More US Betting Sites Shift Away from Credit Cards Amid Regulatory Pressure

Funding an online betting account with a credit card is becoming increasingly uncommon across the US regulated gambling market, as more operators and regulators move toward payment methods viewed as less risky for consumers.

Hard Rock Bet Casino has become one of the latest operators to stop accepting credit cards for deposits. Players can still fund their accounts using alternatives such as debit cards and PayPal, but credit cards are no longer an option, even through third-party payment services.

The move follows similar decisions by major operators including DraftKings and FanDuel, highlighting an industry-wide shift toward payment options that rely on available funds rather than borrowed money.

Consumer Protection and Regulation Driving the Change

When legal sports betting expanded rapidly following the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn PASPA, lawmakers focused largely on licensing operators and creating new tax revenue streams. Payment methods attracted far less attention during those early years.

That has changed as regulated markets have matured. Regulators, lawmakers and responsible gambling advocates have increasingly questioned whether credit cards should be used to finance gambling activity, arguing that betting with borrowed money can increase financial harm for vulnerable players.

Legal experts at Ice Miller note that several jurisdictions have introduced or are considering restrictions on credit card gambling deposits because revolving debt can make it easier for players to chase losses and separate betting decisions from immediate financial consequences.

Illinois Gambling Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter has also supported limiting credit card funding, saying the policy helps encourage responsible gambling while reducing risks for people experiencing gambling-related harm.

Operators Also Benefit from Payment Changes

The transition is not solely about regulation. Credit card transactions generally carry higher processing costs and expose operators to more chargebacks and payment disputes than debit cards or digital wallets, making them a less attractive option from a business perspective.

Digital wallets, online banking transfers, and debit cards have become the preferred alternatives across many regulated sportsbooks and online casinos, offering faster processing and lower fraud risks while aligning more closely with responsible gambling objectives.

Although policies still vary by state and operator, the broader direction of the US market is becoming increasingly clear. Lawmakers continue reviewing responsible gambling measures and payment safeguards. Still, it is undeniable that credit card deposits are steadily disappearing from regulated sportsbooks, reflecting a wider effort to balance market growth with stronger consumer protections.