Ohio regulator proposes credit card ban for gaming accounts
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) proposed an amendment to state gaming rules to ban credit card deposits for gaming accounts.
Earlier this week, the OCCC submitted a rule change proposal to “remove credit cards as a funding option for deposit-enabled accounts” for sports gaming. The proposed rule change amends a state code provision concerning sports gaming accounts.
The proposed rule change would only allow sportsbook accounts to be funded using:
- Promotional credits
- Winnings
- ACH transfers
- Wire transfers
- Corrections made by sports gaming providers with notifications sent to bettors
The state also allows funding by “any other means approved by the executive director.”
How Ohio rulemaking process works
The OCCC is allowing key stakeholders in gaming to weigh in on the proposed rule change. The regulator welcomes written comments, which must be submitted by May 15.
“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,” said the OCCC in a press release.
The OCCC has not indicated when it will initiate the formal rule filing process for the potential credit card ban, but the regulator is required to gain approval for the rule change from the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review. The OCCC is also required to file a business impact analysis report on the matter. The joint committee is allowed to hold a public hearing on the proposed rule change once the OCCC files its amendment.
If the proposed rule change is approved by the joint committee, it becomes state code. The joint committee does not approve amendments that conflict with existing Ohio rules.
Major operators take ownership of credit card ban
The OCCC is taking a regulatory approach to implementing a credit card ban, compared to lawmakers introducing bills and licensed operators taking the matter into their own hands.
Last week, Caesars Digital began no longer accepting credit card account funding for its entire portfolio of online gambling platforms in the U.S. The credit card ban applies to Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Casino and World Series of Poker Online. The ban does not extend to the company’s active operations in Puerto Rico or Ontario.
Caesars joins other marquee sports betting operators in outlawing credit cards as a deposit method for player accounts. Other operators to ban credit card deposits:
- DraftKings implemented a credit card ban in 2025 for sports betting and iGaming
- FanDuel stopped accepting credit cards in March for sports betting and casino.
- That same month, BetMGM announced the discontinuation of credit card deposits.
- British operator bet365 imposed its credit card ban in April on its licensed U.S. markets
Meanwhile, Fanatics has never accepted credit card deposits for its gaming platforms.
States impose, consider credit card bans
If the proposed rule change is approved, Ohio would join several states in implementing a credit card ban for online wagering, whether through legislative or regulatory action.
The states to ban credit card funding for sports betting include:
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
Most recently, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation in April that bans the use of credit cards for sports betting in the state. That same month, Maine Gov. Janet Mills allowed a bill to pass that bans credit cards for both sports wagering and iGaming.
In 2026, lawmakers in other states are also considering credit card bans for gambling.
- Last week, the Colorado Senate passed a bill that includes a credit card ban, with the measure heading to the House for further consideration.
- House members in Maryland advanced a gambling consumer protection bill in March that bans credit card funding and the measure awaits a third Senate reading
New Jersey is also considering legislation that prohibits the use of credit cards to fund gambling activity for online sports wagering and online casino gaming. The measure, Senate Bill 3461, was introduced in February and referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
The bill remains in limbo amid no progression past its referral to the Senate subcommittee.
https://sbcamericas.com/2026/05/06/ohio-proposes-rule-ban-credit-cards/