Discover Card Sports Betting Sites

Discover Card currently ranks as the 4th most popular credit card network behind Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Unlike Visa and Mastercard, Discover is both a payment network and card issuer. Some may recall Discover previously processed payments using the Novus Network

Like the other card networks, major online sportsbooks process Discover deposits instantly and safely for free. At present, no horse racing sites accept Discover. 

Some banks will charge fees if the transaction is considered a cash advance. Read more about the best Discover Card sports betting sites, how to avoid fees, and how to make a deposit below.

With more states legalizing sports gambling, let us help you fund your account properly. The following sportsbooks accept Discover Card debit and credit card deposits. Select your state to see all available licensed sports betting providers.

Sports Betting Sites that Accept Discover Card

Discover Sports Betting Sites

Bonus
BetRivers Sportsbook#1 BetRivers
REVIEW
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now
21+ Playable in VA only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-532-3500
BetMGM Sportsbook#2 BetMGM
REVIEW
New Customers - Up to $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days
One new customer offer/Add'l Terms

Bet Now
21+ Playable in VA only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-532-3500

Table of Contents

  1. Discover Card Sportsbooks
  2. How to Deposit
  3. Processing Fees
  4. Cash Advance or Credit Line
  5. Discover Card Deposit Alternatives
  6. How to Withdraw Money
  7. Discover Card Pros
  8. Discover Card Cons
  9. Which Banks Prohibit
  10. Online Gambling and Credit Score
  11. More About Discover Card Sports Betting
  12. Depositing Each Season
  13. Before You Deposit
  14. Discover Card Sports Betting FAQs

Discover Card Sportsbooks

  1. BetRivers – Competitive odds
  2. BetMGM – Best all around

BetRivers

Look no further than BetRivers when it comes to a trusted sports betting name. With a vast selection of bets and sports leagues from around the globe, novice and experienced bettors alike will not be disappointed.

Signing up is quick and easy, allowing players to get started in minutes. Live in-gaming betting gives you plenty to bet on even if your team has already won the game.

BetRivers Virginia - 21+ Playable in VA only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-532-3500
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now BetRivers Virginia

BetRivers Discover Card Deposits

BetRivers Discover Card deposits are free and credited instantly to your account. This is by far one of the best ways to fund your sports betting or online casino account.

Alternative BetRivers deposit methods include other credit cards like Visa or Mastercard, eChecks, PayPal, VanillaCash, and PayNearMe. Just make sure to check the fine print as there may be restrictions depending where you live.

BetRivers Play+ Card Uses the Discover Card Network

BetRivers’ Play+ Card uses the Discover payment network. That means you can withdraw cash at ATMs where you see the Discover or Novus Network logos. The Play+ Card is also great backup in case your Discover credit card gets declined. You can add funds to your Play+ Card from your bank account. Then, use the Play+ Card to deposit to your BetRivers account. The BetRivers Play+ card is free.

What We Like About BetRivers

Reputation is key and BetRivers is among the most revered sportsbooks in the United States. Depositing and withdrawing money is simple and safe, there are a ton of sports betting options, a full-service casino, and one of the smoothest user interfaces in the industry.

With a ton of domestic and foreign sports leagues to choose from, finding a bet has never been simpler. There are also a ton of promotions and new player offers, especially before the start of major sports seasons.

Finally, look to BetRivers for the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, US collegiate sports, and European soccer seasons. This diamond in the rough offers competitive single-game and futures odds for most major sports.

BetRivers Deposit Help

BetRivers offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive help center with detailed FAQs.

BetMGM

Name recognition is important in the sports betting world and there is none bigger than BetMGM. BetMGM has been one of the most recognizable names in brick-and-mortar casinos. It comes as no surprise that they are also a major name in online sports betting.

BetMGM gives bettors the opportunity to wager on all of the best sports action in North America and Europe. Their industry-leading user interface offers customers a superior experience.

BetMGM Virginia - 21+ Playable in VA only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-532-3500
New Customers - Up to $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days
One new customer offer/Add'l Terms

Bet Now BetMGM Virginia

BetMGM Discover Card Deposits

All BetMGM Discover Card deposits are free. Funds will be immediately credited to your player account. This is true for players visiting both the sportsbook and online casino.

