Talk of the legislation has circled for months, and finally made its appearance this week
Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced a bill that would prevent gamblers from using credit cards to fund their iGaming accounts. Senate Bill 1159 was filed on Monday and seeks to address concerns about the potential harm associated with gambling.
Senator Wayne Fontana introduced the legislation aimed at prohibiting credit card payments in online casinos, digital lotteries, daily fantasy sports and sports betting.
In early March, Fontana stated his plans to file a bill that addresses ‌using credit cards for online gambling. He stressed that credit card debt and gambling often coexist, particularly among younger adults, leading to potential risks and harm.
Senator Fontana released state data on credit card usage, indicating that the average Pennsylvanian’s credit card debt often exceeds $5,640. Based on this, the lawmaker contends that gambling should not have the potential to contribute to individuals accumulating additional debt.
Pennsylvania is not the only state taking such action. Several other US jurisdictions, such as Massachusetts, Iowa, and Tennessee, have already put similar measures into effect.
Senator Fontana is enthusiastic about passing SB 1159, expressing his conviction that it is essential for safeguarding citizens of the Keystone State from potential dangers. A recent study conducted by a local university revealed a concerning statistic, showing that 36% of individuals in Pennsylvania reported experiencing some degree of gambling-related issues.
Fontana also says he’ll re-introduce the bill next year if it fails to pass in the 2024 session.
The bill has gained bipartisan backing and is supported by six co-sponsors. Fontana, optimistic about its potential, hopes that more lawmakers will rally behind SB 1159 to increase its chances of successfully passing into law.
