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State of Play: Illinois lawmakers are advancing a bill to ban the use of credit cards for lottery tickets and casino ATM withdrawals, aiming to enhance player protections.
The move highlights growing concerns about the risks of gambling on credit amidst rising awareness of problem gambling behaviors.
House Bill 4149, introduced by Representatives Curtis Tarver and Marti Deuter, seeks to prevent the use of credit cards for purchasing lottery tickets and cash advances within casinos. Under the proposed amendment, no lottery ticket may be sold on a credit basis, addressing concerns that the current practice contributes to gambling-related harms. Illinois online casinos remain illegal, though there is a chance that could change in the future. There have been discussions over the legalization of real-money online casinos the last few years, so a legalization effort could happen soon.
The Illinois Lottery currently permits credit card transactions for lottery purchases, which the new legislation would eliminate. Furthermore, the bill aims to extend existing regulations that already ban credit card funding for online sportsbooks, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to curb problematic gambling practices.
If Illinois House Bill 4149 passes, it could prompt further regulatory discussions surrounding responsible gaming practices in Illinois.
Illinois already bans using credit cards at online sportsbooks
Under the proposed amendment, no lottery ticket purchased online or at a retail store could be paid for with a credit card. A handful of states have enacted similar bans concerning lottery sales. The Illinois Lottery currently permits credit card transactions on all lottery purchases. Illinois is one of the few states in the US to have an online lottery.
The bill aims to extend existing regulations that already ban credit card funding for online sportsbooks, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to curb problematic gambling practices.
By restricting credit card use, the state aims to mitigate risks associated with gambling addiction, particularly for vulnerable players. Reports indicate that regulated access to funds can reduce gambling-related issues, as research supports the notion that restrictions on credit usage may help prevent compulsive gambling behaviors.
What does the credit card ban mean for the future?
Looking ahead, if House Bill 4149 passes, it could prompt further regulatory discussions surrounding responsible gaming practices in Illinois. Stakeholders in the gaming industry should prepare for adjustments in compliance and operational practices, while players can expect a more protective framework surrounding their gambling activities.
This move may also set a precedent for other states considering similar measures, thereby contributing to a nationwide evolving landscape of responsible gaming regulations.
Based on reporting by Devin O’Connor for Casino.org.
