Virginia sportsbooks could face new limits on account funding options under a bill that would remove credit cards from the list of approved payment methods, leaving debit cards, wire transfers and ACH among the options permitted under state law.
Del. Marty Martinez introduced House Bill 515, which would amend Virginia’s sports wagering account funding rules by striking credit cards from the list of allowable methods. Under current state code, online sportsbook customers can deposit and withdraw using debit cards, credit cards, wire transfers, automated clearinghouse payments, or other methods approved by the director of the Virginia Lottery.
If passed, the Virginia Lottery would be barred from approving credit card deposits for online sports betting. The bill is awaiting referral to a committee for discussion and debate.
HB 515 arrives while other jurisdictions have already restricted credit card use in gambling transactions. Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and Tennessee are among states that already limit credit cards for gambling, and other states have considered similar limits.
Illinois took a recent step in that direction. Last year, the Illinois Gaming Board approved a ban on credit cards for online sports betting, and the restriction took effect in November. Beyond the regulatory change, Illinois lawmakers filed legislation that would place into state law that credit cards cannot be used for gambling purposes, including purchasing lottery tickets or obtaining cash advances at ATMs in brick-and-mortar casinos.
DraftKings also moved away from credit card funding in 2025, voluntarily ending credit card payments nationwide last summer, citing financial risk and consumer protection concerns.
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States has stated that credit cards should not be approved for online gambling funding. In draft model legislation released at the end of 2024,NCLGS recommended that states not allow credit card deposits or withdrawals for online gambling.
That recommendation drew criticism at a public hearing in December 2024. Former Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement David Rebuck said banning credit cards “is not supported by evidence and research today.” New Hampshire Sen. Tim Lang said including a credit card ban in legislation to legalize online gambling would be “political suicide.”
Martinez’s proposal is one of several gambling-related bills filed in Virginia this year. Martinez’s bill does not state the motivation for barring credit cards, though debates in other jurisdictions have generally focused on problem gambling, financial instability and the potential for customers to accumulate debt.
Another proposal, filed by Del. Marcus Simon, would legalize online casinos in Virginia. The bill would place iGaming under the Virginia Lottery and tax it at 15%. It would also allow brick-and-mortar casinos to operate up to three online casino skins each. Simon has introduced similar legislation in previous years, and the current bill includes language that would exclude online sweepstakes casinos from the market.
Del. Paul Krizek has also introduced House Bill 271, which would create the Virginia Gaming Commission. Under the proposal, the Virginia Lottery would no longer regulate sports wagering and casino gaming, with those responsibilities moved to the new agency. The commission would also assume regulation of charitable gaming and daily fantasy sports, roles currently handled by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/01/20/117221-virginia-considers-restricting-credit-cards-for-sportsbook-deposits-and-withdrawals
