. The change follows regulatory proceedings in Pennsylvania, where state officials reviewed the company’s compliance controls in early 2026.
The policy will take effect beginning March 31 and will prevent both new and existing credit cards from being used for account deposits. The move reflects increased regulatory focus on consumer protection and responsible gambling practices across the U.S. online betting market.
BetMGM Moves to Eliminate Credit Card Funding
BetMGM announced its decision during a regulatory hearing tied to a settlement with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The agreement followed an investigation into multiple incidents involving fraudulent accounts and insufficient identity verification controls.
According to regulators, gaps in the platform’s verification processes allowed unauthorized users to create accounts and conduct transactions using compromised or fabricated information. As part of the resolution, BetMGM agreed to pay financial penalties and implement operational changes.
One of those changes includes phasing out credit card deposits entirely. The company confirmed that users will no longer be able to link new credit cards to their accounts, and existing cards will be removed as a payment option.
BetMGM representatives stated that compliance and risk management remain central to its operations, noting that payment policies are being adjusted in response to regulatory expectations.
Industry Shifts Toward Payment Restrictions
BetMGM’s decision reflects a broader trend across the U.S. sports betting industry, where operators and regulators are reassessing the role of credit in gambling transactions.
Several major operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, have already introduced similar restrictions on credit card deposits. These changes are often linked to concerns about consumer risk, including the potential for users to wager funds that are not immediately available to them.
At the regulatory level, multiple states have either implemented or are considering restrictions on credit card use for online betting. Existing prohibitions are already in place in jurisdictions such as Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Iowa, while additional legislation is under review in states including New York and New Jersey.
This evolving framework indicates a shift toward stricter oversight of payment methods as part of broader responsible gambling strategies.
Next Steps for Operators and Regulators
The credit card phase-out is expected to be implemented across all markets where BetMGM operates, subject to local regulatory requirements. Operators will likely continue evaluating alternative payment methods, including debit cards, bank transfers, and prepaid solutions.
Regulators, meanwhile, are expected to maintain focus on consumer protection measures, particularly those related to financial risk and fraud prevention. Ongoing legislative activity suggests that additional restrictions on payment methods may be introduced in the near term.
Stakeholders across the industry will monitor how these changes affect user behavior, compliance obligations, and competitive positioning among licensed operators.
Final Takeaways
BetMGM’s decision to discontinue credit card deposits reflects increasing regulatory scrutiny and a broader shift toward responsible gambling practices. The move aligns the company with industry peers and emerging state-level policies aimed at reducing financial risk for consumers.
At the same time, credit card funding remains available at several top sportsbooks, including BetOnline, Bovada, and BookMaker, which continue to offer card-based deposit options alongside alternative payment methods. This contrast highlights the growing divide between regulated U.S. operators and offshore platforms in how payment risk and consumer protections are managed.
As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, payment methods are likely to remain a central focus for both operators and policymakers.
