The Illinois Gaming Board has advanced new regulations designed to tighten oversight of gambling in the state. Among the proposed changes, the use of credit cards to fund sports wagering accounts would be strictly prohibited, aiming to promote responsible betting practices. Another significant update allows cashless wagering at all Illinois casinos, reflecting broader industry trends toward digital transactions. Additionally, video game sales agents will now be required to maintain more detailed records. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory controls and protect consumers. The rules are now under review by the Illinois General Assembly before they can take effect.
“As part of our review, we determined that prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund sports wagering accounts is a justified and impactful advancement in Illinois sports wagering,” said Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “There is a growing body of recent research showing that restrictions on credit usage to fund wagering accounts encourages responsible gambling and mitigates the harms of compulsive gambling. Problem gamblers are particularly at risk and studies have shown an often problematic willingness for compulsive gamblers to use credit cards to place bets.”
- Permit cashless wagering in all 17 Illinois casinos— The proposed amendments to current Casino Rule 3000.600 would expressly allow casino patrons to use a digital casino account or wallet to wager, withdraw electronic credits, fund wagers, and cash out remaining credits. Cashless wagering accounts would be subject to IGB requirements, including the credit card ban, Self-Exclusion Program controls, age restrictions, and anti-money laundering safeguards.
- Record Retention Requirements for Video Gaming Sales Agents— The proposed amendment to Video Gaming Rule 1800.265 would impose certain record-keeping requirements on video gaming sales agents and brokers consistent with the record retention requirements for other licensees. The new rule aims to increase transparency and integrity by introducing additional controls and compliance mechanisms for sales agent activities.
“These new rules are the product of the IGB’s ongoing work to identify and evaluate potential rules, procedures and practices for either modification or adoption to best accommodate changes in gaming and ensure that Illinois maintains high levels of ethics, innovation, competition, integrity, compliance, safety, and success,” continued Administrator Fruchter.
The IGB’s adopted rules now go to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for public comment and approval.
