My State Banned Credit Cards at Sportsbooks. My Advice for MA Bettors?

Depositing money in Massachusetts online sports betting will not be possible using credit cards.

Typically, deposit methods combine credit and debit card options. However, in certain jurisdictions such as Massachusetts, only a debit card option is available. Sportsbooks clearly state on the deposit screen that credit cards are not accepted.

What are the optimal methods for depositing funds? Can this hinder the sports betting procedure in any manner? Is it truly a significant concern?

Here’s my encounter living in a state where sportsbook deposits cannot be made using credit cards.

Massachusetts Sportsbooks Will Accept Debit, But Not Credit

At the top of the screen, FanDuel stands out for its clear message and prompt notification.

The deposit limit for the “Debit Card” option is displayed on PointsBet.

When the option is chosen, DraftKings states that only debit cards are accepted by the local jurisdiction.

As sports betting becomes legal in more states across the US, the occurrence of Massachusetts sports betting platforms notifying users about potential restrictions on gambling transactions in their bank accounts is decreasing. However, it is worth noting that some local banks may still impose this limitation.

I would never choose to use credit cards personally, even if they were available as an option during the deposit process. This is because they often come with cash advance fees. It’s important to keep in mind that while credit provides accessible funds, it doesn’t actually belong to the individual using it.

Believing that I have an abundance of money readily available is not a productive mindset. If I don’t pay off my credit card bills, I would incur high interest rates. Therefore, I prefer exploring alternative methods for making online sportsbook deposits.

Methods I’ve Used for Sports Betting Deposits

Debit Card

Nowadays, I primarily rely on debit cards as my go-to method for depositing money into any account.

Most leading sportsbooks in the industry now offer this feature. If a debit card utilizes Visa or MasterCard for processing, there should be no problems with transactions, unless the bank restricts gambling-related transactions. However, other options such as Discover or American Express may have limitations, but the sportsbook will indicate their accepted methods on the deposit screen.

Are there any alternative options for MA sports bettors since credit cards won’t be accepted at sportsbooks?

The process of using a debit card is straightforward. Input the card number, expiration date, and three-digit security code. Then, enter the desired deposit amount and confirm the transaction. If a name is not necessary, the debit card must bear the same name as the account holder. Typically, the sportsbook will store the debit card details for faster future deposits.

Undoubtedly, the most significant advantage of utilizing debit cards is the rapidity of withdrawals. With just one card, funds can be swiftly withdrawn from a sportsbook account. In numerous instances, money will be credited back to the account via the debit card within a span of less than 24 hours.

When I withdraw funds from sportsbooks such as DraftKings and BetMGM, it typically takes around five hours for the transaction to be completed. However, it’s important to note that while the deposit method may be available, the option to withdraw using a debit card may not be accessible.

Online Banking

Online banking offers a convenient method for both depositing and withdrawing funds with ease.

The majority of sportsbooks have adopted a standardized procedure for transactions, which is facilitated by a third-party company called Trustly. Through this method, deposits and withdrawals are carried out securely, without the sportsbook operators having access to personal banking information. Moreover, Trustly conveniently supports a wide range of bank accounts.

I employed this process as my go-to method until debit cards gained broader acceptance. Although deposits are immediate, withdrawals may take a little longer to process and finalize. Typically, most withdrawals using this method were concluded within one business day.

Can I Use a Credit Card Through PayPal?

Using a credit card through an online wallet such as PayPal will not allow bettors to manipulate the system.

During the process, any credit card attempted for deposit through PayPal will be rejected. Certain sportsbooks, such as FanDuel, do not even allow card transactions through PayPal. In such cases, money can only be accepted if it is already available in the PayPal balance or if a bank account is linked.

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