DraftKings has confirmed that from August 25, 2025, players in the United States will no longer be able to use credit cards to fund sportsbook or casino balances. The decision was made internally by the company and is not the result of a direct regulatory requirement, though the timing is notable as it follows recent scrutiny from state authorities.
A Company Decision Framed as Customer Protection
The operator stated that banning credit card deposits is meant to protect customers from steep cash advance fees and high interest charges that are automatically applied when gambling payments are processed as cash withdrawals by card issuers. For players, that often means paying a percentage fee on top of the deposit and immediately being charged interest. A deposit of one thousand dollars could quickly turn into a much larger debt when interest rates climb past typical consumer lending levels.
DraftKings highlighted that the change is being implemented with the intention of improving customer safety and account management. The announcement comes soon after the company received a significant fine in Massachusetts for allowing credit card transactions where they were not permitted. DraftKings explained at the time that internal confusion about wallet funding led to the violation.
What Alternatives Will Remain Available
The operator has clarified that users will still be able to fund their accounts using several other options. Debit cards, ACH transfers, wire transfers, and digital wallets linked to debit accounts such as PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay will continue to be accepted. Any credit card details saved in customer accounts will automatically be disabled after the change goes into effect.
In practice, this means that the use of credit for gambling on DraftKings will no longer be possible in any form. The company has effectively chosen to remove credit card payments from its system entirely.
Broader Industry Shift
DraftKings is not the first operator to take this step. Other platforms already block credit card payments for betting and several states in the US prohibit the practice altogether. Regulators have argued that eliminating credit cards helps reduce impulsive spending and the risk of players falling into debt.
The decision positions DraftKings in line with a growing industry trend that frames safer payment methods as part of responsible gaming. As the change takes hold nationwide, it may influence how other operators and regulators approach payment standards in the months ahead.
