Illinois Lawmakers Propose Ban on Credit Card Use for Gambling
Efforts to Ban Credit Card Gambling in Illinois
Using credit cards to gamble has long been discouraged globally, with many leading gambling jurisdictions implementing outright bans on this practice. Countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium have had restrictions against gambling with credit cards for several years.
Recently, Illinois lawmakers, Representatives Curtis Tarver and Marti Deuter, introduced House Bill 4149. This legislation aims to prohibit the use of credit cards for any form of gambling within the state. Additionally, the bill targets the use of ATMs for cash advances related to gambling, equating these transactions with credit-based gambling.
The Scope of HB 4149: Comprehensive Gambling Credit Restrictions
The proposed bill extends its restrictions to lottery games, preventing vendors from allowing purchases on credit. It clearly states that no individual or entity other than an authorized lottery sales agent or distributor can sell or resell lottery tickets or shares. Furthermore, it prohibits charging fees for redeeming winning tickets and insists that lottery transactions must not be conducted on credit.
HB 4149 recognizes that while land-based casinos in Illinois do not permit credit card use directly, they do provide ATMs that accept credit cards to dispense cash advances, effectively enabling credit spending for gambling. The bill seeks to close this loophole by banning such ATM transactions for gambling purposes.
Given that the Illinois Gaming Board has already implemented comparable restrictions on using credit cards for sports betting, it is plausible that this bill or a similar measure will gain traction. Several other states have introduced comparable limits to help reduce gambling-related financial harm.
Credit Card Gambling Restrictions Across the United States
Various states in the U.S. have enacted prohibitions on credit card gambling for different reasons. In states like Tennessee, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island, the use of credit cards to place bets is not permitted.
Despite credit cards being a fundamental part of the U.S. financial system and culture, their role in funding gambling activities raises concerns. This has led regulators to view restrictions as necessary in order to protect consumers from gambling-related financial risks.
International Perspectives on Credit Card Gambling
Looking beyond the U.S., European countries continue to lead in regulating credit-based gambling. For instance, Sweden has recently expanded its restrictions, introducing broad limitations on gambling using credit beyond just credit cards. Such measures reflect growing international recognition of the potential harms associated with credit-funded gambling.
