States Crack Down on Sports Betting, Targeting Credit Cards and College Player Props

Several American states are contemplating enacting fresh regulations for wagering.

Following the legalization of sports betting in certain states six years ago, legislators and gambling regulators are increasingly focusing on safeguarding gamblers and athletes. Last week, some states initiated discussions regarding legislation that would prohibit the utilization of credit cards for funding online gambling accounts and ban wagers on collegiate athletes.

Next week, Wyoming will commence an examination of enhanced athlete protection measures, potentially encompassing a prohibition on bets involving college athletes.

Last week, a Pennsylvania senator, Wayne Fontana, presented a bill aimed at preventing the use of credit cards for depositing funds into any online gambling platform, including casinos, lotteries, and sports betting. Currently, Pennsylvania law permits the use of credit cards for gambling activities; however, gambling addiction support organizations contend that this practice is detrimental, as it exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals struggling with gambling problems.

An advocate for individuals grappling with gambling addiction remarked, “There is substantial evidence demonstrating the detrimental effects of credit card usage for gambling.” He further emphasized that a majority of nations with gambling regulations have implemented restrictions on credit card utilization for wagering.

This legislation in Pennsylvania will take effect in sixty days and has been transmitted to the Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee. If approved, Pennsylvania will join a small number of states, including Iowa, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, that do not permit credit card wagering.

The NCAA’s proposal to prohibit player props is gaining traction.
While credit card prohibitions safeguard consumers, legislators and regulators are also seeking new athlete safety measures.

In North Carolina, legal online sports betting went live in March, and the legislative session commences on April 24. According to WRAL, Representative Marcia Morey intends to introduce a bill banning college player prop wagers. The NCAA is requesting that lawmakers and regulators across the nation consider a prohibition. The association stated it would shield college athletes from harassment. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is the latest to implement a ban, which will become effective on August 1.

Responsible and problem gambling advocates also believe these types of prohibitions are another layer of athlete protection.

With the surge of sports betting, the NCAA is taking action to safeguard student-athletes from harassment and to strive to protect the integrity of the game – this week demonstrated the significance of taking action. pic.twitter.com/krATwpS4hZ

Ohio regulators prohibited college player prop wagers in February. Maryland’s ban on these types of bets took effect on March 1.

The Ohio Gaming Oversight Board declared that it is prohibiting wagering on collegiate sports figures. The regulatory body stated that Ohio is the 25th state to limit or forbid such wagers on college athletes.

Last July, the Ohio Gaming Oversight Board implemented an additional layer of athlete protection by forbidding anyone who has harassed an athlete from placing bets on them in the authorized market. The West Virginia Lottery Commission also introduced a similar regulation in February, barring harassers from wagering in the legal market.

@shelbymswanson penned an excellent piece about how prop bets affect college athletes and how social media enthusiasts and even delivery personnel harass them.

At the request of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Gaming Commission will convene an informational gathering on May 9th to commence deliberations on how to address prop bets on college athletes.

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