Ireland Introduces Card Block to Combat Gambling Risks

Ireland has launched a nationwide, voluntary bank card block to help reduce gambling-related harm. The Common Commitment of Care for Problem Gambling, developed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB), lets customers ask their bank to block their cards from being used on gambling sites and apps. AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB are the first banks to adopt the measure.

The card block is part of a broader package that includes better staff training, dedicated helplines, and consistent referrals to specialist services such as Gambling Care and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). A public launch event was scheduled for Friday in Dublin to present the program and answer questions from stakeholders.

Alarming numbers prompted swift action

The move follows research showing that 90% of gambling in Ireland occurs online, and 99% of those transactions are made using debit cards. Those statistics helped push more than 200 stakeholders to urge the GRAI for stronger protections.

IBCB CEO Marion Kelly said banks have a responsibility to respond with compassion and practical support when customers reach out for help. Minister of State Robert Troy welcomed the initiative as an “important step” that complements the Government’s work under the Gambling Regulation Act and the GRAI.

What the card block can — and can’t — do for you

The voluntary card block is a practical, low-friction option for players who want an immediate barrier against online wagering using their bank card. Customers simply contact their bank to request the block; banks will also offer trained staff to guide them and, where needed, refer them to external supports.

It’s important to understand the limits: the measure blocks card payments only. It will not automatically stop gambling through alternative payment methods such as e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, or third-party transfers. If you use services like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, or vouchers, you’ll need to take separate steps to restrict those channels.

What this means for players and operators

For players seeking to control spending, the block is another practical option alongside deposit limits, self-exclusion, and third-party tools. Combining bank card blocks with time-outs and budget controls gives stronger protection than any single tool alone.

The change also affects operators that rely heavily on card payments. Many licensed sites carry games from major providers; players who want to keep playing popular titles like those from Pragmatic Play should be aware that payment access may be affected when a card block is in place. For players interested in how casinos present payment and bonus terms, see this Irish Spins Casino review for an example of operator practices and accepted payment methods.

Sector-wide reform — will others follow?

The IBCB is calling on other financial service providers to adopt similar measures. While the board is not a regulator, its role in promoting cultural change in banking helped produce this coordinated approach. Banks have committed to consistent training, accessible points of contact, and clear referral pathways so that customers get timely, compassionate help.

Advocates and policymakers will watch whether voluntary measures remain sufficient. Some stakeholders continue to press for stronger regulatory safeguards and monitoring from the GRAI to ensure consistent protections across the market.

Practical steps if you or someone you care about needs help

If you’re affected by problem gambling, consider contacting your bank to request a card block, ask about deposit limits and self-exclusion options, and reach out to specialist services such as Gambling Care or MABS for counseling and budgeting support. These tools are meant to reduce immediate financial harm, but professional support is important for long-term recovery.

This voluntary card-block initiative adds a practical financial safeguard to Ireland’s toolkit for tackling gambling harm. As banks roll out the measure and other providers weigh similar steps, players gain more control over how and when money moves to gambling sites, while the sector moves toward clearer, more consistent support for vulnerable customers.