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Published on: October 29, 2025, at 12:12 PM.
Updated on: October 29, 2025, at 12:30 PM.
- Illinois legislature aims to prohibit credit card use for lottery ticket purchases
- The proposed legislation would also prevent credit card cash advances at casino ATMs
A newly proposed law in Illinois aims to enforce stricter regulations within the state’s gaming sector.
House Bill 4149, brought forth by Illinois Representatives Curtis Tarver (D-Chicago) and Marti Deuter (D-Elmhurst), would ban the use of credit cards for purchasing lottery tickets. Currently, the Illinois Lottery permits retailers to accept credit cards for game sales, and their website allows customers to deposit funds into their online accounts using credit cards.
The proposed amendment to the Illinois Lottery Law states: “No individual shall sell a lottery ticket or share on a credit basis.”
The existing state lottery law effectively blocks courier services such as Jackpocket and Jackpot from conducting business within Illinois. The law stipulates that “no individual shall sell a ticket or share at a price exceeding that set by regulation.”
According to the Illinois Lottery Law, “No person other than a licensed lottery sales agent or distributor may sell or resell lottery tickets or shares. No individual shall impose a fee to redeem a winning ticket or share.”
Credit Card Use in Casinos
Illinois has already enacted a ban preventing licensed online sportsbooks from allowing users to fund their wagering accounts with credit cards. This measure was put in place by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) in April.
“Research indicates that restrictions on credit use for funding betting accounts help to curb the risks associated with compulsive gambling. Individuals with gambling problems are particularly vulnerable, and studies show a frequent tendency for these individuals to utilise credit cards for betting,” remarked IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter.
Now, Tarver and Deuter are looking to ensure that patrons at any of the 17 casinos in the state cannot secure funds to gamble on credit. The proposed HB4149 would eliminate the option for casino ATMs to dispense cash via credit card transactions.
“An automated teller machine situated within a casino shall not provide cash advances from credit cards,” states the bill. “A person is prohibited from using a credit card to engage in gambling activities.”
Avoid Gambling with Credit Cards
Cash advances from credit cards carry substantial fees, typically ranging from 3% to 5% of the total withdrawal, as card issuers categorize these transactions as short-term cash loans.
“A cash advance is a temporary cash loan from your credit card issuer, providing quick access to funds without needing to apply for new credit. However, the associated costs can make it a costly option in times of need,” informs Experian.
When cash advances are conducted within a casino, fees may escalate, as banks recognize that patrons are likely to gamble these funds, leading to potential inability to repay the cash loan.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) notes that, on average, credit cards levy a 10% fee on cash advances made in casinos or for online iGaming and sports betting accounts. According to a 2022 report, major credit card issuers billed consumers $717 million in fees for $3.6 billion in credit card cash advances, averaging a fee of about $1 for every $19 spent.
Utilizing credit for gambling also entails significant risks, both in terms of problem gambling and to one’s credit rating, as explained by the CFPB.
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