There are many other ways to deposit money to your BetMGM account. Other major credit cards like MasterCard and Visa and ACH transfers will credit almost instantly to your account. BetMGM also accepts Apple Pay, PayPal, Cash at Cage (where available), PayNearMe and the Play+ card.

BetMGM Play+ Card Uses the Discover Card Network

BetMGM’s Play+ Card uses the Discover Card payment network. That means you can withdraw cash at ATMs where you see the Discover or Novus Network logos. The Play+ Card is also great backup in case your Discover credit card gets declined. You can add funds to your Play+ Card from your bank account. Then, use the Play+ Card to deposit to your BetMGM account. The BetMGM Play+ Card is free.

What We Like About BetMGM

BetMGM has become one of the top industry names for many reasons. Their site is easy to use and navigate, making it friendly for those who are less tech-savvy. BetMGM offers lines and odds for all major US and European sports. Best of all, you’ll quickly find that BetMGM’s selection of straight, futures, and exotic bets can’t be beat.

There is also the matter of their rewards program. Available both in-person and online, BetMGM’s program helps players make the most of their bets. They also have streaming for some games, allowing players to follow along with their wagers.

Review BetMGM’s odds for the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, racing, US and international soccer, collegiate basketball and football, and more.

BetMGM Deposit Help

BetMGM offers customer support through email, live chat, phone, and a comprehensive help center.

How to Deposit with Discover Card

Time needed: 2 minutes

How to Deposit with Discover Card

  1. Open a new sports betting account.

    Review our list of recommended online sportsbooks. Open a new account, making sure to enter all your personal details correctly. Don’t forget to add your bonus code.

  2. Visit the sportsbook’s cashier, banking, or deposit page.

    After signup, use the sportsbook’s navigation menu to find its cashier, banking, or deposit page.

  3. Select Discover Card, enter amount, tap “Deposit”.

    Select Discover Card. Specify your deposit amount. Tap “Deposit”. Make sure you enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly.

  4. Provide additional card details if your sportsbook requests them.

    Some sportsbooks may require additional verification using your billing Zip Code, the last four digits of social security number, or SMS text message.

  5. Funds will be credited to your account and ready for action.

    Allow 1-2 minutes for funds to be credited to your player account. Once the transaction clears, you’ll be ready to go. Contact customer service with any questions or concerns. The sportsbook may email you a transaction receipt for safekeeping.

Discover Card Deposit Processing Fees

Most legal sports betting sites do not charge Discover Card deposit fees. However, your card issuer may charge between 3% and 5% cash advance fees if you do not use your credit line.

You can avoid fees using the Play+ Card. BetRivers, SugarHouse, and BetMGM all offer this card. Deposits and withdrawals are free. You can also use the card anywhere Discover is accepted.

Are Discover Card Sports Betting Deposits Cash Advance or Credit?

Discover Card online gambling deposits are charged to your available credit line. Unlike Visa and Mastercard, Discover is both a payment network and card issuer. That means your deposit isn’t subject to any particular member bank’s restrictions.

For all removal of doubt, we suggest using the Play+ card. The Play+ card can be funded using your bank card at sportsbooks like BetMGM and BetRivers. Deposits and withdrawals are free.

Discover Card Deposit Alternatives

There are three alternative ways to deposit. The first way is using an e-wallet such as Paypal, Skrill, or ApplePay. The second way to deposit is via ACH/eCheck. 

Finally, you can deposit with a participating sportsbook’s Play+ Card. You can withdraw cash using your Play+ Card at ATMs that accept Discover.

When should I use an e-wallet?

An e-wallet can help circumvent credit card fees. Though Discover charges deposits to your credit line, it’s important to have a backup plan.

Remember to link your bank account to an e-wallet like Paypal. Transactions to and from a bank account are free unless you use the instant withdrawal option. However, fees will be applied to any credit card and debit card transactions. This policy protects the e-wallet from chargeback losses.

How to Withdraw Money from a Sportsbook

The easiest and fastest way to withdraw money from a sportsbook is by withdrawing to your bank account. The most common withdrawal review period is 2 to 5 days. In addition, TwinSpires.com racebook offers instant bank transfers.

