Why More Casinos Are Dropping Credit Cards in 2025

The shift away from credit cards in online gambling isn’t random—it’s regulatory, financial and ethical. By early 2025, several jurisdictions, including the UK, Sweden and parts of Canada, had reinforced bans or heavy restrictions on using credit cards for gambling transactions. Operators from Malta to Curacao followed suit voluntarily, citing player protection and reduced chargeback risks.

Global Regulators Tighten Payment Rules

Major gambling authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) have redefined compliance priorities. Since 2020, the UKGC has prohibited the use of credit cards for gambling to combat debt-fueled play. In 2025, similar restrictions expanded into other markets like Australia and Germany, aiming to curb harmful gambling financed by borrowed funds.

LuckyHills, a popular international casino brand licensed in Malta since 2011, announced it would stop accepting Visa and Mastercard deposits to “align with evolving ethical standards.” Instead, it promotes safer payment options like Trustly, PayPal and instant bank transfers.

For operators, dropping credit cards is about future-proofing their licenses. Regulators are increasingly linking compliance with payment transparency. A casino that cannot demonstrate how it protects customers from debt exposure risks losing its approval.

Rising Player Preference for Instant Alternatives

Players have also changed. A 2024 Kantar survey found that over 60% of online gamblers now prefer e-wallets or mobile banking for speed and control. Cards, once seen as convenient, have become a risk marker in responsible gambling frameworks.

Modern casinos offer various alternatives:

This trend reflects a cultural shift. Players want transparency and control over spending. Instant payments through Revolut or Apple Pay allow easy tracking, unlike credit cards that bundle gambling charges with general expenses.

Banks Reinforce Restrictions Worldwide

Banks, too, have adapted to new norms. Since 2023, several European and Australian banks have introduced “gambling blocks” on credit cards. Customers can activate these voluntarily or find them pre-set, especially with fintech providers like Monzo or N26.

In Canada, the Financial Consumer Agency highlighted that gambling-related chargebacks grew by 18% between 2022 and 2024. This rise pressured banks to limit credit-based deposits at online casinos to reduce defaults and complaints.

For casinos, that means fewer successful deposits via cards—and more through bank-to-bank rails or regulated payment processors.

Safer Payments Improve Reputation

Online gambling brands increasingly market themselves as responsible entertainment providers. Phasing out credit cards aligns with their branding and reduces PR risk. A casino that allows players to gamble on borrowed funds risks negative headlines and consumer distrust.

For example, Betsson Group and LeoVegas, both licensed in Malta and Sweden, publicly confirmed their transition to “debit and verified payment systems only.” The move reflects the industry's emphasis on sustainability over short-term revenue.

In 2025, responsible gambling is not just about self-exclusion tools—it’s about designing safer ecosystems from deposit to withdrawal. Eliminating credit cards is part of that evolution.

Technology Enables Smarter Deposits

The rise of open banking has reshaped digital payments. APIs allow instant verification of player identity, available balance and transaction purpose—something credit cards can’t offer. Casinos using Pay N Play (powered by Trustly) can confirm both the player’s bank details and their responsible gaming status in seconds.

For players, it’s smoother and safer. No need to share card numbers or risk data leaks. For operators, it minimizes fraud and ensures compliance with anti-money-laundering directives.

This is particularly relevant in Europe, where PSD3 (Payment Services Directive 3) discussions emphasize stronger authentication and transparency.

Crypto Fills the Flexibility Gap

While regulators remain cautious, crypto has found a niche as a credit card alternative. Licensed platforms often integrate blockchain-based payments under controlled frameworks. Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT transfers give players anonymity with accountability when processed through regulated exchanges.

In 2025, more casinos began using hybrid payment gateways—accepting crypto but converting it into fiat instantly. This balances innovation with compliance, especially for cross-border gaming.

However, volatility and unclear taxation still limit crypto’s mainstream use. That’s why most established brands treat it as an optional deposit method rather than a default one.

Operators See Fewer Chargebacks and Disputes

Credit cards historically led to high dispute rates. Players could claim “unauthorized gambling transactions,” forcing casinos into complex verification processes. Each chargeback costs an operator between €20–€50 in fees, plus potential payment processor penalties.

By removing credit cards, casinos reduce financial friction and administrative overhead. Payment providers like Trustly or MuchBetter confirm user identity upfront, leaving little room for disputes.

This operational efficiency is why even offshore platforms started rethinking card acceptance.