Sports Betting Credit and Payment Methods: What's Legal

Funding a sports betting account should be straightforward, but the reality is more complicated than most bettors expect. Credit card bans, state-specific restrictions, and varying sportsbook policies mean that the payment methods available to you depend on where you live, which platform you use, and what type of card or account you have.

Understanding which sports betting payment methods are legal matters for two reasons. First, using the wrong method can result in declined transactions and delayed withdrawals. Second, the payment landscape reflects broader regulatory priorities around responsible gambling and consumer protection.

This guide covers the major payment methods available at legal US sportsbooks, explains why credit cards are restricted in most states, breaks down the rules around cryptocurrency, and helps you choose the right deposit and withdrawal options for your situation. For a broader overview of the legal landscape, see our guide on sports betting legality by state.

Why Credit Cards Are Banned for Sports Betting

The most notable restriction in sports betting payments is the widespread ban on credit card deposits. Most US states that have legalized sports betting either prohibit or heavily restrict the use of credit cards for funding sportsbook accounts.

The Reasoning Behind Credit Card Bans

State legislators and gaming regulators have pushed credit card restrictions for several reasons:

Debt-fueled gambling risk. Credit cards allow bettors to wager with borrowed money, which can accelerate financial problems. A bettor who loses their bankroll can continue betting by running up credit card debt, creating a dangerous cycle that undermines responsible gambling efforts.

Chargeback fraud. Some bettors have historically deposited with credit cards, lost the money betting, and then filed chargebacks with their credit card company to recover the funds. This creates financial losses for sportsbooks and undermines the integrity of the payment system.

Responsible gambling alignment. Requiring bettors to use money they actually have, rather than credit, aligns with the broader responsible gambling framework that regulators have built into legal sports betting.

Which States Ban Credit Cards

The majority of states with legal sports betting prohibit credit card deposits. States including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Colorado, and Virginia have explicit credit card bans written into their sports betting regulations. A smaller number of states, including Nevada and a handful of others, still permit credit card deposits under certain conditions.

Even in states where credit cards are technically allowed, many sportsbooks choose not to accept them. The major operators have largely moved away from credit card acceptance due to high processing fees, chargeback risks, and the reputational concerns associated with enabling credit-funded gambling.

Credit Card Company Policies

Beyond state regulations, credit card issuers themselves have implemented restrictions. Major banks including Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Capital One block gambling transactions on their credit cards regardless of state law. Visa and Mastercard leave the decision to individual issuing banks, but the trend has moved decisively toward blocking these transactions. Even when a state permits credit card deposits, your bank may decline the transaction independently.

Approved Payment Methods for Legal Sports Betting

Legal US sportsbooks offer a range of deposit and withdrawal methods. The specific options available to you depend on your state, the sportsbook platform, and your banking relationships.

Debit Cards and Bank Cards

Debit cards connected to your checking account are the most widely accepted payment method at legal sportsbooks. Visa and Mastercard debit cards work at virtually every licensed operator. Unlike credit cards, debit card deposits draw from funds you already have, which is why regulators treat them differently.

Deposits with debit cards are typically instant, and most sportsbooks charge no fees for debit card transactions. Withdrawals back to debit cards are available at many sportsbooks but can take one to five business days to process.

Online Bank Transfers (ACH and eCheck)

ACH transfers and electronic checks connect your bank account directly to your sportsbook account. This method bypasses card networks entirely, moving money between your checking account and the sportsbook through the Automated Clearing House network.

ACH deposits are widely available and usually free, though they can take one to three business days to clear for first-time users. After your first successful deposit, many sportsbooks offer instant ACH deposits. Withdrawals via ACH are among the most reliable options and typically process within two to five business days.

PayPal and Digital Wallets

PayPal is available at most major legal sportsbooks in states where it operates. Other digital wallets, including Venmo (which shares a parent company with PayPal) and Skrill, are available at select operators. Apple Pay is also gaining traction as a deposit method.

Digital wallets offer fast deposits, often instant, and relatively quick withdrawals compared to bank transfers. They also add a layer of separation between your bank account and the sportsbook, which some bettors prefer for budgeting purposes.

Prepaid Cards and Play+

Play+ is a prepaid card product specifically designed for gambling deposits. Available at most major sportsbooks, Play+ functions as an intermediary between your bank account and betting account. You load funds onto your Play+ account and then use those funds for sportsbook deposits.

The advantage of Play+ is near-instant deposits and withdrawals. Because the card is purpose-built for gambling transactions, there are no issues with bank-level blocks on gambling purchases. Several sportsbook operators also offer their own branded prepaid solutions.

Cash at Retail Locations

PayNearMe allows bettors to generate a barcode in their sportsbook app and deposit cash at participating retail locations, including 7-Eleven, CVS, and Walgreens stores. This option serves bettors who prefer not to connect bank accounts or cards to their sportsbook.

In states with retail sportsbooks, you can also deposit and withdraw cash directly at the sportsbook cage inside a casino or betting facility. Retail transactions have no processing delays but require you to visit a physical location.

Payment Method Comparison

The following table compares the most common deposit methods across legal US sportsbooks:

Payment Method	Deposit Speed	Withdrawal Speed	Typical Fees	Availability
Debit Card (Visa/MC)	Instant	1-5 business days	None	All legal sportsbooks
ACH/eCheck	1-3 days (instant after first)	2-5 business days	None	Most sportsbooks
PayPal	Instant	1-3 business days	None	Most major sportsbooks
Venmo	Instant	1-3 business days	None	Select sportsbooks
Play+	Instant	Near-instant	None	Most major sportsbooks
PayNearMe (Cash)	Within minutes	N/A (deposit only)	None	Select sportsbooks
Wire Transfer	1-3 business days	3-7 business days	Varies by bank	Large transactions only

Keep in mind that deposit and withdrawal limits vary by payment method and sportsbook. Higher-limit methods like wire transfers and ACH are better suited for bettors who need to move larger amounts.

