Illinois Moves to Ban Credit Card Use for Sports Betting

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has approved proposed regulations that would ban the use of credit cards to fund sports betting accounts in Illinois, as part of efforts to enhance responsible gambling practices.

Illinois Gaming Board Advances New Rules 

According to IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter, the Board determined that prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund sports wagering accounts represents a justified and meaningful step forward for sports wagering in Illinois. He also noted that a growing body of recent research supports the idea that limiting credit card use for betting helps promote responsible gambling and reduce the risks associated with compulsive gambling.

Fruchter further emphasized that problem gamblers are especially vulnerable, with studies indicating a troubling tendency among compulsive gamblers to rely on credit cards to place bets.

The IGB also approved a rule explicitly permitting casino patrons to use digital casino accounts or wallets to place wagers, withdraw electronic credits, fund bets, and cash out remaining balances. These accounts would remain subject to the credit card ban, Self-Exclusion Program controls, age restrictions, and anti-money laundering protections.

Another rule adopted during the April 24 meeting introduces specific record-keeping requirements for video gaming sales agents and brokers, aligning them with the retention standards already in place for other licensees. According to the IGB, this measure is intended to enhance transparency and integrity by adding further controls and compliance mechanisms to sales agent operations.

Speaking of video games and in-game purchases, there has been much talk that the practice is akin to wagering and, therefore, is supposed to be subject to regulation. Many have warned that loot boxes that can be bought using real money have contributed to the increase in gambling addiction amongst younger people. For example, recently, FIFA has been blamed for contributing to underage gambling in the UK. 

What Else Did Fruchter Say?

The IGB Administrator further stated that the new rules reflect the Board’s continued efforts to assess and refine policies, procedures, and practices to adapt to the evolving gaming landscape. He emphasized that these changes are aimed at upholding Illinois’ strong standards for ethics, innovation, competition, integrity, compliance, safety, and overall success.

While the new rules have been unanimously voted by the IGB, there’s still a public comment period of at least 45 days. These new rules will be reviewed further by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), and there will also be another IGB meeting on June 5, 2025, to further buff out details.