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Virginia lawmakers are weighing a change that could reshape how bettors fund online sportsbook accounts. A new bill would remove credit cards from the list of approved payment methods for sports wagering in the state.
Del. Marty Martinez introduced House Bill 515, which proposes striking credit cards from the funding options allowed under Virginia sports betting law. Debit cards, wire transfers, and automated clearinghouse payments would remain permitted.
Good to Know
Under current law, the Virginia Lottery can approve multiple funding methods, including credit cards. If HB 515 passes, the agency would no longer have the authority to approve credit card use for sportsbook deposits. The bill is still awaiting committee referral.
Virginia would not be alone. Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Tennessee already restrict credit card use for gambling transactions. Illinois joined that group last year after the Illinois Gaming Board approved a credit card ban for online sports betting, effective in November.
Illinois lawmakers have also pushed legislation that would go further by placing a credit card prohibition into state law, covering lottery ticket purchases and cash advances at casino ATMs.
Industry trends point the same way. DraftKings voluntarily ended credit card deposits nationwide in 2025, citing consumer protection and financial risk concerns.
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States has also recommended against allowing credit cards for online gambling. Draft model legislation released in late 2024 advised states to prohibit both credit card deposits and withdrawals.
That stance remains debated. At a public hearing in December 2024, former New Jersey gaming regulator David Rebuck said evidence does not support a credit card ban. New Hampshire Sen. Tim Lang warned that tying legalization efforts to a credit card ban could derail legislation.
HB 515 is one of several gambling related bills filed this session. The proposal does not spell out a specific rationale, though debates elsewhere often focus on problem gambling, personal debt, and financial stress.
Another bill from Del. Marcus Simon would legalize online casinos in Virginia, place oversight under the Virginia Lottery, and apply a 15 percent tax rate. The proposal would allow existing casinos to operate up to three online casino platforms and would exclude online sweepstakes casinos.
Del. Paul Krizek also introduced House Bill 271, which would create a Virginia Gaming Commission. Under that plan, regulation of sports betting and casino gaming would shift away from the Virginia Lottery to a new agency, which would also oversee charitable gaming and daily fantasy sports.