Co-branded credit cards exist for grocery stores, gas stations, game consoles, and even casinos. But there are strict laws regarding credit cards – especially when funding gambling purchases like buying lottery tickets, poker chips, or even making a cash advance at a casino. If you are looking for a new credit card to take to Las Vegas, or are just wondering about the legality of credit cards at casinos, here is everything you need to know about gambling, online gaming, and credit cards:
Table of Contents
At a Glance
- The use of credit cards for online casinos is fully legalized in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
- Sports betting is legal in 25 states.
- Most banks and card issuers don’t allow credit cards to be used for gambling.
- Cash advances are sometimes a workaround, but those come with higher interest rates and additional fees.
- Some co-branded resort credit cards offer benefits for use at their casinos.
Credit Cards and Gambling
Credit cards are everywhere and can be used for almost any purchase or transaction, but are there limits to what you can use your credit card for? What are the rules and regulations concerning credit cards and gambling, and how do these laws differ from state to state and by banks, card issuers, and even casinos themselves?
Is Online Gaming Legal?
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act covers online gaming at the federal level. This consumer protection prohibits any person engaged in the business of betting, as defined, from knowingly accepting credit, electronic fund transfers, checks, or any other payment involving a financial institution to settle unlawful internet gambling debts.
Online gambling is growing in popularity, but there is a long way to go regarding the full freedom of online gaming in the United States. In fact, very few states have fully legalized online gaming of any type, with seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia – allowing online gambling, and another five – California, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York – expected to follow suit in the coming years.
Online Casinos Vs. Sports Betting
According to the United States state and federal governments, online gambling takes on two distinct forms: online casinos and sports betting. Each gambling style differs considerably, and each type enjoys different legal protections across the United States.
Online Casinos
Online casinos are likely the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine gambling and the internet. These online casinos are digital versions of the real thing, with different games, varying buy-ins, and accelerator bonuses. Put simply, an online casino is a real casino – just virtual instead of in-person. You can expect all the same types of games, including table games (roulette, blackjack, poker), video slot machines, keno, and more.
Where is online gambling legal?
Only seven states allow online casino gambling: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Where is online gambling illegal?
Online casinos are against the law in 39 states, though California, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York plan to legalize online gaming soon. Here is where online casinos are illegal as of March 2023:
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas |
| Colorado | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
| Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana |
| Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Mexico | North Carolina |
| North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
| Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Sports Betting
Sports betting, also known as a “sports book,” is another type of online gaming. Sports betting is a wagering event where gamblers place bets on the outcome of a sporting event. It is also one of the ways sports fans show their passion for, and knowledge of, a particular sport. Undoubtedly, it’s interesting to watch the game you love and have a winning ticket to show for your efforts.
Where is sports betting legal?
Sports betting is legal in 25 states and territories, with the status of Maine currently unclarified as of March 2023:
| Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut |
| District of Columbia | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa |
| Kansas | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| New Hampshire | Ohio | Rhode Island | Tenessee |
| Virginia | Wisconsin | Florida |
Where is sports betting illegal?
Sports betting is currently illegal in these 24 states:
| Alabama | Alaska | Delaware | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Kentucky | Minnesota |
| Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska |
| New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Oklahoma |
| South Carolina | South Dakota | Texas | Utah |
| Vermont | Washington | Wyoming |
Other Important Regulations
Many states require online gambling platforms to promote responsible gambling practices. These include setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and resources for problematic gambling and addiction assistance.
Can You Use a Credit Card to Gamble?
How exactly do these rules and regulations affect your wallet? Can you use your credit card to gamble? Sort of.
Currently, 8 U.S. states permit the use of credit cards for gambling. Here are the nuances regarding the legality of gambling in credit cards in these states:
- Delaware: Permits using credit cards for gambling activities within its borders, including online gambling.
- Iowa: Has a regulated gambling industry and allows credit cards for gambling.
- Nevada: Is well-known for its extensive gambling industry, including Las Vegas, and allows using credit cards for gambling purposes.
- New Hampshire: Permits the use of credit cards for certain types of gambling, including charitable gaming.
- New Jersey: Has a robust gambling industry, including online gambling, and credit card use for gambling is permitted in the state.
- Michigan: Has authorized online gambling and allows the use of credit cards for gambling transactions within the state.
- Pennsylvania: Allows using credit cards for gambling at land-based casinos and online gambling activities.
- West Virginia: Permits credit card use at its licensed casinos and online gambling within the state.
Remember that gambling laws can (and often do) change that credit cards for gambling may have additional adverse effects, like interest charges and fees, so it’s crucial to consider all aspects before engaging in any gambling activities with credit cards.
