FanDuel and DraftKings End Credit Card Deposits Nationwide
FanDuel and DraftKings will no longer accept credit cards for deposits, citing responsible gambling and regulatory concerns.
The two largest U.S. online sportsbooks, FanDuel and DraftKings, have stopped accepting credit cards for customer deposits, a move that significantly tightens payment restrictions in the rapidly expanding sports betting market.
The companies confirmed the change this week, citing responsible gambling considerations and evolving regulatory expectations. Senator Elizabeth Warren was among the first on Capitol Hill to raise this issue, and now two of the biggest books in America are taking action.
What Is Changing
Effective immediately:
- Customers can no longer fund sportsbook accounts using credit cards
- Debit cards, ACH transfers, bank-linked accounts, and other payment methods remain available
- The policy applies across U.S. jurisdictions where each operator is licensed
Credit cards had previously been a common deposit method in several states, though some jurisdictions had already prohibited their use.
Why the Operators Made the Move
Both companies pointed to responsible gambling concerns.
Using credit to fund betting accounts has long been criticized because it:
- Allows users to gamble with borrowed money
- May increase the risk of accumulating high-interest debt
- Can exacerbate problem gambling behaviors
Responsible gambling advocates have argued that restricting credit card deposits reduces financial harm, particularly among vulnerable users. This is one of the leading reasons why FanDuel and DraftKings will end credit card deposits to their sportsbooks.
The shift aligns U.S. operators more closely with international markets, such as the United Kingdom, where credit card betting has already been banned.
Regulatory Pressure and Public Scrutiny
The change also comes amid increasing regulatory and political scrutiny of sports betting practices.
State lawmakers and consumer advocates have raised concerns about:
- The accessibility of online gambling
- Aggressive marketing tactics
- Rising problem gambling rates
Eliminating credit card deposits may help operators demonstrate proactive harm-reduction efforts before additional restrictions are imposed. Many hope that other books will follow FanDuel and DraftKings in ending credit card deposits to their sportsbooks.
Impact on Bettors
For most customers, the change may have limited practical impact.
Alternative funding methods still available include:
- Debit cards
- Online bank transfers (ACH)
- Digital wallets
- Prepaid options
However, some bettors who relied on credit cards for liquidity may need to adjust spending habits or funding methods.
Industry Implications
FanDuel and DraftKings account for a significant majority of U.S. online sports betting market share. Their coordinated move could:
- Influence smaller operators to follow suit
- Set a new de facto industry standard
- Reduce regulatory pressure tied to consumer debt concerns
Payment policy has become a growing focus as the industry matures and faces calls for tighter consumer protections.
Responsible Gambling Context
Problem gambling organizations have frequently cited access to credit as a compounding risk factor.
Common concerns include:
- Chasing losses with borrowed funds
- Accumulating high-interest balances
- Increased financial stress
Operators have increasingly emphasized deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and behavioral monitoring — and payment restrictions represent another layer of consumer protection.
Broader Policy Trends
The move reflects broader shifts in U.S. gambling oversight:
- More states adopting stricter advertising and payment rules
- Growing data collection on betting behaviors
- Increased collaboration between regulators and operators
While credit card deposits are now off the table, policymakers may continue examining other aspects of digital wagering.
Bottom Line
FanDuel and DraftKings have ended credit card deposits nationwide, marking a significant shift in U.S. sports betting payment practices.
The decision aligns with responsible gambling concerns and growing regulatory scrutiny, and may establish a new industry standard moving forward.
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