Mastercard is one of the most widely accepted payment methods for legal online sportsbooks in the United States. Whether you’re placing NFL bets in New Jersey or wagering on March Madness in Indiana, Mastercard can help you fund your account quickly and securely. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using Mastercard for sports betting in the US, including legal context, site recommendations, deposit tips, and common issues to avoid.
Is it legal to use Mastercard on sports betting sites in the US?
Yes, it’s legal to use Mastercard on licensed US sportsbooks, as long as online sports betting is legal in your state and you’re using a regulated operator. Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, many states have legalized online sports betting and allow payments through credit and debit cards, including Mastercard.
However, federal law (namely the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA) requires that only legal and regulated sportsbooks in your state can process these payments. That means you can’t legally use Mastercard on offshore sportsbooks based outside the US.
How Mastercard works for betting deposits
Mastercard can be used in two ways: as a credit card or as a debit card linked to your checking account. Here’s how it works on legal US sportsbooks:
- Go to the cashier or deposit section of the sportsbook.
- Select Mastercard as your deposit option.
- Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
- Choose your deposit amount and confirm the transaction.
Deposits are usually instant, with funds available right away. Some sportsbooks allow Mastercard withdrawals, but most require you to withdraw via other methods like online banking or PayPal.
Pros and cons of using Mastercard for online betting
✅ Pros:
- Instant deposits at most legal sportsbooks.
- High acceptance rate at major US operators.
- Widely available to most players.
❌ Cons:
- Withdrawals may not be supported, requiring a backup method.
- Credit card deposits may be treated as cash advances by your bank.
- Some banks still block gambling transactions, even on legal platforms.
Betting sites that accept Mastercard
If you’re searching for betting sites that accept Mastercard, several trusted options stand out. All the sportsbooks below are fully legal in multiple US states and licensed by their respective state regulators. This list has been vetted by Sporting Post, which regularly reviews and compares licensed sportsbooks across the country.
| Sportsbook | Mastercard Accepted | States Available | Minimum Deposit |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Yes | CO, MI, NJ, NY, PA, IL, AZ | $10 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Yes | MA, CT, CO, OH, IA, IN, etc. | $5 |
| BetMGM | Yes | CO, AZ, MI, IN, TN, NJ, more | $10 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Yes | IL, MI, NY, OH, PA, etc. | $20 |
| BetRivers | Yes | PA, MI, IL, IN, CO, more | $10 |
| bet365 | Yes | NJ, CO, OH, IA, KY, LA | $10 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Yes | IN, MD, OH, TN, more | $10 |
These sites provide safe, secure Mastercard transactions for US bettors. Be sure to verify Mastercard is listed in the cashier for your state, as availability may vary by jurisdiction.
What to do if your Mastercard deposit gets declined
Even on legal sportsbooks, Mastercard deposits occasionally fail. Here’s why and what you can do:
1. Bank blocks gambling transactions: Some US banks block gambling payments by default, even if it’s legal. Call your bank and ask if gambling payments are permitted on your card.
2. Card is international: If your Mastercard is issued outside the US, it might not work on state-licensed platforms.
3. Fraud filters: Your card issuer might flag the transaction as suspicious. Try verifying your identity on the sportsbook and retrying the transaction.
Alternative options:
- Try another card (Visa, Discover)
- Use online banking (ACH)
- Switch to PayPal or Venmo if accepted
- Purchase a prepaid Mastercard gift card that supports gambling transactions
Mastercard vs other payment methods for online sportsbooks
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawals | Fees | Ease of Use |
| Mastercard | Instant | Rarely supported | Varies by bank | Easy |
| PayPal | Instant | Yes | Low | Very easy |
| ACH/eCheck | 1–3 business days | Yes | Low | Moderate |
| Play+ Prepaid Card | Instant | Yes | Low | Easy |
| Venmo | Instant | Yes | Low | Easy |
Mastercard remains one of the most convenient options for deposits, but you may want to pair it with a more flexible withdrawal method.
Tips for using Mastercard on betting sites
- Stick to debit if possible: Credit card deposits may be treated as cash advances, which incur high fees and interest.
- Avoid overdrafts: If using a debit Mastercard, make sure you have enough funds in your checking account.
- Track your deposits: Keep a record of transactions, especially if you’re claiming a welcome bonus.
- Check sportsbook T&Cs: Make sure your card is eligible for deposit-related promotions.
Where Mastercard works best for betting
Mastercard is widely accepted in the following states with legal online sports betting:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Arizona
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- New York
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
Always check your local laws or visit the Sporting Post state betting guide to confirm your state’s legal status and the payment methods available.
Conclusion: Mastercard is a reliable option for legal US sportsbooks
If you want fast and easy deposits at a licensed US betting site, Mastercard is one of the most widely accepted options. While it has some limitations—mainly with withdrawals—it remains a top choice for getting started with online sports betting. Just make sure to use a licensed operator in your state and double-check that your bank allows gaming transactions.
For the latest sportsbook reviews, payment guides, and betting tools, check out Sporting Post, where we keep bettors informed and confident every step of the way.