Focusing on Sensible Gambling in Illinois
Illinois Authority Prohibits Credit Card Transactions for Sports Gambling
Hey there! The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is taking a firm stance on responsible gambling, and one of their latest initiatives involves restricting the use of credit cards to fund sports betting accounts. This move comes as states across the U.S. jump on the sports wagering bandwagon, with Illinois launching the practice in March 2020, following 13 other states. Interestingly, none of these earlier states prohibited the use of credit cards for sports wagering [1].
Embracing Responsible Gambling: Six States Ahead
As of April 2025, sports betting is now legal in over 40 states. Massachusetts, Iowa, and Tennessee, alongside Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire, are among those who have already outlawed the use of credit cards for funding sports betting accounts [4]. The IGB is currently reviewing the existing sports wagering landscape and rules to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement [1].
"Prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund sports wagering accounts is a smart move that will undeniably contribute to responsible gambling," shared Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter [1]. Research indicates that restricting credit usage for wagering encourages responsible gambling and helps curb the negative impacts of compulsive gambling [1].
Innovation and Compliance: The IGB's New Rules
The IGB is also introducing two new regulations that aim to enhance the gambling experience in Illinois. Firstly, cashless wagering could soon become a reality in all 17 Illinois casinos. The proposed amendments to the current Casino Rule 3000.600 will allow patrons to use a digital casino account or wallet for wagering, withdrawals, funding wagers, and cashing out remaining credits [1]. This innovative approach will also be subject to the IBG's credit card ban, anti-money laundering safeguards, and other compliance measures [1].
Secondly, the IGB is introducing record retention requirements for video gaming sales agents and brokers [1]. This proposed amendment to Video Gaming Rule 1800.265 will harmonize record-keeping obligations with those of other licensees, adding additional layers of control and compliance for sales agent activities [1].
These new rules are undergoing the public comment and approval process at the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) [1].
"Our new rules are part of the IGB's ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of ethics, innovation, competition, integrity, compliance, safety, and success in Illinois' gaming industry," said Administrator Fruchter [1].
A Warning About Unregulated Gambling
The IGB urges Illinois residents to steer clear of unregulated online and retail gambling operators such as sweepstakes casinos and offshore operators that may offer slot machines, casino games, and sports betting [1]. These unregulated platforms can pose significant risks and may compromise the responsible gambling initiatives that the IGB is striving to achieve.
- In Illinois, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is evaluating the effectiveness of current sports betting rules and seeking areas for improvement to promote responsible gambling.
- The IGB is introducing two new regulations to enhance the gambling experience in Illinois, including the potential for cashless wagering in all 17 casinos and record retention requirements for video gaming sales agents.
- The proposed cashless wagering system will allow patrons to use a digital account or wallet for wagering, withdrawals, funding wagers, and cashing out remaining credits, while still adhering to the IGB's credit card ban, anti-money laundering safeguards, and other compliance measures.
- The IGB is also encouraging Illinois residents to avoid unregulated gambling operators such as sweepstakes casinos and offshore operators, warning that these platforms can pose significant risks and compromise responsible gambling initiatives.
- In light of these new regulations, Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter of the IGB has expressed that the board is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, innovation, competition, integrity, compliance, safety, and success in Illinois' gaming industry.
- Sports betting is now legal in over 40 states, with Illinois launching the practice in March 2020. Massachusetts, Iowa, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire are among the states that have already outlawed the use of credit cards for funding sports betting accounts.