Other fast withdrawal methods include Paypal, Skrill, and other e-wallets. Another way to withdraw is to get a check by mail. Your wait time will depend on how fast the sportsbook issues the check plus postal service delivery times.

Unfortunately, getting a Discover Card statement credit for your winnings is not impossible.

Discover Card Betting Deposit Pros

  1. Instant – Discover deposits will be available immediately after authorization so you can get those bets in as soon as possible.
  2. No Fees – Neither Discover nor the sportsbook will charge deposit fees.
  3. Safe – Similar to bank withdrawals, your Discover deposits will be safe, too. Discover online gambling deposits are backed by Payment Card Industry standards, which reduce risk.
  4. Debit card, too – You also have flexibility, as you can use Discover debit cards in addition to credit cards.

Discover Card Betting Deposit Cons

  1. Fewer Sportsbooks – Unfortunately, Discover Card is only accepted at BetMGM and BetRivers. It’s not as commonly accepted as Visa or MasterCard.
  2. No Racebooks – Neither TwinSpires.com nor DRF Bets currently accept Discover Card deposits.
  3. Limits – Some sportsbooks will have new player limits that will differ from VIP limits.
  4. No Statement Credits – Unfortunately, you cannot withdraw to your credit card. This includes statement credits.

Which Banks Prohibit Legal Online Gambling Transactions?

Credit card companies, like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card, do not block legal gambling transactions.

Note that Discover is both a card network and issuer. That means no issuing bank can block a deposit, something that can happen with Visa or MasterCard. Therefore, your transaction should succeed assuming you have adequate credit available and your account is otherwise in good standing.

Does Online Gambling Affect My Credit Score?

Online gambling does not affect your credit score. However, certain activities can impact the score. Being behind on payments, lowering your available credit, and casino lines of credit can all negatively affect your score.

Casino lines of credit often mean a hard inquiry on your score, meaning a temporary drop in your credit score also, cash advances, while not impacting your score, do accrue interest immediately.

As a card network and card issuer, Discover does keep track of your transactions for recordkeeping purposes. Through Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), Discover labels gambling transactions as amusement and entertainment transactions. This is a normal credit card company practice and does not impact your score.

More About Discover Card Sports Betting

Legal History of Discover Card and Online Gambling

Discover Card, a subsidiary of Discover Financial Services, is a credit card brand that was first introduced in the United States in 1985. The company has a long history of legal battles, particularly its stance on online gambling. 

In the early 2000s, Discover Card decided to block all transactions related to online gambling. It was in line with the stance of many other credit card companies and banks at the time, who were trying to avoid potential legal and financial problems associated with the still-developing online gambling industry.

At the time, different financial institutions were speaking out in response to the proposed UIGEA regulations. According to the Financial Services Roundtable, which represents many U.S. financial institutions, the proposed rules of the UIGEA forced financial services entities to perform police functions more appropriate for law enforcement agencies.

Despite this motion, Discover Card continued to block transactions related to online gambling for several years. In 2007, the company changed its policy and began allowing such transactions only for customers who had opted to allow them.

Today, Discover Card joins Visa and MasterCard in processing online gambling transactions. However, the company still faces occasional legal challenges and disputes related to its policy on this issue. Overall, the legal history of Discover Card and online gambling highlights the complex and evolving relationship between financial services companies and the online gambling industry.

Major Discover Card Online Gambling Court Cases

The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania heard motions for litigation alleging that Discover Financial Services and a fellow financial institution failed to block fraudulent charges to their credit card.

Grimm v. Discover Financial Services

Re: Grimm v. Discover Financial Services was a civil lawsuit filed on May 16, 2008, by plaintiffs who claimed that there were fraudulent transactions associated with their Discover credit card amounting to approximately $2,500. The plaintiffs allege that they were physically disabled while the fraudulent activity associated with their credit card account occurred and thus could not detect the fraudulent charges until August 2006.

After detecting the fraudulent activity, the Plaintiffs notified Discover and the Secret Service of the charges. A special agent with the Secret Service investigated the fraudulent activity associated with the Plaintiffs’ credit card accounts. In a letter addressed to Plaintiffs’ counsel dated December 11, 2006, the Secret Service agent stated that unknown individuals had charged the Plaintiffs more than $600,000.00.

