Virginia’s House of Delegates passed HB 515 by 94–3 on 28 January, sending the measure to the Senate. The bill would bar the Virginia Lottery from allowing sportsbooks to accept credit card deposits or withdrawals; sponsor Del. Marty Martinez said it aims to discourage gambling with borrowed money.
If enacted, the bill would require sportsbooks in Virginia to stop accepting credit card deposits and withdrawals.
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It was reported that Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission recommended banning credit-card gambling deposits. Its report also proposed voluntary spending limits and tighter advertising restrictions; the recommendations have not become law.
Pennsylvania lawmakers led by Representatives Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick proposed bills to tighten online gambling rules. The proposals would limit deposits within a 24-hour period, prohibit credit-card funding and bar marketing to people on the self-exclusion list; the package also addresses advertising and prevention funding.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission proposed rule changes that could prohibit credit-card deposits at online sportsbooks in Ohio. Colorado lawmakers are also reviewing a bill to bar credit-card funding of gambling accounts, while BetMGM said it would phase out new credit-card use from 31 March after discussions with Pennsylvania regulators. Caesars ended credit-card deposits on its US online sportsbook, casino and poker platforms in April.
Colorado senators approved an amended Senate Bill 117 on 23 April by a 22–13 vote and sent it to the House, where it went to the Finance Committee. The bill would prohibit credit-card purchases of lottery products but no longer restrict online instant games; the Colorado Lottery Commission opposes the measure, and the article says Governor Jared Polis may veto it.
Maine lawmakers sent LD2080, a bill barring credit-card wagers in sports betting and internet gaming, to Governor Janet Mills for approval, according to the report. The proposal would also require identity, age and location checks, and refunds for wagers placed by people barred from gambling. The Gambling Control Unit would enforce the requirements if the bill becomes law.