Panel advances bill to bar credit-card deposits for online sports betting
February 18, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
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Delegate McTelego Martinez told senators HB 515 is a "straightforward consumer protection bill" that would prohibit online sportsbooks from accepting credit-card deposits. The sponsor noted that lottery purchases remain barred from credit-card purchases under current law, and HB 515 would extend that restriction to online sports wagering.
Senators asked for technical clarification on debit-card and app-enabled transactions. The committee was told payment networks and merchant-category codes allow card issuers to block credit-card transfers to certain types of merchants: "Once there's a blocking pace, they cannot transfer... they can't make those transactions," a committee member said after consulting staff in the room.
The committee adopted amendments and voted to report the bill and refer it to the Finance Committee for fiscal consideration.
Senators asked for technical clarification on debit-card and app-enabled transactions. The committee was told payment networks and merchant-category codes allow card issuers to block credit-card transfers to certain types of merchants: "Once there's a blocking pace, they cannot transfer... they can't make those transactions," a committee member said after consulting staff in the room.
The committee adopted amendments and voted to report the bill and refer it to the Finance Committee for fiscal consideration.
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