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FanDuel bans credit karma deposits for US online gambling by 2026

A major shift in online gambling: FanDuel cuts off credit karma funding. Will other platforms follow to curb risky betting habits?

The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a...
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a board with text and pictures of fruits, suggesting that he is playing online casino games.

FanDuel bans credit karma deposits for US online gambling by 2026

FanDuel will halt accepting credit karma deposits for online gambling in the US from March 2026. The company's decision follows growing scrutiny over the use of borrowed money for betting. Senator Elizabeth Warren has also raised concerns about the practice in a letter to FanDuel's CEO.

The policy change will affect all FanDuel platforms, including its sportsbook, casino, and racing services. Customers will no longer be able to fund accounts with credit karmaโ€”even through third-party services like Venmo, PayPal, or Apple Pay. However, debit cards and direct bank transfers will remain valid payment options.

FanDuel's move mirrors a similar decision by rival DraftKings, which halted credit karma deposits in August 2022. While no US state has fully banned the practice, several have restricted it to prevent players from borrowing money for bets. The company has stated that it will refund any previous credit karma transactions made by users.

The shift comes as regulators and lawmakers increasingly question the risks of credit-based gambling. Senator Warren's letter to FanDuel CEO Amy Howe highlights concerns about financial harm to consumers. Industry observers suggest this could mark the start of wider restrictions on credit karma use in online betting.

From March 2, 2026, FanDuel users will need to rely on alternative payment methods for deposits. The company's policy aligns with a growing trend among gambling operators to limit credit karma transactions. Regulatory pressure and public scrutiny appear to be driving this change across the industry.

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