The ban would impact everything related to gambling and betting
Illinois lawmakers are moving to tighten gambling regulations with a new proposal that would ban the use of credit cards for all gambling-related purchases in the state. House Bill 4149, introduced by Representatives Curtis Tarver and Marti Deuter, aims to prevent bettors from using borrowed money for activities such as sports betting, casino gaming, and lottery ticket purchases. The bill’s sponsors say the measure is about promoting financial responsibility and reducing gambling-related harm.
If passed, the law would create one of the broadest credit card restrictions in US gambling. It would apply to both online and in-person transactions, ensuring that players cannot use credit cards to place bets or withdraw cash advances from gambling venues. Supporters of the bill argue that the change is necessary to help protect vulnerable players who may fall into debt by chasing losses with borrowed funds.
Research cited by lawmakers shows that people who gamble with credit cards are more likely to develop compulsive gambling habits and face higher financial stress. Similar bans in countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Belgium have been credited with reducing gambling-related debt and helpline calls. Representative Deuter said the initiative is meant to promote “responsibility and transparency” by cutting off easy access to credit while gambling.
Currently, Illinois already restricts credit card use for online sports betting, but not for casinos or the state lottery. House Bill 4149 would unify those rules, ensuring a consistent approach across all gambling sectors. The legislation could serve as a model for other states considering similar reforms.
Across the US, several jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, Tennessee and Vermont, have already outlawed credit card gambling transactions. With Illinois joining the conversation, the push for stricter consumer protections in gambling continues to gain ground both domestically and internationally.