Cash Advances
Even in states where gambling is allowed, most credit card issuers prohibit using a credit card to obtain a cash advance for gambling purposes. That said, even though there are regulations against such practices, a cash advance may be your only option for using a credit card for gambling. Sometimes, your card issuer may allow the transaction since each has its own policies regarding these types of exchanges.
Credit card companies often treat cash advances from credit cards as high-risk transactions, and using credit cards for gambling might fall into this category. Additionally, cash advances carry steeper interest rates and often come with a fee of around $10 or 5% of the advance amount, whichever is greater.
Related Article: How to Request a Cash Advance
At the Casino
In-person gambling at casinos is also restrictive when it comes to credit cards. Here cash advances are, again, the only option, with even more limitations depending on your card issuer and the state in which you gamble.
States like New Jersey allow limited use of credit cards to purchase things like poker chips, but casinos (and banks) may block these transactions. Purchases with credit cards come with a slew of consumer protections, including purchase protection and $0 fraud liability. Because of these protections, many casinos are hesitant to accept credit cards for funding of gambling – just in case an unscrupulous cardholder decides to try and bilk the system.
Lottery Tickets
Lottery tickets are another popular form of gambling. Lotteries offer huge prizes for a relatively small buy-in – and even smaller odds of winning. You can purchase lottery tickets at various locations, including online at state lottery websites, or in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other locations.
Currently, 21 states allow consumers to purchase lottery tickets with a credit card:
| Arizona | California | Colorado | Delaware |
| Indiana | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Lousiana | Maine | Michigan |
| Missouri | Nebraska | New York | Ohio |
| Oregon | Rhode Island | South Dakota | Vermont |
| Washington |
It’s worth noting that even though some states allow you to purchase lottery tickets with credit cards, your bank or payment network may not. Additionally, merchants can block these transactions should they wish. Retailers and merchants can set their own rules regarding what types of payment to accept.
Are There Casino or Gaming Credit Cards?
While rules governing gambling are varied, one place where you can find value for a casino or hotel credit card is in Las Vegas, Nevada. These cards typically come with lucrative sign-up bonuses, which offer comped services or events, cash back statement credits, or special discounts in Las Vegas or at other associated resorts worldwide. Other features include complimentary upgrades, statement credits, and even airport and travel perks.
Here is a selection of co-branded resort and casino credit cards currently available to new applicants:
Caesars Rewards Visa®
Caesars Rewards Visa®
Caesars Rewards Visa®
- 23.24%, 27.24%, or 32.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 33.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Earn up to 5X Reward Credits with the Caesars Rewards Visa and redeem towards discounted (or complimentary) shopping, dining, and more. Enjoy fast-tracked spending to Platinum status within the Caesars Rewards program along with exclusive VIP perks only available to cardholders.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 5X Reward Credits for every $1 spent at Caesars Rewards resorts and casinos
- 3X Reward Credits for dining at any of the 11,000 participating restaurants
- 2X Reward Credits for every $1 spent on airlines, gas, and groceries
- 1X Reward Credits for every $1 spent everywhere else
- One buffet pass (valid for 6 months)
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $750 within 90 days
- Receive VIP Access Pass in Las Vegas for spending $10,000 within calendar year
- Regular Purchase APR: 23.24%, 27.24%, or 32.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of the balance transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 33.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have an upcoming trip to Las Vegas or other U.S-based Caesar property
- You will spend $750 within the first 90 days of owning the card
- You would use this card at least once every 6 months
- You typically spend $1,000 or more in entertainment or amenities at Caesar venues
Caesars Entertainment (now known as Caesars Entertainment, Inc.) has a co-branded credit card called the Caesars Rewards Visa®. The card allows you to earn rewards on purchases that could be redeemed at Caesars properties, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Bally’s.
The card earns the following Caesars Rewards credits on purchases:
| Credits | How to earn | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5X | Caesars Rewards resorts and casinos and sport, concert, and show tickets purchased through Caesars Rewards Live Events | ||
| 3X | Dining at participating restaurants in the Caesars Rewards Dining program | ||
| 2X | Airlines, gas stations, and groceries store purchases | ||
| 1X | All other purchases | ||
Rewards are redeemable for a huge number of Caesar’s perks at the 53 properties around the world, along with over 200 nightlife venues and 300 dining outlets within the program:
| Free plays | Hotel bookings | Hotel check-out | WSOP buy-in |
| Shopping | Dining | Show tickets | Spa access |
| Bonus cash at Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars eCatalog | Caesars Rewards live events | Transfer to Wyndham Rewards |
The Caesars credit card also makes reaching the premier tiers in the Caesars Rewards program easier. Cardholders reach Platinum status after spending $5,000 on the card in a calendar year. Platinum status entitles the customer to shopping discounts, monthly online sportsbook bonuses, additional rewards and credits on purchases, discounted or free stays, VIP parking, and more.
