The public comment period on the Ohio Casino Control Commission's proposed credit-card deposit ban closed at 5pm Eastern on Thursday, May 15. The proposed rule — published as an amendment to Ohio Administrative Code Sports Gaming Rule 3775-16-03 on May 6 — would prohibit licensed sportsbooks from accepting credit cards as a funding source for deposit-enabled accounts.
In its draft text, the Commission stated: "The Commission is proposing to amend Sports Gaming Rule 3775-16-03 to remove credit cards as a funding option for deposit-enabled accounts." With the comment window now closed, the OCCC can move toward finalizing the rule. Industry observers expect implementation by late summer 2026 if no substantial revisions emerge from the public comments.
Why the ban matters
Credit card deposits have long been controversial in regulated US sports betting. Unlike debit transactions, credit-card deposits effectively let bettors gamble with borrowed money — a pattern problem-gambling researchers have repeatedly flagged as a high-risk behavior. Illinois Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter summarized the regulatory case bluntly when his state considered a similar rule: "Problem gamblers are at particular risk, and studies have shown a willingness for compulsive gamblers to use credit cards to place bets."
For most Ohio bettors, the practical impact is limited. The major operators — DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and bet365 — have already voluntarily phased out credit card deposits over the past two years. Fanatics Sportsbook has never accepted credit cards at any of its licensed properties. Debit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, Play+ prepaid cards, Apple Pay and PayNearMe cash deposits would all remain fully permitted under the proposed rule.
Ohio joins a growing national pattern
If finalized, Ohio would join at least 10 other US jurisdictions that already prohibit credit-card sports betting deposits:
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Banned since 2022 |
| Iowa | Active ban |
| Illinois | Active ban |
| Maine | Active ban |
| New Hampshire | Active ban |
| Oregon | Active ban |
| Rhode Island | Active ban |
| Tennessee | Active ban |
| Vermont | Active ban |
| Virginia | Implemented April 13, 2026 |
| Ohio | Proposed — comment period closed May 15, 2026 |
Several additional states — including Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — are reportedly drafting or actively considering similar rules. Industry trade groups including the American Gaming Association have largely supported a coordinated approach across markets, citing both responsible-gambling concerns and the operational complexity of running different deposit rules in different states.
What changes for Ohio bettors
In practical terms, almost nothing. Anyone who has opened an account at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars or bet365 in the past two years has already been routed through debit-only deposit flows. The change primarily affects a handful of smaller operators and any holdouts who have continued allowing credit card funding through third-party processors.
Bettors who currently rely on credit cards will need to switch to one of the other accepted methods. The fastest options are PayPal (often same-day withdrawals) and Play+ prepaid cards, both of which are accepted at every major Ohio sportsbook.
Timeline ahead
With the public comment period now closed, the OCCC has three options: finalize the rule as drafted, publish a revised version that incorporates feedback received, or shelve it. Based on the unified industry position and the rule's alignment with national best practices, the most likely outcome is finalization with minor adjustments. Implementation typically follows 60-90 days after final adoption.
BettingInOH will update this story as the OCCC announces next steps. Read our complete guide to Ohio sportsbook payment methods and Ohio's PayPal-accepting operators for what to use instead of credit cards.