Bank of Ireland introduces card blocks to tackle gambling
In a bid to support customers struggling with problem gambling, Bank of Ireland has introduced a voluntary feature that allows debit card holders to block payments to gambling operators.
The new tool is designed to improve financial wellbeing and can be applied to both personal and business debit cards. It blocks transactions to online casinos, betting shops, slot machines, and lottery websites.
Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, said: “This initiative we are launching is designed to help customers take positive steps to improve control over their finances. It also furthers Bank of Ireland’s ambition to improve the financial wellbeing of our customers and communities, especially those going through difficult times.”
Oisín McConville from GamblingCare.ie , saying: “Measures such as this are very welcome, as we can see from the latest gambling spend insights that betting amongst younger people is on the rise.“
“In order to combat the scourge of problem gambling, a wide range of supports are essential to prevent the issue becoming overwhelming for those impacted. The introduction by Bank of Ireland of gambling blocks is another step in the right direction and will further safeguard their customers.”
How does it work?
The block stops all payments identified as being made to gambling companies. This includes:
- In-store and online transactions (excluding Open Banking)
- Chip and PIN and contactless payments
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
The block can be applied to both personal and business debit cards, and the bank plans to extend it to credit cards in the coming months. Customers in the Republic of Ireland can activate the block by calling 1818 200 423, while those in Northern Ireland can call 0345 6016 157.
Gambling trends and wider adoption
According to the bank, 90% of gambling transactions in the first quarter of 2025 took place online, and 99% were funded using debit cards. While total gambling spend fell by 2% year-on-year during this period, spending among 18 to 25-year-olds rose by 19%. The bank also noted that 71% of bets were placed by men, with the highest increases in counties Wicklow (+37%), Kilkenny (+24%), Limerick (+20%), and Laois (+17%)—coinciding with events like the Cheltenham horse racing festival and the Six Nations rugby competition.
Bank of Ireland is the fourth financial institution in Ireland to offer this type of service. Allied Bank of Ireland, EBS Bank, and Revolut also provide gambling blocks on card transactions.