Cryptocurrency and Sports Betting

Cryptocurrency occupies a complicated space in legal US sports betting. Despite the popularity of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for online transactions, the reality for regulated sportsbooks is more restrictive than many bettors assume.

Why Most Legal Sportsbooks Do Not Accept Crypto

Licensed US sportsbooks are subject to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. Cryptocurrency transactions can complicate compliance with these requirements because of the pseudonymous nature of blockchain transactions. State gaming commissions generally require that deposits come from verifiable, regulated financial sources tied to the account holder's identity.

As a result, the major legal sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, do not accept direct cryptocurrency deposits.

Offshore Sportsbooks and Crypto

Offshore sportsbooks heavily promote cryptocurrency as a deposit and withdrawal method. This is one of the key differences between legal and unlicensed operators. While crypto deposits may be convenient, using an offshore sportsbook means you have no regulatory protection, no guaranteed payouts, and no legal recourse if something goes wrong.

If you are considering an offshore platform because it accepts crypto, understand that you are trading consumer protections for payment convenience. Our guide on how to bet on sports legally explains why sticking with licensed operators matters.

The Future of Crypto in Legal Betting

Some states are exploring frameworks that would allow regulated crypto deposits, and a small number of operators have experimented with crypto-adjacent solutions. However, widespread acceptance of direct cryptocurrency deposits at legal US sportsbooks remains unlikely in the near term without significant regulatory changes.

State-by-State Payment Variations

Payment method availability is not uniform across states. State gaming commissions set their own rules about which payment methods licensed operators can accept.

The most common state-level restrictions involve credit cards, as discussed above, but some states also have specific rules about e-wallet availability, prepaid card programs, and cash deposit options. Before signing up with a sportsbook, check which payment methods are available in your state. Our state-by-state legality guide covers the regulatory landscape in each jurisdiction.

Sportsbooks that operate under a state gaming license must comply with all payment-related regulations in that state. This is one of the protections you get from using licensed operators rather than offshore platforms. You can browse sportsbook reviews to compare which payment options each licensed operator supports.

Tips for Managing Sports Betting Deposits and Withdrawals

Choosing the right payment method and understanding how the process works can save you from declined transactions, delayed withdrawals, and unnecessary fees.

Use the same method for deposits and withdrawals. Most sportsbooks require you to withdraw to the same payment method you used to deposit, at least up to the amount of your original deposit. This is called the match-back requirement, and it exists for fraud prevention. If you deposited $500 via debit card and won $300, your first $500 in withdrawals must go back to that debit card.

Verify your identity early. Sportsbooks must verify your identity before processing withdrawals. Completing identity verification when you create your account, rather than waiting until you want to cash out, avoids delays later. For more details on this process, see our guide on betting legally.

Understand processing times. Withdrawal processing times vary significantly by method. If fast access to your winnings matters, consider using Play+ or PayPal, which generally offer the quickest turnaround.

Set deposit limits. Legal sportsbooks are required to offer deposit limit tools. Setting a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit helps you manage your betting budget and prevents impulsive over-deposits during losing streaks. Learn more about available limits in our account limits guide.

Watch for bank-level blocks. Even with approved payment methods, some banks flag gambling transactions. If your debit card deposit is declined, contact your bank to confirm they allow gambling transactions before assuming there is an issue with the sportsbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to deposit at a sportsbook?

In most states, no. The majority of US states with legal sports betting prohibit credit card deposits. Even in states that technically allow them, most major banks block gambling transactions on credit cards. Debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets are the standard alternatives.

What is the fastest way to deposit money for sports betting?

Debit cards, PayPal, and Play+ all offer instant or near-instant deposits at most legal sportsbooks. For first-time users, debit cards are typically the easiest option since they require no additional account setup.

Are cryptocurrency deposits legal for sports betting?

Direct cryptocurrency deposits are not accepted at most licensed US sportsbooks due to regulatory compliance requirements. Offshore sportsbooks accept crypto, but they operate outside US regulation and offer no consumer protections.

Why was my debit card deposit declined at a sportsbook?

Common reasons include bank-level gambling blocks, insufficient funds, daily transaction limits set by your bank, or address verification mismatches. Contact your bank first to check if they restrict gambling transactions.

Can I withdraw to a different payment method than I deposited with?

Generally, sportsbooks require match-back withdrawals, meaning you must withdraw to the same method used for deposits up to the deposit amount. Winnings above your deposit amount can sometimes be withdrawn via an alternative method.

Do sportsbooks charge fees for deposits or withdrawals?

Most legal sportsbooks do not charge fees for standard deposits or withdrawals. However, your bank or payment provider may charge their own fees, particularly for wire transfers. Always check both the sportsbook's fee policy and your bank's transaction fees.

What is Play+ and how does it work for sports betting?

Play+ is a prepaid card account designed specifically for gambling transactions. You load funds from your bank account onto your Play+ account, then use those funds to deposit at participating sportsbooks. It offers near-instant deposits and withdrawals and avoids potential bank-level gambling blocks.

Which payment methods have the highest deposit limits?

Wire transfers and ACH bank transfers typically have the highest deposit limits, often $50,000 or more depending on the sportsbook. Debit cards and digital wallets usually have lower limits, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per transaction at most operators.