Illinois to Prohibit Use of Credit Cards for Sports Betting

Summary

• Illinois has proposed extending the ban on credit card use to include sports gambling.
• The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approved the measure, but public consultation must be completed first.
• Illinois currently prohibits the use of credit cards in casinos.

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Illinois is set to ban the use of credit cards for sports gambling, a decision celebrated as groundbreaking by advocates of responsible gambling. Last week, the Illinois Gaming Board, which regulates the industry in the state, unanimously supported this measure.

Illinois expands credit card use ban to sports gambling

The Board acknowledged that, although five years have passed since the introduction of regulated sports gambling in the state, there is still room for improvement, particularly concerning consumer protection. Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter commented that focusing on responsible gambling is a sensible approach to minimize potential negative effects associated with the activity.

Fruchter noted. He also mentioned that when sports gambling was initially launched in Illinois, other states with similar regulations permitted the use of credit cards. However, the industry needs to adjust, as credit card bans are typically linked to reduced overall spending on gambling. Additionally, a proposed tax increase on sports gambling in 2024 contributes to concerns among regulated companies in Illinois, who are preparing for slower growth and less lucrative outcomes. The proposal to ban credit card usage for sports gambling has not yet been adopted. It will be submitted to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Index Department, after which it will be published in the Illinois Register for a 45-day public feedback period before any further action is taken.

Jurisdictions around the world take a hard stance against credit cards in gambling

Illinois is not expected to face significant opposition on the issue, especially since the state already prohibits credit card use in its casinos, which is arguably a more challenging activity to regulate. Using credit cards for gambling is associated with increased gambling-related harm. Worldwide, countries like Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Australia have prohibited using credit cards for sports betting, casino, and online gambling activities.