BetMGM has announced plans to eliminate credit card funding for online wagering accounts, aligning itself with a growing number of operators stepping away from the payment method in the United States.
The company disclosed the change during a regulatory hearing in Pennsylvania, where officials reviewed multiple issues, including a recent enforcement action against the operator. Executives confirmed that the transition will begin on March 31, when customers will no longer be able to attach new credit cards to their accounts. Existing cards will remain temporarily before being removed in stages.
A company representative outlined the approach during the hearing. “In the coming days, as of March 31, we will no longer be allowing new credits cards to be added to the accounts for individuals and it is a phasing out of credit card usage on the BetMGM platforms,” she said.
The updated policy applies across digital sports betting and online casino offerings in jurisdictions where the operator holds licenses. Once implemented, customers will not be able to use previously linked credit cards or add new ones for deposits.
Industry Moves Away From Credit Cards
BetMGM’s decision follows similar steps by competitors. DraftKings ended credit card deposits in August 2025, calling it a “strategic business decision” and noting limited customer reliance on the method. The move followed a $450,000 penalty from Massachusetts regulators over prohibited transactions.
FanDuel implemented a nationwide ban beginning March 2, 2026. A spokesperson explained the reasoning: “Over the last few months, FanDuel has been evaluating the payment methods that we offer to customers and made the decision to remove credit cards as an option for our sportsbook, casino, and racing product in the United State. This change was made to improve our deposit experience for our customers,” the spokesperson said.
States Tighten Rules on Payment Methods
Several states already prohibit credit card use for betting, including Massachusetts, Iowa, Illinois, Oregon, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont.
Other jurisdictions are considering similar measures. Maryland’s House approved legislation on March 18 to strengthen consumer protections, including a credit card ban. Virginia lawmakers passed House Bill 515 and sent it to Governor Abigail Spanberger. Maine legislators also approved a comparable proposal, now awaiting a decision from Governor Janet Mills. Bills remain under review in states such as New York and New Jersey.
Pennsylvania Fine and Fraud Findings
The policy shift comes shortly after BetMGM reached a settlement with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, agreeing to pay a $100,000 fine. Regulators found the company had failed to maintain adequate safeguards to detect and prevent fraudulent activity on its platform.
According to findings from the investigation, individuals created multiple accounts using stolen identities, with some accounts funded through “using stolen or fraudulently obtained payment devices”. Authorities identified four separate fraud operations linked to these activities. One group operated for more than two years and used 119 accounts to place wagers totaling $895,092.
The compliance failures prompted questions from regulators about whether limiting payment methods could reduce similar risks in the future. BetMGM confirmed that it had already developed a plan to remove credit cards from its platform.
Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).
Source:
“BetMGM latest US operator to ban credit card funding”, sbcamericas.com, March 27, 2026
The post BetMGM to Phase Out Credit Card Betting Payments first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.