Regulators across the United States that state-legalized sports betting only six years ago now consider new restrictions. The regulator in Wyoming looks to add additional protection for athletes by looking into the college player prop ban. Pennsylvania filed SB1159, which prohibits funding online gambling activities using credit cards.
Senate Bill 1159
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania seek to prohibit players from funding their online gambling accounts using credit cards. Its main sponsor, Senator Wayne D. Fontana already filed SB 1159, which calls for the banning of credit cards to fund online gambling. Fontana shared that players between ages 18 and 30 using their credit cards to gamble online increased. The state is in a partnership with online gambling operators and must prevent addiction.
Pennsylvania Gambling Statistics
The memo submitted by Fontana in March details the statistics around problem gambling. It also mentioned that Pennsylvanians, on average, have credit card debts of over $5,600. The online gambling report by Penn State University found that 36% of Pennsylvania players already reported dealing with at least one gambling problem.
Fontana fears that with greater access following the legalization of online casino games and sportsbooks, problem gambling could increase. He also reminded the audience about the substantial approach to prevent gambling addiction, which includes a problem gambling hotline.
USA States Prohibiting Credit Card Funding for Online Gambling
If SB 1159 passes legislation after generating sufficient support, Pennsylvania will join three states that prohibit the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts.
Massachusetts
Iowa
Tennessee
Senate Bill filed by State Senator Wayne Fontana prohibits cards used to fund online sports betting, online casinos, and lottery. Currently, the law in Pennsylvania allows players to use their credit cards at online casinos. However, advocates of responsible gambling say it creates a problematic situation for those who have addiction issues.
Keystone State Could Join Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Iowa
Pennsylvania could soon join the three states that banned the use of credit cards to fund online gambling activities.
Iowa Credit Card Ban
Iowa voted to ban the use of credit cards to fund sports betting after it previously halted credit cards used to purchase lottery tickets. Senator Tony Bisignano feels it is up to players to decide if they want to lose their paychecks. Although, he said he doesn’t know how long you could get away by hiding it from your family.
Credit cards make it possible to run a debt that can become unpayable. Since the ruling, the regulators in Iowa have already handed out fines worth over $200,000 to operators failing to comply with its credit card laws across the state.
Tennessee and Massachusetts Credit Card Ban
Massachusetts and Tennessee banned credit cards from being used to fund gambling right from the start. Since online sports wagering legalization in March 2023, Massachusetts has seen a few operators fail, including DraftKings, based in Boston. Last year, DraftKings punters used credit cards to fund wagers worth $83,663 in the state.
Bill 1159 Support
Assigned to the economic community and recreational development committee, should the bill pass, it will come into effect within 60 days. Responsible gambling advocates say there is significant evidence that the levels of gambling harm increase with the use of credit card funding. The number of international markets that have banned credit card funding is overwhelming.
Bill 1159 has support from both sides. Fontana is a Democrat with six co-sponsors, including Senator Lisa Baker, a Republican. Fontana said the bill is consumer protection, whether you’re Republican or Democrat.
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