New Pennsylvania Bill Would Ban Credit Cards for Online Gambling

Senator Wayne Fontana of Pennsylvania has introduced Senate Bill 1159, a legislative proposal designed to prohibit the use of credit cards for funding online gambling accounts.

If passed, the bill would impose a comprehensive ban on using credit cards to fund various online gambling activities in the state, including online casinos, iLottery, daily fantasy sports, and sports betting apps.

• Fontana’s main concern centers on the rising gambling debt among young adults aged 18 to 30.

• Citing a Penn State University report, he notes that 36% of Pennsylvania gamblers report at least one gambling-related problem.

• The senator also points to the average credit card debt among Pennsylvanians, exceeding $5,600, as a further risk factor.

If enacted, Pennsylvania would join a handful of other states, including Iowa, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, in outlawing credit card funding for online gambling. However, the bill does not seek to restrict online gambling itself, but rather promote safer payment alternatives.

• Users would still be able to fund their accounts using cash deposits through PayPal and Venmo, as well as debit cards and ACH transfers.

• These methods are viewed as more controlled and transparent ways of managing gambling expenditures.

• The proposed restrictions aim to curb impulsive gambling behavior while maintaining accessibility to legal gambling platforms.

Fontana’s bipartisan approach has already gained traction, earning support from six co-sponsors, including Republican Senator Lisa Baker. This underscores the shared recognition across party lines of the need to address gambling-related harms comprehensively.

• Fontana plans to expand the bill’s support by recruiting more co-sponsors in the coming weeks.

• He is also advocating for an expedited committee hearing to move the bill forward swiftly.

• Should the bill face setbacks during the current legislative session, Fontana has vowed to reintroduce it in future sessions.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s online table games sector continues to thrive. Projected revenue for 2024 is expected to exceed $586.4 million, an increase of more than $100 million from 2023.

• Although table games don’t yet rival slot revenues, their steady growth highlights shifting player preferences.

• The expansion of live dealer offerings by operators has fueled this momentum.

• The trend reflects both industry adaptability and a growing demand for immersive online gaming experiences.

Conclusion:
Senator Fontana’s proposed bill seeks to promote responsible gambling practices by limiting high-risk payment methods while supporting the ongoing success of Pennsylvania’s online gaming industry. If passed, it would mark a significant step toward balancing player protection with sustainable market growth.