The wave of sports betting is washing across America, with eight states now allowing the practice and several more considering similar legislation. It’s a phenomenon whose popularity is growing only larger — even if some banks in the United States have yet to fully embrace or understand it.

Which is why many Americans trying to deposit money into sportsbooks find themselves denied by their own banks, even if sports betting is legal in the state they’re in.

Since banks are federally regulated and sports betting is being legalized on a state-by-state basis, some banks simply deny the transaction out of an abundance of caution, trying to prevent what they see as a multi-jurisdictional headache.

PointsBet Offers A Solution

Now, legal sports bettors who find their transactions declined have another option: an ‘EML’ card from PointsBet, a regulated online sportsbook founded in Australia in 2017 and now licensed in New Jersey.

Bettors can deposit money to the card and begin wagering immediately, enjoying a seamless funding experience without the potential hassle that comes with dealing with a traditional bank.

Bettors can place as much money as desired onto the card, which is reloadable and allows immediate access to real-time payouts.

The product of a partnership between PointsBet and EML Payments Limited, a leading provider of prepayment services on three continents, the card also comes with the added bonus of acting like a regular debit card.

The PointsBet EML card can be used to make purchases at any place that accepts MasterCard, and also used to withdraw cash at ATMs.

Continuing to Evolve

Individual states have been able to authorize sports gambling since the 25-year-old Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was struck down by the Supreme Court in May 2018.

Since then, seven states have joined Nevada in legalizing the practice, and New York and Arkansas are close to doing the same. Multiple other states are exploring legislation that could potentially legalize the practice elsewhere.

The EML card is the next step in the evolution of PointsBet, which since opening to bettors in New Jersey has signed former NBA star Allen Iverson and former NFL star Darrelle Revis as brand ambassadors, and partnered with the popular entertainment venue TopGolf.

In New Jersey, TopGolf locations will include a PointsBet bar where customers can enjoy sports betting experiences. The EML card will also likely be integrated into the TopGolf partnership, and co-branded events such as hole-in-one contests will also be held at New Jersey TopGolf locations.

Signing up for an EML card requires only visiting the PointsBet website and signing up for an account. Account holders can then go to the deposit page and select “PointsBet card” and “request now.” An email will be sent with further instruction