The Ohio Casino Control Commission has officially moved to tighten the financial framework of the state’s sports wagering industry and formally ban credit cards.
The commission has submitted a formal rule change aimed at “removing credit cards as a funding option for deposit‑enabled accounts,” a move that would fundamentally reshape how Ohioans fund their betting activities.
A Shift in Funding Mechanics
If adopted, the amendment will restrict deposits to lower-risk methods such as ACH transfers, wire transfers, winnings, and promotional credits. The proposal allows the executive director the flexibility to approve future funding methods, provided they align with the state’s responsible gaming objectives.
This move is designed to protect consumers from accruing high-interest debt through gambling, as credit card companies typically treat sportsbook deposits as cash advances.
Industry Giants Lead the Way
While Ohio’s regulators are just now formalizing the ban, the private sector has already shifted. Caesars Digital phased out credit card support last week across its U.S. platforms, including Caesars Sportsbook and the World Series of Poker Online. They join a massive wave of self-regulation:
- DraftKings: Introduced a ban in 2025.
- FanDuel & BetMGM: Ended credit card deposits in March 2026.
- bet365: Imposed its restriction in April 2026.
- Fanatics: Has maintained a strict “no credit card” policy since its inception.
Ohio as the Ninth State to Ban Credit Cards
Should the rule be finalized following the public comment period ending May 15, Ohio would become the ninth U.S. state to implement an official ban. It would join the ranks of Iowa, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, and Maine, the latter of which recently saw Governor Janet Mills allow a similar measure to pass into law.
This legislative trend is picking up speed across North America. Colorado and Maryland are currently debating similar restrictions, while New Jersey is evaluating Senate Bill 3461 to block credit card usage for both sports betting and online casino play.
Ohio’s credit card ban, if approved, is expected to take full effect by later this summer, further cementing debit cards and direct bank transfers as the standard for the industry.
