SB 265: Prohibition of the Use of Credit Cards for iGaming
Overview Resources
- US Standard: There is no federal-level prohibition on using credit cards for online gambling; regulations vary between states.
- Pennsylvania Senate announcement: Sen. Wayne Fontana to Introduce Bill Banning Credit Cards for Online Gambling in PA
- Legal Sports Report coverage of the proposal: Bill Targets Credit Card Funding for PA Sports Betting and Online Gambling
- Orrick gaming update summarizing the policy: Gaming & Gambling Update
- UK regulatory example: Gambling on credit cards to be banned
Big Concept Resources
- State Standard
- Gambling as recreation with risk
- Credit cards as financed gambling (scroll to p 18 “Overview…associated risks)
- The bigger issue is responsible gambling and limiting access to borrowed money. https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/evaluation-credit-card-ban
Pros
- Govt regulates what it permits
- Credit card gambling is a loaded premise
- Internet gambling circumvents localized regulation
- Online gambling anonymity invites fraud
- Gambling risks multi-area decline
- Reduces debt and financial harm. https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/evaluation-credit-card-ban
- Supports responsible gambling rules. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51103006
Cons
- Gambling data are considered personal expenses
- Gambling transactions are not part of credit histories
- E-Payment solutions are available
- A PA gambling credit ban may trigger broad credit cancellation
- May be easy to work around. https://straighttothepoint.substack.com/p/i-dont-feel-no-different
- Could inconvenience responsible users. https://bircheshealth.com/resources/credit-cards-gambling-ban
