The bet365 update did not come as an extensive overhaul of their payment options. Debit cards and Apple Pay remain available, provided they are not funded by credit cards. What the help section on the operator’s website does state now is that it does not accept credit cards as a deposit method within the U.S. jurisdiction anymore. In effect, what this means is that users still have access to quick payments, except for one of the most talked-about methods.
A Shift That Fits the Direction of the Market
Credit-card betting transactions have drawn criticism because they may be treated by issuers as cash advances, potentially triggering extra fees and immediate interest charges. Many users do not expect that. As mentioned in a February 6 letter from Senator Elizabeth Warren to top sportsbooks, consumers should not have to deal with undisclosed credit card fees that rig the odds against them. She also warned that even small wagers can become considerably costly due to the fees involved.
This push is important because it complements an existing regulatory trend which is apparent within states. There is increased pressure on operators to demonstrate improved protection for consumers, particularly within the space of responsible gambling legislation and payments. In this regard, the actions of bet365 can be seen as both compliant and risk-management measures.
Why Massachusetts Matters
A further point worth considering is that of market access. Massachusetts does not allow credit cards for betting deposits, while bet365 is actively trying to get into the state once more. According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission website, the regulator voted to reopen the sports wagering license process.
With bet365, removing the use of credit cards could be a means of overcoming the friction in Massachusetts, but also in a fragmented U.S. payment landscape, where there may be different requirements on payments depending on the state. In an industry where there are often subtle nuances to deposits that create unnecessary confusion, having a simple process helps.
The payment policy is no longer an afterthought for sports betting in the United States. In fact, it is now very much part of the regulation narrative. The latest move suggests that, for operators facing tighter scrutiny, credit cards are increasingly viewed as a regulatory and reputational risk rather than a growth tool.
