Maine Lawmakers Advance Credit Card Gambling Ban

Maine lawmakers have approved legislation that would block the use of credit cards for sports betting and online gaming, sending the proposal to Governor Janet Mills for a final decision. The bill, known as LD 2080, cleared the Legislature on March 25 after gaining support in the Senate.

If enacted, the measure would prevent gambling operators and their partners from accepting wagers funded by credit cards. It would also require regulators to ensure payment systems across mobile apps, websites, and retail betting locations reject such transactions.

The proposal comes as Maine prepares to launch its online casino market while reviewing other gambling policies, including a separate effort targeting sweepstakes casinos.

Expanded Scope Reflects Online Gambling Concerns

Originally introduced in January by Rep. Marc Malon, the bill applied only to sports betting. A committee amendment later extended it to internet gaming, aligning with the state’s expansion into online wagering.

Malon described the measure as a balance between economic benefits and safeguards. He said, “Legal and regulated gaming creates jobs and provides significant revenue to our state. But as the popularity of sports wagering grows and as iGaming comes online, the Legislature must prioritize measures that balance sports betting’s economic benefits with modest guardrails to protect Mainers from addiction and falling into debt. This bill strikes that balance.”

Lawmakers link the timing to increased access to mobile betting, where easy credit use can heighten risks of overspending. The bill allows alternative payment methods such as debit cards, bank transfers, and cash.

Enforcement and Implementation Challenges

LD 2080 requires operators to update payment systems, including digital wallets and kiosks, to block credit card transactions. Regulators would oversee compliance and create rules to enforce the restriction.

Implementation may be difficult due to complex payment networks. Transactions can draw from multiple funding sources, making it harder to confirm whether credit is involved. Third-party processors add further complications, requiring stronger oversight and coordination.

Earlier testimony highlighted similar issues. Maine Gambling Control Unit Executive Director Milton Champion noted existing bans on credit cards for certain casino activities while acknowledging limits in tracking transactions through external platforms.

Broader Consumer Protection Efforts

The bill reflects concerns about problem gambling and financial risk. Lawmakers cite research linking credit access to increased betting harm by enabling spending beyond available funds. The measure aims to reduce debt-related risks by requiring wagers to be funded with existing money.

Maine is also advancing LD 2007 to restrict sweepstakes casinos, signaling broader scrutiny of gambling as legal options expand.

Other states, including Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Vermont, already prohibit credit card gambling, while Iowa and New Hampshire apply partial limits. Industry practices are shifting as well, with major operators moving away from credit-based deposits after regulatory action.

Governor Mills has yet to announce whether she will sign LD 2080 into law. Regardless of the outcome, the debate signals a growing focus on consumer safeguards as online gambling continues to expand.

Source:

"Maine advances bill to ban credit cards for online gambling", sigma.world, March 27, 2026