MGM Rewards Mastercard®
MGM Rewards Mastercard®
MGM Rewards Mastercard®
- 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Fans of MGM Resorts and casinos will be lining up to apply for the MGM Rewards Mastercard®, which allows you to turn everyday purchases into MGM Rewards Points that can be redeemed for use on hotel room stays, dining and entertainment at participating MGM Resorts. Earn up to 3x points and Tier Credits for every dollar you spend with your card, and enjoy an introductory bonus of 10,000 points when you make qualifying purchases.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles
- 3X points and tier credits per $1 spent at M life Rewards Destinations
- 2X points and tier credits per $1 spent on gas and supermarket purchases, 1x points and tier credits per $1 spent everywhere else
- Automatic upgrade to Pearl Level status, priority hotel check-in at M life Resorts, and more
- Regular Purchase APR: 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- You will spend $1,000 in the first three billing cycles after opening an account to earn an introductory bonus
- You want a card with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees
- You will take advantage of benefits like priority hotel check-in, automatic Pearl Level Status
- You’re fans of MGM Resorts and MGM Resorts and plan to book stays frequently
MGM Resorts International offers the MGM Rewards Mastercard® in partnership with First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). Cardholders can earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for rewards at MGM properties, including The Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and more.
This no annual fee credit card earns MGM Rewards points and tier credits with eligible purchases. Here are the bonus reward categories with the card:
- 3X Points and Tier Credits per $1 spent at MGM Rewards Destinations
- 2X Points and Tier Credits per $1 spent on gas and supermarket purchases
- 1X Point and Tier Credit per $1 spent everywhere else
Points are redeemed for FREEPLAY and Express Comps for use on rooms, dining, and entertainment. FREEPLAY promotions allow you to play the slot machines for free – it’s like electronic cash that you can use to play the slots you love. Express Comps allows you to redeem your points for complimentary hotel accommodation, dining and entertainment, MGM Rewards Moments, and more at any MGM Rewards destination.
Cardholders also enjoy Pearl status in the MGM Rewards loyalty program. This tier provides a selection of perks, including members-only discounts and offers for MGM, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises, a 10% slot and video poker bonus, 15% off member’s rates on MGM hotels, Avis rental cars, complimentary self-parking at Las Vegas resorts, a buffet line pass at Las Vegas Resorts, and more.
Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card
Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card
Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card
- 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 21.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card that makes it easy and rewarding to book your next voyage by granting you MyCruise® Points with every purchase. The card is also notable for its introductory bonus points offer.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 2X MyCruise® points per dollar on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises
- 1X MyCruise® points per dollar spent on all other purchases
- $50 Discount on Air2Sea program after spending $3,500 within the first 90 days
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 21.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You often travel with Royal Caribbean®
- You want to quickly earn MyCruise® points by making purchases – both exceptional and everyday
- You are looking for a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
You might not think of Royal Caribbean as a “gambling” brand. While not a traditional casino/resort, Royal Caribbean International – a popular cruise line with casinos onboard – has a co-branded credit card with Bank of America. The Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® offers rewards and benefits for cruise-related expenses, including onboard casino spending.
The card earns 2X MyCruise® points per dollar on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises, and 1X on all other purchases. You can redeem those points toward cruise upgrades, discounts, and onboard credits to use any way you’d like – specialty restaurants, shore excursions, casinos, in the shops, or at the spa.
Other Cruise Ship Credit Cards
Are Casino or Gaming Credit Cards Worth It?
Credit cards for brands like Caesars, MGM, or other loyalty programs can be very lucrative if you know how to use them correctly. These cards, however, only make sense if you plan to regularly visit an eligible resort.