The agent noted that it appeared that the Plaintiffs were defrauded using hidden computer software known as “spyware” embedded within RiverBelleCasino.com, a subsidiary of Belle Rock Entertainment, an online gambling website that the plaintiffs frequented. The plaintiffs allege Discover was obligated to provide fraud protection on their Discover credit card. They failed to satisfy this obligation by overlooking the fraudulent activity and refusing to compensate the Plaintiffs for the fraudulent charges.

Patriot Act 2003 Countersuit

Another notable case is the countersuit filed against Visa International and its USA division, MasterCard International, and Discover Financial Services. The countersuit, filed in Superior Court in Alameda County, California, claims that the companies violated California’s unfair business practices act and a state prohibition against providing credit for gambling by processing the gambling transactions.

The lawsuit also alleged that the companies violated the USA Patriot Act, which prohibits illegal money transfers. Discover Card and Visa agreed to relieve some of the charges incurred by online gamblers.

How PASPA Overturn Affected Discover Card Sports Betting

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) prohibited expansion in the U.S. sports betting market for over two decades. When the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned PASPA on May 14, 2018, individual states began to decide whether to legalize and regulate sports betting.

As a result of the PASPA ruling, Discover Card and other payment processors have expanded into the sports betting market, providing secure and convenient payment options for consumers.

The legalization of sports betting has also created new business opportunities for companies like Discover Card, allowing them to tap into a growing and lucrative market. However, the regulatory landscape surrounding sports betting remains complex, and companies like Discover Card must navigate a patchwork of state laws and regulations to operate effectively in this space.

How Much Money is Wagered Annually Online With Discover Card?

The increase in wagering is visible with the legalization of sports betting in twenty-seven states and Washington, D.C. According to David Forman, senior director of research for the American Gaming Association (AGA). Approximately 58% of the adult population in the United States today lives in states where sports betting is legal. 

Bettors legally wagered nearly $27 billion on sports, generating more than $350 million in federal, state, and local taxes. Discover ranks fourth in overall market share with 6.4% but is a big player in the number of transactions processed, with a 9.7 percent market share for those who have wagered online within the past year. 

According to Goldman Sachs, the combination of legislative initiatives and increased consumer adoption could propel online sports betting from $900 million in 2021 to a $39 billion market in 2033, representing a 40% CAGR over the next decade.

Depositing With Discover Card Before Each Season

If you plan on using a credit card for online gambling, make sure you set up a withdrawal option that doesn’t charge fees, like a Play+ card or a bank account for ACH transfers.

Plan your sports betting season in advance. First, find a sportsbook that has the best betting options for that sport. Next, deposit before the season begins to establish your account.

Deposit a lump sum of money at the beginning of a season. Then, budget future deposits throughout the season. Try to continue living off your winnings.

Remember, no matter where your permanent address or billing address is, you will be geolocated when betting online. Make all your bets when you are within a state that allows for legal sports betting.

Before You Deposit

  1. Gather your card, billing address, and ID card or USA state driver’s license.
  2. Some sportsbooks require a faxed or scanned written authorization. Download from customer service or the cashier page.
  3. First deposits with Discover Card are limited to fixed dollar amounts. You will be able to deposit more often after establishing a relationship.

Discover Card Sports Betting FAQs

Can I place bets legally with Discover Credit and Debit Cards?

Yes, you can deposit to a legal US sportsbook and place bets.

Are Discover Card deposits instant?

Yes, after a brief review of several seconds to a few minutes.

Are Discover Card deposits limited?

Yes, most sports betting sites limit initial deposits until you’ve established a good relationship with them.

What is a common max credit Discover Card deposit?

Between $1,000-$1,500 with some allowing for up to $2,500.

How to deposit if my Discover Card gets declined?

Try your Visa or Mastercard. Also, bank account transfers, online banking, PayPal, bank wires, money transfers, and cash-at-cage are all good backup deposit options.

How to increase Discover Card deposit limit?

Much like a line of credit, consistent customer behavior can increase your deposit limit.

Are Discover Card betting deposits cash advances or credit?

This varies, check with Discover first to avoid unwanted fees.

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