Pennsylvania, one of the states where the gambling industry thrives, with combined gaming revenue of $554,625,294 for March 2024, is considering banning credit card usage for gambling.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1159, sponsored by Senator Wayne Fontana, was introduced on April 22, 2024, and referred to the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. If the bill becomes a law, Pennsylvania gamblers would no longer be allowed to fund their online casino, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and lottery accounts via credit cards.
Senator Fontana, along with the other cosponsors of the measure, including senators Timothy Kearney, James Brewster, Amanda Cappelletti, Lisa Baker, Jay Costa, and Jimmy Dillon, seek to curb compulsive gambling.
Resorting to funds that gamblers do not own to chase losses would no longer be possible. The measure might prove a well-timed one, considering WalletHub’s recently released report. According to it, Pennsylvania ranks fifth on the list of most gambling-addicted states.
As reported by Sports Handle, the Senator commented on the piece of legislation: “All you do is get deeper and deeper in, and you chase. That’s what happens in gambling; you’re chasing your losses unless you have some discipline. Hopefully, some of that discipline is not being able to use a credit card.”
The majority of US states, however, have no limitations in place regarding the use of credit cards for gambling. Jurisdictions, where this practice has already been introduced include Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. Across the ocean, the United Kingdom endorsed a similar ban back in 2020.
”Gambling and Credit Card Debt Often Go Hand in Hand”
As mentioned above, the proposed legislation has been referred to the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. Senator Fontana shared his hopes that both chambers would promptly approve the bill.
Unlike other states, where the legislative sessions come to a close during the spring, the one in Pennsylvania winds up in November, leaving proponents of the measure hopeful that it might get approved. While there are chances for an unfavorable turn of events for the bill to become a law during the current legislative session, the Senator affirmed his intentions to reintroduce it again.
He further commented that “…gambling and credit card debt often go hand in hand. The ease and convenience of being able to gamble from the comforts of your home any time or day can create the perfect storm.”
Senator Fontana’s proposal presents a concern for gambling operators, as it would potentially lead to a decrease in deposits. However, considering the most recent gaming financial report for March 2024, the Senator asserted they would have the economic potential to overcome the challenge.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board keeps on monitoring the compliance with problem gambling guidelines of regulated entities operating within the state. According to the latest press release by the regulatory authority, a fine of $10,000 was imposed on Washington Trotting Association, LLC, operator of Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington County. The company has allowed an individual on the Board’s Self-Exclusion List “to gamble at slot machines and cash checks.”
