Hard Rock Bet has joined the growing list of online gambling operators that prohibit credit card use for sports betting and casino activities. A spokesperson for the Seminole-owned brand confirmed to SBC Americas that no credit card deposits will be accepted anymore for its U.S. sports betting and online casino services.
"This measure reflects an industry-wide shift towards responsible gaming practices and encourages the use of alternative payment methods such as debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets," the spokesperson stated.
SBC Americas reached out to Hard Rock Bet for details regarding the specific timing of this policy change.
Alongside the ban on direct credit card transactions, Hard Rock Bet has also prohibited indirect use by preventing linked credit cards from being utilized on third-party payment systems like PayPal and Venmo.
The decision comes in the wake of a letter from Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), sent to Hard Rock Digital and other online gambling operators in February. In her communication, Warren urged these companies to discontinue the acceptance of credit cards, explaining that credit card transactions often classify as a "cash advance," resulting in higher fees and immediate interest accrual.
Warren pointed out that while individuals might accept the risk of losing money on bets, they typically are unaware of the additional fees that could amount to 50% extra costs, which can lead to financial distress. She highlighted findings from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), indicating that online gambling platforms often offer limited to no disclosures related to possible cash advance fees. There is evidence suggesting a rise in cash advance transactions when states legalize sports betting.
In her advocacy, Warren joined other voices making similar appeals to the online gambling sector. The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) has even proposed draft legislation suggesting that credit cards not be included among acceptable funding methods for iGaming, alongside recommendations against permitting digital wallets funded through credit cards.
As it stands, when Warren reached out in February, only DraftKings had opted to stop accepting credit cards for real-money gaming nationwide, a change that took effect in August 2025. Shortly after, FanDuel announced its own prohibition on credit card transactions, prompting additional major operators like BetMGM, bet365, and Caesars Digital to follow suit between March and April 2026. Meanwhile, some newer entities in the industry, such as Fanatics Betting and Gaming, stated that they never accepted credit cards since their U.S. launch.
On the other hand, online sportsbooks and casinos including PENN Entertainment's theScore Bet, Rush Street Interactive's BetRivers, and BallyBet continue to accept credit card deposits, albeit with restrictions in states that have enacted bans.
As these operators adapt internally to evolving industry standards, regulators across various states are also pushing for comprehensive restrictions. Currently, several states including Massachusetts, Iowa, and Tennessee have long prohibited credit card use in online sports betting. This year, new bans have emerged in Colorado, Maine, and Virginia, with states like Maryland and Pennsylvania considering similar recommendations. Furthermore, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is working to finalize a credit card ban for sports betting at the regulatory level.
On a federal scale, proposals such as the SAFE BET Act, introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), want to establish changes in legislation surrounding credit card use in online gambling.
