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August 2025 highlighted efforts to improve player safety, concerns over illegal gambling, and several product launches. From DraftKings’ nationwide credit card deposit ban to new player protection tools via the ROGA-BetBlocker partnership, operators are prioritizing responsible gaming. Meanwhile, the AGA’s report on illegal gambling’s multi-billion impact and innovative launches like FanDuel Picks and ESPN Bet’s FanCenter highlight a dynamic landscape affecting players, bettors, and industry stakeholders.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview:
- DraftKings bans credit card deposits: Enhances player safety by making gambling less accessible to those who run the risk of getting marginalized by gambling with credit they can’t afford to accrue.
- ROGA partners with BetBlocker: Promotes free software to block over 118,000 gambling sites, boosting player protection.
- AGA reports on illegal gambling: Illegal gambling generates around $53.9 billion annually.
- FanDuel launches Pick’em game: Peer-to-peer format targets non-wagering states ahead of NFL season.
- ESPN Bet unveils FanCenter: Personalized betting hub integrates with ESPN Fantasy Football rosters.
DraftKings Ends Credit Card Deposits Across US Online Platforms
DraftKings announced it will no longer accept credit card deposits for its US sportsbook and casino platforms, a decision communicated directly to customers via email. The Boston-based operator cited the move as a proactive step to enhance the user experience by avoiding cash advance fees and high interest rates associated with gambling transactions. Stored credit card details will be disabled by the month’s end.
The decision, not mandated by regulators, follows a $450,000 fine from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in July for allowing credit card use in 2023 and 2024, despite a state ban on such transactions. DraftKings insists the nationwide policy is unrelated, though the timing has sparked speculation. States like Tennessee, Iowa, and Illinois, among others, already prohibit credit card gambling, reflecting a broader industry shift toward consumer protection to reduce risks of indebtedness.
While debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers remain available, the move may inconvenience recreational players who value credit card rewards. Analysts suggest DraftKings’ decision anticipates potential nationwide regulatory restrictions, balancing responsible gambling commitments with commercial interests. From where I’m standing, this is a brilliant move from a player safety perspective. Gambling with credit cards carries inherently higher risks than gambling with a debit card or ACH. It’s definitely a step in the right direction for us who value responsible gambling.
ROGA and BetBlocker Team Up for Free Gambling-Blocking Tool in the US
The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), representing 90% of the US legal sports betting market, has partnered with BetBlocker to promote its free software, which blocks access to over 118,000 gambling websites and 1,500 apps. ROGA will feature BetBlocker on its platforms and integrate it with members. In light of this, JustGamblers also included this to promote the free blocking software, which helps at-risk gamblers daily.
Dr. Jennifer Shatley, ROGA’s Executive Director, stated that the partnership supports responsible gaming by making tools more accessible. BetBlocker’s Duncan Garvie noted the deal, with ROGA’s financial backing, enhances player protection. The collaboration supports ROGA’s planned self-exclusion clearinghouse, addressing both regulated and unregulated gambling.
AGA Report: Illegal Gambling Generates Around $53.9 Billion Annually
A new report from the American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates illegal and unregulated gambling in the US generate $53.9 billion every year, comprising 31.9% of the total gambling market. Up 22% since 2022, this black market, fueled by illegal iGaming, unregulated skill machines, and offshore sports betting, costs states $15.3 billion in taxes.
Unregulated skill machines, numbering over 625,000 in bars and convenience stores, generated $30.3 billion, resulting in states losing $9.5 billion in taxes. Illegal online slots and table games grew 38% to $18.6 billion, with only 24% of iGamers using legal sites exclusively, down from 52%. Sports betting via illegal bookies and offshore sportsbooks reached $84 billion, costing states approximately $1 billion in taxes, although the share of bettors using only illegal sportsbooks decreased from 36% to 24%.
FanDuel Launches Peer-to-Peer Pick’em Game Ahead of NFL Season
FanDuel debuted FanDuel Picks last month, a peer-to-peer pick’em game resembling parlay-style sports betting, targeting states without legal sports betting. Available in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin, the game lets players select three to six athletes and predict “more” or “less” on stats like passing yards or touchdowns. Payouts, drawn from pooled entry fees, can reach up to 1,000 times the stake.
FanDuel Picks GM Rob Cullen called it a “streamlined fantasy sports experience” for NFL fans. The launch follows a regulatory shift, with states scrutinizing house-based pick’em games as unlicensed betting. Operators like PrizePicks and Underdog transitioned to peer-to-peer models, alleviating concerns and facilitating expansion. FanDuel’s move, following DraftKings’ 2023 peer-to-peer launch, aims to capture demand in non-wagering states while navigating ongoing debates over the classification of fantasy sports, particularly in California.
ESPN Bet Unveils FanCenter for Personalized Fantasy Football Betting
ESPN Bet launched FanCenter in August, a personalized betting hub within its app, integrating with ESPN’s fantasy football platform to offer tailored wagering markets based on users’ favorite teams, players, and ESPN Fantasy Football rosters. Powered by account-linking technology, FanCenter features a “For You” page with curated player props, game markets, and custom parlays, alongside a “Fantasy Bet Builder” for roster-linked bets. A “Find a Bet” icon in the ESPN Fantasy app enables seamless bet placement. With over 13 million ESPN Fantasy Football players in 2024, FanCenter aims to blend fandom, fantasy, and betting, leveraging ESPN’s platform to differentiate in a competitive market ahead of the NFL season. Penn Entertainment’s CTO Aaron LaBerge called it a “new level of personalization,” critical for boosting ESPN Bet’s market share amid a pivotal year.