Irish banks have introduced a voluntary gambling block feature for their customers, providing tools in collaboration with AIB, EBS, and Revolut to help reduce gambling harm.
This move is part of a broader initiative by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to push for consumer protection measures in the financial sector.
The new feature allows customers to block debit card transactions related to gambling operators, including access to online casinos, slot machines, and lottery websites.
The service is available for both personal and business accounts and plans to extend to credit cards in the coming months.
GRAI welcomed this announcement, noting that it aligns with the regulator's strategy to implement practical measures such as banking blocks, gambling interception software, and advertising exposure limits to assist those affected by gambling harm.
GRAI is also developing a national gambling exclusion register, aimed at incorporating licensed operators into a centralized self-exclusion system.
The decision by Irish banks is in response to evolving gambling trends. According to data from the first quarter of 2025, 90% of gambling transactions occur online, with 99% paid through debit cards.
While overall gambling expenditure has decreased by 2%, gambling spending among the 18-25 age group has increased by 19%, highlighting growing concerns about youth gambling habits.
Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, commented on the decision to implement the new feature: "The initiative we have launched is designed to help customers take proactive steps to improve control over their finances.
"This also further enhances Bank of Ireland's ambition to improve the financial well-being of our customers and communities, especially those who are going through difficult times."
Oisín McConville of GamblingCare.ie added: "Such measures are very welcome, as we can see from the latest gambling expenditure insights that gambling behavior among young people is increasing.
To address the harms caused by gambling issues, broad support is crucial to prevent significant impacts on the affected populations. The introduction of a gambling ban by Bank of Ireland is another step in the right direction and will further safeguard the rights of its customers."
