Ohio Advances Credit Card Ban for Sports Betting Deposits

OCCC moves forward with new payment restrictions for sportsbooks

The amendment, initially introduced by the OCCC in May as part of a broader rulemaking package, has now completed the public consultation and administrative review stages.

If the remaining approval process is completed, licensed sports betting operators in Ohio will no longer be permitted to accept credit card deposits from customers. Bettors will continue to have access to alternative payment methods, including debit cards, ACH transfers, wire transfers and other approved funding options.

The proposal modifies Ohio Administrative Code 3775-16-03, which establishes the approved payment methods for online sports betting accounts.

According to regulators, the objective is to reduce the financial risks associated with gambling using borrowed money, reinforcing the state's responsible gaming framework.

Responsible gambling remains the primary objective

The OCCC considers the restriction another step toward encouraging safer gambling behavior by ensuring customers wager only with funds they already possess.

During the public discussion of the proposal, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio Executive Director Derek Longmeier highlighted the rationale behind the measure.

"One of the cardinal rules of gambling, at low risk, is only spending money that you have. If you're putting money on a credit card, then obviously, that goes beyond that."

Longmeier argued that relying on credit to gamble increases financial vulnerability and may contribute to problematic gambling behavior. By eliminating credit card deposits, regulators aim to introduce an additional layer of consumer protection without limiting access to legal sports betting.

Limited operational impact for licensed operators

Despite the regulatory change, the practical impact on the market is expected to be relatively modest.

Several major U.S. sportsbooks—including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365 and Fanatics Sportsbook—have already discontinued credit card deposits voluntarily, making debit cards, online banking and electronic payment services the preferred funding methods for most customers.

As a result, the new rule largely formalizes practices that have already become standard across much of the regulated U.S. sports betting industry.

Ohio lawmakers continue debating the future of sports betting

While Ohio launched its regulated sports betting market in January 2023, policymakers continue discussing the long-term direction of gambling legislation in the state.

One proposal attracting attention is the Save Ohio Sports Act, introduced by Representative Josh Williams, which seeks to repeal Ohio's sports betting law and eliminate legal sports wagering altogether.

Although the bill faces significant legislative challenges, it illustrates the ongoing debate surrounding gambling expansion, consumer protection and the broader social impact of sports betting.

Additional regulatory proposals remain under consideration

Alongside discussions about sports betting, lawmakers have also explored legislation addressing prediction markets and expanded regulatory oversight.

Earlier this year, Senate Bill 430 proposed creating a licensing and taxation framework for prediction market operators, reflecting the state's interest in establishing clear rules for emerging wagering products.

Taken together, these initiatives indicate that Ohio's legislative agenda is increasingly focused on strengthening oversight rather than expanding gambling opportunities.

Consumer protection continues shaping Ohio's betting regulation

The proposed credit card ban follows several enforcement actions taken by the OCCC in recent years, including sanctions against licensed operators for advertising violations and compliance failures.

Regulators have also increased their scrutiny of new gambling products and evolving betting formats as the market continues to mature.

Rather than introducing broad restrictions on legal wagering, Ohio's regulatory strategy appears centered on targeted reforms designed to improve player protection while preserving a competitive licensed market.

If the final approval process proceeds as expected, the prohibition on credit card deposits will become another significant milestone in Ohio's responsible gambling framework, reinforcing the state's commitment to balancing market growth with stronger consumer safeguards.