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It looks like the Buckeye State is officially over the “buy now, pay later” trend when it comes to gambling platforms.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) just proposed a brand-new rule that would completely strip credit cards away as a funding option for sportsbooks and online casinos.
If this goes through, you won’t be able to swipe your way into a parlay anymore; you’ll have to stick to cash equivalents like debit cards and ACH transfers.
The “Save Ohio Sports” movement
On April 9, 2026, a group of Republican lawmakers introduced the Save Ohio Sports (SOS) Act, which is basically a list of “speed bumps” designed to slow down the betting party. While that bill wants cap bets at $100 and banning college sports wagering, the credit card ban is the part that actually has the most legs.
Why this, though? State Rep. Gary Click pointed out that a lot of people who fall into deep financial holes often say they simply “ran up the credit cards.” By trashing the plastic, Ohio is saying that if you don’t have the cash in your bank account today, you shouldn’t be placing a bet on tonight’s game.
Keeping up with the Joneses
Ohio isn’t exactly the first to kick the ball. They are actually joining a growing club of states like Tennessee, Iowa, and Massachusetts that have already decided that credit cards and gambling are a toxic mix.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has been writing letters to operators and banks alike to address the same concern.
“Many users are unaware of the costs and fees associated with this type of credit card use, which can push them into financial trouble when gambling. Specifically, users are reporting that they did not realize that using their credit card to place a bet on a sports gambling website would be treated as a cash advance and accrue additional fees and interest. In 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that “sportsbooks provide limited or no disclosure on the potential for cash advance fees” and that “some companies only include the warning in small, grey font or characterize the fees as a possibility in their frequently asked questions,” one of the letters read.
Even operators are starting to read the room. The big guys like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, and Caesars have already begun phasing out credit cards.
The OCCC officially opened up a window for public feedback on May 6, 2026, and people have until May 15 to voice their opinions.
“The Commission is proposing to amend Sports Gaming Rule 3775-16-03 to remove credit cards as a funding option for deposit-enabled accounts. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the changes. If you would like to submit written comments, please email them to rulecomments@casinocontrol.ohio.gov by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026,” the commission website stated.
After that the rule heads over to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review for a final stamp of approval. If everything stays on track, you could see the “No Credit Cards Allowed” sign hanging over Ohio sportsbooks by later this summer.
