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August 20, 2025

Best Credit Cards for Gamblers in 2025

If you’ve ever used a credit card to fund a casino deposit or sportsbook bet, you might’ve noticed something strange: a sudden fee, high interest, or a missing grace period. That’s because many credit card issuers treat gambling transactions as cash advances, and those don’t come cheap. But not all cards stack the odds against you. In fact, a handful are surprisingly well-suited for traditional and online gambling. Some reward your spend, others skip the cash advance penalties entirely, and a few are even designed with casino players in mind.

Close up multiple credit cards placed on a laptop

In this guide, we’ll look at 6 solid options for 2025:

  • Visa and Mastercard that keep things flexible
  • Discover, with simple cashback (if accepted)
  • AmEx, offering strong security and benefits (where it’s supported)
  • GBank Visa Signature, built specifically for gaming
  • Caesars Rewards Visa, great for loyalists stacking tier credits
  • MGM Rewards Mastercard, a solid fit for BetMGM and resort perks

 

Ready to cut the fees and get more out of your play? Let’s find the card that fits your game.

Visa and Mastercard

If you’re looking for the most widely accepted credit cards in the gambling world, Visa and Mastercard are where you start. Most online casinos, sportsbooks, and gaming apps support them, often more consistently than Discover or American Express.

But here’s the catch: acceptance isn’t everything. What really matters is how your card issuer classifies the transaction. Some treat gambling deposits as cash advances, which means you’ll get hit with a fee, lose your interest-free grace period, and start accruing interest immediately. Others simply process the charge like any regular purchase, with no extra costs.

What to watch for:

  • Check with your bank to see how they code gambling transactions (purchase vs. cash advance).
  • Avoid cards from issuers like Capital One, which are known to block or penalize gambling-related activity.
  • Stick with cards that offer flat-rate cash back and don’t overcomplicate things.

 

A few reliable options include:

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® – 2% cash back on everything
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited® – 1.5% cash back across the board, plus bonus rates on certain categories
  • Citi Double Cash® – Earn 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay it off

 

These cards won’t earn you tier points at a casino, but they’re dependable, flexible, and a solid choice for players who want value without the fine print. If you’re not tied to a specific brand, a good Visa or Mastercard lets you play your way, without the fees.

Discover

Discover cards can be a bit of a wildcard when it comes to gambling. On one hand, they offer straightforward rewards and are accepted by a growing number of U.S. sportsbooks and betting platforms. On the other, Discover’s policies around gambling transactions have shifted—and not in the player’s favor.

As of 2024, most gambling-related charges made with a Discover card are treated as cash advances, not regular purchases. That means added fees, immediate interest, and no rewards on those transactions. In other words, not ideal.

Close up hands holding a credit card

That said, some users still report being able to use Discover successfully for deposits at select platforms. It largely depends on the merchant and how the transaction is coded, which isn’t something you can control.

Key points to keep in mind:

  • Discover used to treat gambling charges as standard purchases, but that’s no longer consistent.
  • Cash advance fees typically start around 5%, with high APR from the moment the transaction clears.
  • Even when accepted, you likely won’t earn cashback on gambling-related spend.

 

If you already have a Discover card, it may be worth testing with a small deposit to see how it behaves. But for most gamblers in 2025,Discover is better used as a backup—not your go-to option.

American Express (Amex)

American Express is known for premium perks, strong purchase protection, and polished customer service. But when it comes to gambling, things get a bit more complicated.

AmEx cards are accepted at some U.S. online casinos and sportsbooks, especially regulated ones, but they’re far less common than Visa or Mastercard. Internationally, the odds drop even more. And while AmEx doesn’t outright block gambling transactions, it often classifies them as cash advances, which means you’re paying extra for the privilege.

Before using AmEx for gambling deposits, consider the following:

  • Acceptance is limited, even on major platforms.
  • Gambling charges may be treated as cash advances, triggering fees and immediate interest.
  • Rewards typically don’t apply to gambling spend.
  • AmEx offers great fraud protection and account security, which some players value for peace of mind.

 

If you’re betting with a platform that supports AmEx and you’ve confirmed it treats the charge like a regular purchase, it could work. But this card is best reserved for players who prioritize protection over rewards, and who are willing to double-check every transaction.

