National Gambling Block Introduced by Irish Banks

Ireland has launched a national, voluntary bank card block aimed at reducing 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) with AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB, lets customers request that their bank block card transactions to gambling sites and apps. The move is designed to give people an immediate, practical tool to limit harm while they seek help.

How the Voluntary Card Block Will Work for Customers

Under the scheme, customers can contact their bank and ask for a block that prevents debit and card payments to gambling merchants. Banks have agreed to improve staff training so front-line teams can handle requests sensitively, set up dedicated helplines, and provide clear referrals to specialist services such as Gambling Care and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). The approach aims to make support both consistent and easy to access at the moment someone asks for help.

Why Banks Are Stepping In Now

Research cited by authorities shows around 90% of gambling in Ireland happens online, and 99% of those transactions are made with debit cards, making financial controls a logical point of intervention. IBCB CEO Marion Kelly said banks “recognise their responsibility to respond with compassion and practical support when customers reach out for help,” and urged other financial services firms to adopt similar measures. The announcement follows pressure from more than 200 stakeholders calling for stronger action on gambling harm.

What the New Commitment Means for Support Pathways

Beyond the card block itself, the framework standardizes how banks refer customers to treatment and financial advice. That includes dedicated staff contacts, consistent messaging about options, and referral pathways to external organizations. Because the IBCB is an independent body that promotes cultural change in banking rather than a regulator, the initiative depends on voluntary uptake and industry cooperation to reach its full impact.

A Practical Impact on Online Gambling Providers

With the majority of gambling transactions occurring online, the voluntary card block could materially reduce impulse spending for those who request it. Many online casinos and sportsbooks accept mainstream card payments alongside alternatives, so blocking card transactions creates a meaningful barrier. For example, some operators list card and digital-wallet options on their site pages, such as KingPalace Casino, which shows the role payment methods play in access to online gambling.

Political and Public Backing for a Coordinated Response

Minister of State at the Department of Finance Robert Troy welcomed the move as “an important step” that complements the Government’s work through the Gambling Regulation Act and the new regulator. A public launch event in Dublin was scheduled for Friday to present program details to stakeholders and the public. Industry leaders, consumer groups, and treatment providers are expected to watch uptake closely to see how quickly the protocol spreads across banks and financial services.

The voluntary card block adds a clear, practical layer to Ireland’s broader work on gambling harm—providing immediate protection for people who ask for help, while building standardized referral and support routes for longer-term recovery.