Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne Fontana has announced that he plans to introduce a bill that would make the use of credit cards for online gambling illegal. The legislation would cover the gamut of gaming in the state, including online casino games, sports betting, fantasy sports, and internet lottery. Fontana did not mention poker, but one would assume that is included, as well.
“Online gaming and sports betting is growing exponentially, especially with young adults, at the same time, credit card debt is climbing. So, we need to make sure the greater access to gambling isn’t leading to burdensome or crippling credit card balances.” said Senator Fontana on his website Friday.
In a Senate Co-Sponsorship Memorandum last week, Fontana expressed concern for both rising credit card debt and problem gambling. He cited the 2022 Online Gaming Report by Penn State University that found that 36% of those who gambled online reported “at least one” gambling problem.
Credit cards provide easier access to funds for gambling, which, in turn, can contribute to gambling addiction and increased credit card debt.
Senator Fontana did not provide an exact date as to when he would introduce the bill, though, only saying that it would happen “soon.” March is a good guess, as Fontana noted that it is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