 READ MORE:

GBank Visa Signature

This is one of the rare credit cards actually built with gamblers in mind. Issued by GBank (short for “Gaming Bank”) and headquartered in Las Vegas, the GBank Visa Signature is designed to work seamlessly with gaming, sportsbook, and casino platforms—without the usual cash advance drama.

Woman using a credit card with tablet

Unlike most cards that flag gambling-related charges, GBank codes them as standard purchases, which means no hidden fees, no penalty interest, and yes—eligible for rewards.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • 1% cash back on all gambling-related spend
  • 2% cash back on everything else
  • No annual fee
  • Virtual card option for secure online play
  • Built-in Visa Signature perks like purchase protection and travel benefits

 

This isn’t a flashy, premium travel card. It’s a practical, low-maintenance option for people who gamble regularly and don’t want to fight their card every time they fund an account. If you’re tired of dealing with banks that treat every casino deposit like a red flag, this is one card that actually plays on your team.

Caesars Rewards Visa Signature

Issued by Comenity, the Caesars Rewards Visa is designed for fans of Caesars properties, those visiting Las Vegas or playing online through Caesars Sportsbook. 

Caesars Rewards Visa Signature offers:

  • 5× Reward Credits for every dollar spent at Caesars locations
  • 2× on dining, travel, and entertainment
  • 1× everywhere else
  • 10,000 Bonus Reward Credits + 2,500 Tier Credits after $1,000 spend in the first 90 days

 

You’ll also get little extras like free parking and priority check-in at select resorts, which can add up if you visit frequently. Just be aware: this card isn’t great for everyday spend outside the Caesars ecosystem.

Man holding a credit card

MGM Rewards Mastercard

The MGM Rewards Mastercard comes in two flavors—World Elite (no annual fee) and Iconic (premium perks with a $249 fee). Both versions let you rack up tier credits and reward points with every swipe, especially if you’re a BetMGM player.

Here’s what you get with a MGM Rewards Mastercard:

  • 3× points at MGM properties, 2× at gas and groceries, 1× everywhere else
  • Tier Credit earnings that count toward hotel perks like free rooms and VIP status
  • Works with BetMGM deposits, typically treated as standard purchases

 

The Iconic version adds travel perks like a $200 resort credit, Global Entry reimbursement, and a free night stay after hitting a spending threshold.

For regular guests of MGM or Caesars properties, these cards offer a smart way to turn your spend into status, whether you’re booking a stay or betting on the next game.

Top Credit Cards for Gamblers in 2025 Breakdown
Card
Gambling Acceptance
Rewards
Annual Fee
Best Fot
Visa & Mastercard
Widely accepted, but varies by issuer
1.5–2% flat-rate cash back
0%
Flexible everyday use
Discover
Limited, often treated as cash advance
1% (when eligible)
0%
Occasional bettors testing smaller deposits
American Express
Select platforms only, often coded as cash advance
Varies by card
Varies
Security-focused users on supported platforms
GBank Visa Signature
Designed for gambling, treated as purchase
1% on gaming, 2% elsewhere
0%
Regular players avoiding cash advance traps
Caesars Rewards Visa
Accepted at Caesars properties and online
5× at Caesars, 2× travel/dining
0%
Loyal Caesars players
MGM Rewards Mastercard
Accepted at BetMGM and MGM properties
3× at MGM, tier perks
$0 / $249 (Iconic)
MGM loyalists aiming for status and comps

Final Bet: Which Card’s in Your Hand?

Credit cards and gambling don’t always get along. Some charge you extra just for making a deposit, others quietly block the transaction altogether. But the right card? It lets you play without friction, and maybe even gives something back.

If you want simplicity, a flat-rate Visa or Mastercard gets the job done without the fine print. Sticking with Caesars or MGM? Their co-branded cards can turn everyday spend into tier perks and comp nights. And if you’re tired of second-guessing every transaction, GBank’s Visa was built to keep things smooth.

Whatever your playstyle, the right card won’t just process deposits, it’ll work with you, not against you. Check the terms, avoid the traps, and choose the one that fits your game.

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