How the payment model creates exposure
Online gambling is legal only where a license allows it, and the license is tied to specific jurisdictions. A payment is acceptable only if the player is in a permitted location, of legal age and the transaction is coded so issuers can recognize it. Card networks expect gambling transactions to carry the gambling merchant category code, commonly 7995, so issuers can apply their own policies, and they require acquirers to register and monitor gambling merchants.
What underwriters usually ask for
- Gaming licenses and the jurisdictions they cover.
- Geolocation and IP controls proving where players are.
- Age and identity verification procedures.
- Responsible gambling tools and self-exclusion handling.
- Correct MCC and descriptor for gambling transactions.
- Payout methods and anti-money-laundering controls.
Controls that change the conversation
Geolocation at deposit time, robust age checks, correct coding and clear separation between gambling and non-gambling products are the core of an approvable program. Miscoding gambling as something else is treated as a serious breach of network rules. See network rules for the relevant programs and why an MCC is not a risk score.
Frequently asked questions
What MCC is used for online gambling?
Gambling transactions are commonly coded with MCC 7995 so issuers can recognize them and apply their own policies. Check current network rules for the exact codes that apply to your activity.
Can an unlicensed gambling site get a merchant account?
Legitimate acquirers require a valid license for the jurisdictions served. Processing gambling without the required license or under a different code can breach both law and card-network rules.