Sports betting is undeniably growing in popularity — just watch Charles Barkley attempt to construct an NBA FanDuel parlay during a TNT broadcast. States are largely increasing their reach in the sports betting space, not restricting, but some are taking a harder stance on problem gambling measures. Pennsylvania is the latest state to introduce a new bill to help combat problem gambling, one that would ban credit card use at any online betting establishment.
The majority of states have no such ban on credit card deposits/withdrawals at online sportsbooks. Pennsylvania’s move is not a revolutionary one, however, as Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Tennessee have already set parameters that prohibit credit card funding in sports betting accounts. The United Kingdom bans the use of credit cards for online wagering across the board — all four constituent countries.
Though it may sound like inconvenience for inconvenience’s sake, especially for sharp bettors in Pennsylvania, it doesn’t take much taxing of the mind to see how this could help counter problem gambling. It’s easy to rack up debt on a credit card very quickly, and those with gambling problems may put themselves in a credit hole without even realizing it. Banning the practice adds at least a small measure of accountability with sports betting funds.
This Pennsylvania sports betting bill was introduced in April and will head to a Senate committee next. Unlike a number of state legislative sessions that end in the spring, Pennsylvania’s does not conclude until November, so there is plenty of time for this bill to get through.
That said, the main writer of the bill, Sen. Wayne Fontana, is trying to get the bill fast-tracked, though he also admitted it may take time to get the necessary votes.
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