Illinois lawmakers push to ban credit cards for gambling
Illinois Representatives Curtis Tarver and Marti Deuter have introduced House Bill 4149, which seeks to prohibit the use of credit cards for all forms of gambling, including sports betting, casino gaming, and lottery purchases. The bill aims to mitigate gambling-related financial risks by preventing individuals from using borrowed funds to place bets.
Lawmakers behind the bill
Curtis Tarver, who represents Chicago’s South Side, and Marti Deuter, a newly elected member of the Illinois legislature, are the driving forces behind House Bill 4149. Tarver has long advocated for financial responsibility, while Deuter’s policy interests span public safety and mental health. Together, they aim to reduce financial harm by restricting the use of credit cards for gambling. They argue that gambling with borrowed money increases financial risk and that the proposed legislation encourages responsible behaviour.
As Deuter stated, “Accessing gambling funds through credit creates an unnecessary layer of risk. This proposal is about responsibility and transparency.”
What House Bill 4149 proposes
House Bill 4149 proposes a comprehensive ban on the use of credit cards for all gambling activities in Illinois, including both online and in-person sports betting, casino gaming, and lottery ticket purchases. The bill also seeks to prohibit credit card cash advances at gambling venues, addressing the common workaround of withdrawing funds via ATMs to finance gambling.
The bill specifically states, “No person shall sell a ticket or share at a price greater than that fixed by rule or regulation of the Department. No person other than a licensed lottery sales agent or distributor shall sell or resell lottery tickets or shares. No person shall charge a fee to redeem a winning ticket or share. No person shall sell a lottery ticket or share on a credit basis.”
Role of credit cards in gambling addiction
Credit cards can prolong gambling sessions, reinforcing reward-seeking behaviour and increasing the risk of financial loss. The ease of access to borrowed funds allows individuals to gamble beyond their means, often leading to debt and compulsive spending.
Studies indicate that individuals who use credit to gamble are twice as likely to develop problem gambling habits. The UK’s Gambling Commission found that banning credit cards significantly reduced gambling-related debt and crisis calls. Similar outcomes have been reported in Sweden and Belgium.
Current gambling laws in Illinois
Illinois currently restricts credit card use for online sports betting under regulations set by the Illinois Gaming Board. However, casinos and lottery outlets are subject to less stringent rules. House Bill 4149 aims to standardise these regulations across all gambling formats. The bill treats both online and in-person gambling equally, prohibiting credit card use in all cases.
If passed, House Bill 4149 could position Illinois as a leader in responsible gambling regulation. Other states are closely monitoring the bill’s progress. As gambling continues to expand across the United States, there is growing interest in measures that address financial risk and consumer protection.
Comparison with other states
Although there is no federal restriction, several states have implemented laws prohibiting the use of credit cards for gambling. These include Illinois, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Oregon, Iowa, and Vermont. In April 2025, Illinois banned credit card deposits for sports betting. New York, Connecticut, and Delaware have already enacted similar legislation, with New York considering further restrictions on the use of digital wallets. In August 2025, DraftKings voluntarily ceased supporting credit card payments nationwide, citing concerns over financial risk and consumer protection.
Global trends in credit card gambling restrictions
Several countries have taken steps to combat consumer debt by banning the use of credit cards for gambling. In April 2020, the United Kingdom implemented a full prohibition following studies linking harmful behaviour to credit card gambling. Australia tightened its online gambling regulations in 2024. Brazil enacted a similar restriction in January 2025 as part of its regulated betting framework. Sweden plans to introduce broader regulations in April 2026, covering all forms of credit use, including third-party loans and overdrafts. Other European nations, such as Ireland and the Netherlands, are considering similar policies, citing consumer protection and debt prevention as key motivations.
Stay in the loop and join the biggest iGaming Community in the world with SiGMA’s Top 10 news countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates from the world’s iGaming authority and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
