DraftKings Ends Credit Card Deposits Across US Sportsbook and Casino

DraftKings is set to remove credit card deposits from its US sportsbook and online casino platforms starting August 25, 2025. The operator informed customers directly, confirming that debit cards, ACH transfers, wire transfers, PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay will all remain available as alternatives. The change marks a major shift in online casino deposit methods for US players at one of the country’s biggest gambling operators.

Cutting Credit Cards to Reduce Risk and Debt

Credit card deposits have long been a controversial payment option in gambling. While convenient for players, they often come with cash advance fees and steep interest charges. For players who don’t clear balances immediately, gambling losses can quickly snowball into long-term debt.

By eliminating credit cards altogether, DraftKings is framing the move as a way to “improve the deposit experience” while also reducing consumer risk. The decision mirrors a broader industry effort to encourage players to gamble with funds they already have, not borrowed money.

Compliance Pressure After Massachusetts Fine

The nationwide policy shift closely follows regulatory trouble in Massachusetts. In July, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) fined DraftKings $450,000 after 218 users made more than $83,000 in credit card deposits between 2023 and 2024. Credit card funding is explicitly prohibited under state law, and DraftKings admitted the violations stemmed from internal miscommunication and misinterpretation of the statute.

Although the company insists the nationwide ban is independent of that fine, the timing suggests regulatory scrutiny was a factor. As part of the Massachusetts settlement, DraftKings had to refund all affected customers and undergo a third-party audit of its local operations. That pressure may have influenced its decision to standardize payment practices across the US rather than risk further state-by-state penalties.

States Already Banning Credit Card Gambling

DraftKings’ new policy also brings its operations in line with several US states that already prohibit gambling on credit. States such as Iowa, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Tennessee enforce restrictions on credit card funding. Illinois introduced its own ban earlier this year after reviewing online betting practices at the five-year mark of legalization.

In these markets, DraftKings and its competitors were already required to block credit card transactions. Extending the rule nationwide eliminates inconsistencies and simplifies compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Following a Global Trend in Safer Gambling Payments

The US move reflects a global trend toward tighter payment restrictions in gambling. The UK banned credit card deposits for online betting in 2020 after government studies linked the practice to problem gambling and financial harm. Australia followed in 2024 with its own nationwide ban, and regulators in Sweden and other European countries are now considering similar measures.

For operators like DraftKings, aligning with these international standards could be a proactive strategy, anticipating that more US states will eventually outlaw credit card gambling and moving ahead of regulatory mandates.

Industry Impact: How Players Will Be Affected

For players, the most apparent change is the loss of credit card convenience. Some bettors prefer credit cards for rewards programs or for consolidating spending records. Others rely on them for faster deposits compared to bank transfers. Removing the option could frustrate recreational customers who view credit cards as their go-to funding method.

On the flip side, many analysts believe the shift will reduce the risk of high-interest gambling debt. Debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal still provide quick funding options without the financial pitfalls of credit. Crypto payments are not currently included in DraftKings’ US deposit methods, but alternative wallets and instant transfers still offer speed and flexibility.

DraftKings is not alone in taking this approach. Competitors like Betr, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, and Sporttrade already prohibit credit card deposits across their platforms. As more operators adopt the same policy, credit card funding could soon become a rare option in the regulated US market.

What This Means for You

If you’re a DraftKings player, you’ll need to update your payment methods before August 25. Any stored credit card details will be disabled, and deposits will need to be made using debit cards, ACH, wire transfers, or supported payment wallets. While this change may feel inconvenient at first, it also means avoiding cash advance fees and interest charges that can easily turn gambling losses into bigger financial problems.

From a bigger-picture perspective, the move signals where the US market is heading. Regulators and operators are putting greater emphasis on consumer protection and responsible gambling. For casual players, the change is unlikely to impact gameplay beyond switching deposit methods. For high-volume bettors who prefer credit cards, however, it’s a sign that the industry is shifting away from riskier payment tools in favor of stability and compliance.