Bank of Ireland Introduces debit card blocks target gambling Payments

Bank of Ireland has launched new tools to allow customers to block gambling transactions on debit cards, amid growing concerns over a sharp increase in betting among young adults. This move comes as part of a broader tightening of financial controls around gambling in Ireland, including recent measures by the Gambling Licensing Authority of Ireland (GLAI) that ban the use of ATMs and credit cards in casinos.

Data from Bank of Ireland shows gambling-related debit card spending among 18 to 25-year-olds rose by 19% in the first quarter of 2025, even as overall card spending fell slightly. The surge in betting was particularly strong in counties Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Limerick, and was largely driven by popular sporting events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations.

In response, the bank is offering customers the option to activate a gambling block on their debit cards, which prevents transactions with online casinos, betting sites, and lottery services. The feature is available for both personal and business accounts, and a similar restriction will soon extend to credit cards.

This initiative aligns with the GLAI’s new regulations, which prohibit gambling operators from accepting credit card payments and ban the installation of ATMs on casino premises, key steps aimed at reducing impulsive and high-risk spending by players.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, said:

“Problem gambling can seriously harm mental health, relationships, and finances. These measures are designed to give customers practical tools to protect themselves and take control of their spending.”

Oisín McConville of GamblingCare.ie welcomed the development, noting that gambling harm is increasingly affecting younger demographics and that “financial safeguards like these are vital to helping people avoid falling into addiction.”

The new restrictions from both the banking and regulatory sectors signal a stronger national push to tackle problem gambling and limit access to risky funds in betting environments.