New law in Maine bans the use of credit cards in online wagers.

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed a new strict gambling law on Friday that would ban the use of credit cards in online wagers.

The law is meant to be “part of a greater move to protect consumers from gambling addictions.”

The law will prevent gambling operators from accepting credit cards as a method to fund internet gaming, also known as iGaming, and sports wagering.

“Although it has been economically successful, we want to make sure that we establish reasonable safeguards so that Mainers can participate without falling prey to addiction.”

There are two gambling companies in Maine with online sports wagering: Caesars Palace and DraftKings.

DraftKings already has a rule in place that prohibits the use of credit cards for gambling.

Caesars Palace, however, has its own branded credit card that “encourages” users to utilize reward points for their wagers, the governor said.

Supporters of the law have found that using credit cards in online betting and sports gambling can lead to higher wagering amounts and increased gambling activity.

They also found that this can create significant financial consequences since debt can be easily accumulated with credit cards.

The move marks Maine as one of nine states to implement a law banning the use of credit cards, including its New England neighbors New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Operators who violate this new rule are subject to fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

The money collected from fines will go to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, which supports gambling addiction analysis, prevention and treatment.

Other states have made recent moves to crack down on gambling.

A law went into effect on Wednesday in California targeting blackjack-style and player-dealer games, effectively banning them from non-tribal card rooms.

Casinos that are situated on tribal land will not be impacted and can still offer blackjack-style games.

Card rooms have been left fearing they could lose out on most of their revenue because of the new law.

City leaders have spoken out saying the law’s impact will go beyond casinos.

“This is police, parks and recreation, senior and youth programs, crossing guards and our community family services,” said Bell Gardens City Manager Michael O’Kelly.

Both the cities of Bell Gardens and Commerce have added a measure to their ballots in June that would raise sales taxes to ensure an increase in revenue with the new law.

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat

https://www.the-sun.com/news/16191033/gambling-law-credit-card-ban-maine/