FanDuel customers in New Jersey can no longer fund their sports wagering or iGaming accounts with credit cards, as the FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Casino moves away from allowing wagers backed by borrowed money.
The change impacts the Garden State, which is one of the largest and most mature sports betting and online casino markets in the country. Bettors attempting to use a credit card to deposit will now need to choose another payment method, not only in New Jersey, but nationwide, too.
The move comes as lawmakers and consumer advocates increase pressure on gambling operators over financial risks tied to credit-based betting.
What it means for New Jersey bettors
New Jersey has long been considered a national leader in regulated online sports wagering, generating billions of dollars in annual handle. Until now, Garden State bettors could use major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard to fund their FanDuel accounts.
Under the updated policy, that option has been removed, which goes into effect on March 2.
Credit card gambling transactions are generally processed as cash advances, which can carry immediate interest charges and additional fees from card issuers. Unlike traditional purchases, cash advances often begin accruing interest immediately, sometimes at higher rates, creating the potential for significant debt if balances are not paid off quickly.
New Jersey regulators have permitted credit card deposits since the launch of sports wagering in 2018. However, the broader national conversation around responsible gambling and financial risk has intensified in recent years.
Customers can still fund accounts using debit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, and other approved payment platforms.
Warren raises concerns
FanDuel’s decision follows a letter sent by US Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to CEO Amy Howe raising concerns about how operators handle credit card transactions.
In the letter, Warren warned that gambling-related credit card transactions may expose consumers to “hidden, expensive, and compounding debts and fees.” She requested information about how such transactions are coded, what disclosures are provided to customers, and how much revenue operators generate from credit card-funded betting.
While the letter was not specific to New Jersey, the state’s large betting population makes it a significant piece of the national picture.
A responsible gaming shift?
Responsible gaming advocates have long argued that allowing bettors to wager with borrowed funds increases the risk of financial harm, particularly for vulnerable players.
Some US lawmakers have floated similar ideas, including New Jersey. Sen. Paul Moriarty introduced Senate Bill 3461, which would ban all operators from accepting credit card deposits. Moriarty and Sen. Andrew Zwicker have introduced three more responsible gambling reforms.
By eliminating credit card deposits in New Jersey and elsewhere, FanDuel appears to be proactively aligning its payment policies with a more cautious approach.
For New Jersey bettors, the change marks another evolution in the state’s rapidly maturing market. It also underscores the growing focus on consumer protections as the industry continues to expand.