Maine Passes Bill to Ban Credit Card Use in Online Gaming
Maine lawmakers have approved LD 2080, a bill that would prohibit the use of credit cards for both online gambling and sports betting, sending the measure to Governor Janet Mills for final consideration. The proposal represents a targeted effort to reduce financial harm associated with gambling, particularly as the state prepares to expand its iGaming market.
Originally introduced in January 2026 by Rep. Marc Malon, the bill was first aimed at sports betting but later expanded to include online casino gaming. The move reflects growing concern among legislators about the risks tied to easy access to credit in an increasingly digital gambling environment.
Comprehensive Ban Across All Gambling Channels
LD 2080 established a broad prohibition on credit card use for gambling transactions. The restriction applies across all channels, including mobile apps, digital platforms, physical locations, and self-service kiosks. Operators and their management service providers would be required to reflect any wagers funded by credit cards.
The bill also places responsibility on operators to enforce the ban through their systems. This includes updating payment infrastructure across websites, mobile apps, digital wallets, and in-person terminals to automatically block credit-based transactions.
While the legislation focuses specifically on credit cards, it does not eliminate other payment methods. Players would still be able to fund their accounts using debit cards, bank transfers, cash, and prepaid options, provided these are not linked to credit sources.
In addition, the bill introduces broader operational requirements. Systems must verify bettor identity and age, confirm that users are physically located within Maine, and ensure that individuals prohibited from gambling cannot place wagers. If such a bet occurs, operators are required to issue a refund.
If the LD 2080 bill is approved, the use of credit cards would be banned for online gaming in Maine.
Strengthening Consumer Protection Measures
Consumer protection is at the core of LD 2080. Lawmakers have raised concerns that constant access to online betting, combined with the ability to use borrowed funds, can increase the risk of compulsive gambling and financial strain.
By removing credit cards as a funding option, the bill aims to:
- Reduce the likelihood of gambling with borrowed money
- Limit the accumulation of high-interest debt
- Encourage more responsible spending behavior
The legislation also requires operators to promote responsible gaming. This includes displaying information about problem gambling resources and incorporating social responsibility measures into their platforms.
Beyond LD 2080, Maine lawmakers are also addressing related issues in the gambling sector. The state Senate has already approved LD 2007, a separate bill aimed at banning sweepstakes casinos that use dual-currency systems.
Implementation Challenges and Oversight
Despite its clear objectives, enforcing the credit card ban presents practical challenges. Modern payment systems, particularly digital wallets, often draw funds for multiple sources, including linked credit accounts. This makes it difficult to determine whether a transaction is truly credit-free.
Additional complexity arises from third-party payment processors, which can obscure the origin of funds. Regulators have acknowledged that effective enforcement will require enhanced monitoring systems, regular audits of operator compliance, and close collaboration with payment providers.
Oversight will fall under the Gambling Control Unit within the Department of Public Safety, which will be responsible for ensuring that operators adhere to the new rules.
Part of a Broader Trend
If signed into law, LD 2080 would place Maine among a growing number of states restricting or banning credit card use in gambling. States such as Massachusetts, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Tennessee have already implemented similar measures, while Virginia is considering comparable legislation.
At the same time, major operators are adjusting their policies nationwide. DraftKings ended credit card payments in August, followed by FanDuel in February across its sportsbook, casino, and racing products.
As online gambling continues to expand, both regulators and operators are placing greater emphasis on responsible gaming practices and financial safeguards.
The future of LD 2080 now depends on Governor Janet Mills, who must decide whether to sign the bill into law. If approved, the measure would introduce stricter controls on how gambling activities are funded in Maine.