Here’s a list of all eligible Caesars Rewards hotel locations:
| Bally’s | Caesars Palace | The Cromwell | Flamingo | Harrah’s |
| The LINQ | Nobu Hotel | Paris Las Vegas | Planet Hollywood | Hyatt |
But there are far more properties in the portfolio than just Vegas resorts. The Rewards program also applies to more than three-dozen elite properties across the United States:
| Belle of Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA | Caesars – Atlantic City, NJ, New Orleans, LA | Caesars Republic – Scottsdale, AZ | Caesars Southern Indiana – Elizabeth, IN |
| Circus Circus – Reno, NV | Eldorado Resort Casino – Reno, NV | Eldorado Scioto Downs – Columbus, OH | Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin, IL |
| Harrah’s (NJ, NC, IA, IL, MO, NV) | Harrah’s Ak-Chin – Maricopa, AZ | Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River – Murphy, NC | Harrah’s Gulf Coast – Biloxi, MS |
| Harrah’s Hoosier Park – Anderson, IN | Harrah’s Louisiana Downs – Bossier City, LA | Harrah’s Northern California – Ione, CA | Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack – Philadelphia, PA |
| Harrah’s Resort Southern California – Funner, California | Harvey’s – Lake Tahoe, NV | Horseshoe (MD, LA, IA, IN) | Horseshoe Tunica – Tunica Resorts, MS |
| Indiana Grand – Shelbyville, IN | Isle Casino – Pompano, Florida | Isle Casino Hotel (IA, CO) | Isle of Capri – Lula, MS |
| Isle of Capri Casino Hotel – Boonville, MO | Isle of Capri Lake Charles – Westlake, LA | Lady Luck Casino – Black Hawk, CO | Lumière Place Casino and Hotel – St. Louis, MO |
| Mid-America Center – Council Bluffs, IA | Montbleu Casino Resort and Spa – Lake Tahoe, NV | Silver Legacy Resort Casino – Reno, NV | Trop – Greenville, MS |
| Tropicana – Atlantic City, NJ, Evansville, IN, Laughlin, NV | |||
There are also international destinations, including seven casinos throughout the United Kingdom, three in the United Arab Emirates, and one in Egypt.
And here are the eligible MGM resorts and casinos:
| Mirage | Bellagio | Aria | Vdara |
| Park MGM | New York, New York | T-Mobile Arena | MGM Grand |
| Excalibur | Luxor | Mandalay Bay | Cosmopolitan |
Like Caesars, MGM also features several more locations across the United States:
| Borgata – Atlantic City, NJ | Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino – Yonkers, NY | MGM Northfield Park – Northfield, OH | MGM Springfield – Springfield, MA |
| MGM National Harbor – National Harbor, MD | MGM Grand Detroit – Detroit, MI | Beau Rivage – Biloxi, MS | Gold Strike Casino Resort – Tunica Resorts, MS |
MGM also operates seven properties in China, including Shanghai, Macau, Hangzhou, and Chengdu.
Quick Recap: The Pros (and Cons) of Using a Credit Card to Gamble
Using your credit card for gambling, particularly in states where some form of online gambling is legal, comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s essential to understand these aspects before deciding whether to use a credit card for such activities.
Pros of Gambling with a Credit Cards
Credit cards offer a few essential benefits when it comes to gaming. First, using a credit card for online gambling offers convenience, as it allows for quick and easy transactions. You don’t need to have cash on hand or visit a physical casino, making it a hassle-free way to gamble on your own schedule.
Safety and protection are another key benefit for using a credit card for gambling purchases, where applicable by law. Credit cards often come with built-in fraud protection and dispute resolution mechanisms from the card’s payment network. These benefits can help insulate you, should something go wrong at the casino and you need to dispute something.
Finally, rewards are probably the main reason why people use credit cards to make gambling purchases. Many credit cards offer rewards programs or cashback incentives for certain purchases, including online transactions. If your credit card offers these benefits, you may earn rewards or cash back for using it for gambling activities.
Cons of Credit Cards and Gambling
Despite the good, there are reasons why you might avoid using a credit card for gambling purchases or transactions.
If you carry a balance on your credit card after gambling, you will be subject to high interest rates. These charges can quickly accumulate, leading to substantial debts if not managed responsibly. This is even more dangerous because of the temptation to use it for impulsive decisions, which can lead to serious financial difficulties.
There’s also the issue of additional fees. Some credit card issuers may charge extra fees for cash advances or transactions related to gambling. These fees can add to the overall cost of gambling with credit cards.
Finally, make sure you fully understand the legality surrounding credit cards in your state. While some states allow certain forms of online gambling, the legal landscape can change, and not all forms of gambling may be legal in your specific state. Using a credit card for illegal gambling activities could lead to legal consequences.
Bottom Line
Gambling and using a credit card are possible, but only if you live within specific states and follow specific rules. Ultimately, gambling with a credit card may not be the most easily recommended idea – especially when cash advance fees, high interest, and potential headaches from casinos and banks may exist.
That said, a credit card from a resort brand that operates casinos is a great way to maximize your rewards legally. These cards, like the MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards cards, allow you to take advantage of resort perks and bonuses without an annual fee. If you plan to visit Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, or anywhere else that features a casino or resort under the MGM or Caesars umbrella, these cards can save you significant money by earning additional points on rooms, meals, shows, and more.
Remember, however, that redemption options with these casino credit cards are much more restrictive than with an airline, hotel, or even cash back credit card. But if you don’t mind being limited to redeeming your points for comps and purchases with one set of properties, there is plenty of value to be found.
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.
