Maine lawmakers have approved legislation that would prevent the use of credit cards for sports betting and online gambling, sending the measure to Governor Janet Mills for final consideration. The proposal, known as LD 2080, cleared the Legislature on March 25 after gaining support in the Senate.
If enacted, the bill would require operators and their service providers to reject any wagers funded by credit cards. It also directs regulators to ensure payment systems block such transactions across mobile apps, websites, and physical betting locations.
Expanded Bill Targets Online And Retail Betting
Rep. Marc Malon introduced the legislation in January as a sports betting measure before lawmakers broadened its scope. The updated version now applies to both sports wagering and internet gaming as the state prepares to roll out its iGaming market.
Malon framed the proposal as a way to support the state’s growing gambling sector while limiting financial risks. “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.”
Under the revised language, the restriction applies to all gambling channels. Operators must adjust their systems so credit cards cannot be used through digital wallets, mobile platforms, or in-person kiosks. Players would still be able to fund accounts through debit cards, bank transfers, cash, or prepaid options that do not rely on borrowed funds.
Focus On Reducing Debt And Problem Gambling
Lawmakers tied the measure to concerns about the risks associated with easy access to credit. The expansion of mobile betting has increased the ability to place wagers at any time, raising worries about compulsive behavior and financial strain.
The bill aims to limit those risks by ensuring that gambling activity relies on available funds rather than borrowed money. Credit-based betting can lead to accumulating debt, repeated attempts to recover losses, and longer-term financial consequences. By removing credit cards as a payment method, the legislation introduces a safeguard intended to curb overspending.
At the same time, Maine legislators continue to examine broader gambling regulations. Earlier in the month, the Senate passed LD 2007, which seeks to ban sweepstakes casinos that operate using dual-currency systems.
Enforcement Challenges And Industry Shift
Implementing the credit card ban may require technical adjustments. Payment systems often draw from multiple funding sources, including linked credit accounts, which can complicate verification. Regulators would need to establish oversight measures and work with payment providers to ensure compliance.
The proposal aligns with a wider shift across the United States. Several states, including Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Vermont, already prohibit credit card use for gambling, while others apply partial restrictions.
Major operators have also begun moving away from credit-based deposits. DraftKings stopped accepting credit cards in August 2025 after facing regulatory penalties in Massachusetts. FanDuel followed on March 2, ending credit card deposits across its betting products nationwide.
Source:
“Maine advances bill to ban credit cards for online gambling“, sigma.world, March 27, 2026
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