Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne Fontana says he will soon introduce a bill that would ban the use of credit cards in online gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne Fontana announced that he plans to introduce a bill that would make it illegal to use credit cards for online gambling. The legislation would cover the state’s gaming gamut, including online casino games, sports betting, fantasy sports and online lotteries. Fontana doesn’t mention poker, but one can assume that’s included as well.
“Blind Credit Card Balances”
“Online gaming and sports betting are growing dramatically, especially among young people,” Senator Fontana said. His website Friday. “At the same time, credit card debt is increasing. So we need to ensure that increased access to gambling does not burden or hamper credit card balances.
in Senate co-sponsorship memorandum Last week, Fontana expressed concern about rising credit card debt and problem gambling. He cited the Pennsylvania State University’s 2022 Online Gaming Report which found that 36% of those who gambled online reported “at least one” gambling problem.
Credit cards provide easier access to money for gambling, which in turn can contribute to gambling addiction and increased credit card debt.
Senator Fontana did not provide a specific date on when he would introduce the bill, but only said it would happen “soon.” March is a good guess, as Fontana noted is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
