Ohio could soon become the latest state to prohibit gamblers from funding online sports betting accounts with credit cards.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has introduced a proposed amendment to state gaming regulations that would eliminate credit cards as an approved deposit method for online sports gaming accounts. The proposal marks another significant step in the broader national push toward responsible gambling protections across regulated betting markets.
If adopted, the rule change would reshape how bettors in Ohio can add funds to sportsbook accounts and align the state with a growing list of jurisdictions restricting credit-based gambling transactions.
Proposed Ohio Rule Would Eliminate Credit Card Funding
Under the proposed amendment, Ohio bettors would no longer be allowed to use credit cards to deposit money into online sports betting accounts.
Instead, sportsbooks operating in the state would be limited to several approved funding methods, including:
- Promotional credits
- Player winnings
- ACH bank transfers
- Wire transfers
- Account corrections processed by sportsbook operators with customer notification
- Other payment methods specifically approved by the OCCC executive director
The proposed language modifies an existing section of Ohio’s sports gaming account regulations and would apply to all licensed online sportsbooks operating in the state.
The OCCC has not publicly explained the reasoning behind the proposal in detail, but credit card restrictions have increasingly been associated with responsible gambling initiatives designed to limit debt-related wagering activity.
Ohio Opens Public Comment Period on Rule Change
Before the proposal can officially become law, Ohio regulators are allowing gaming stakeholders and the public to submit feedback on the amendment.
Written comments regarding the proposed credit card ban must be submitted by May 15.
In a public statement, the OCCC encouraged operators and interested parties to address concerns early in the process before the rule enters formal review stages.
“While you will have some additional chances to comment on these rules, including when they are filed with the state’s Common Sense Initiative Office, please note that it is much easier for the Commission and for stakeholders to work out any questions or comments directly before the rules start the formal rule filing process,” the commission said.
The regulator has not yet announced a timeline for formally filing the amendment.
How Ohio’s Rule Approval Process Works
The proposed rule still faces several procedural steps before taking effect.
Under Ohio law, the OCCC must receive approval from the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR), which evaluates whether proposed regulations conflict with existing state laws or exceed agency authority.
The commission must also submit a business impact analysis related to the proposed changes.
Once formally filed, lawmakers on the joint committee may hold public hearings to review the amendment before deciding whether to approve it. If approved, the credit card ban would officially become part of Ohio’s gaming regulations.
Major Sportsbooks Already Moving Away From Credit Cards
Ohio regulators are not alone in targeting credit card deposits.
Several of the nation’s largest sports betting operators have independently phased out credit card funding options over the past year, often citing responsible gaming concerns.
Last week, Caesars Digital announced it would stop accepting credit card deposits across its U.S. online gambling platforms, including:
- Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
- Horseshoe Casino
- WSOP Online
The policy does not currently apply to Caesars’ operations in Ontario or Puerto Rico.
Other major operators have implemented similar restrictions in recent months:
- DraftKings removed credit card deposits for sports betting and iGaming in 2025
- FanDuel discontinued credit card deposits earlier this year
- BetMGM also ended the payment option in March
- bet365 introduced a U.S. credit card ban in April
- Fanatics Sportsbook has never permitted credit card deposits
The industry-wide shift reflects growing concerns over consumers using borrowed funds to finance gambling activity.
More States Are Restricting Credit Card Gambling
If Ohio finalizes its proposed ban, it would join several states that already prohibit credit card deposits for sports wagering.
States currently enforcing credit card restrictions include:
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
Virginia became one of the newest additions to the list after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation in April banning credit card-funded sports betting transactions.
That same month, Maine enacted a broader restriction covering both sports betting and online casino gaming.
Additional States Considering Gambling Credit Card Bans
Momentum behind credit card gambling restrictions continues to grow nationwide.
Several state legislatures are currently reviewing bills that would impose similar prohibitions in regulated betting markets.
Among the most notable proposals:
- Colorado lawmakers recently advanced legislation containing a credit card ban, with the bill now moving to the House
- Maryland legislators approved a consumer protection measure restricting credit card gambling deposits, pending final Senate consideration
- New Jersey lawmakers are reviewing Senate Bill 3461, which would prohibit credit cards for both online sports betting and online casino gaming
The New Jersey proposal was introduced earlier this year and remains under committee review with no additional movement so far.
As more regulators and lawmakers focus on responsible gaming safeguards, credit card restrictions are increasingly becoming a central issue in the evolving U.S. sports betting landscape.
