Bank of Ireland Introduces Voluntary Gambling Blocks

Bank of Ireland has introduced voluntary blocks on debit cards for customers who want to stop transacting with gambling operators. An analysis of the Bank’s Q1 card spending data revealed that 90% of gambling transactions took place online, with 99% funded via debit cards.

While total Q1 card spending on gambling fell slightly (-2%) year on year, there was a large increase (+19%) amongst 18 to 25 year olds, with a decline of 8% amongst over-65s. 71% of bets placed in Q1 2025 were placed by men, with betting activity rising the most in counties Wicklow (+37%), Kilkenny (+24%), Limerick (+20%) and Laois (+17%) as popular sporting events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations took place.

The new card-blocking feature, which also blocks access to online casinos, slot machines and lottery websites can be put in place following a customer request. It stops any payments identified as being made to a gambling operator, improving the financial wellbeing of customers, with problem gambling impacting relationships, finances and mental health.

The block can be requested for both personal and business debit cards and will be extended to include credit cards in the coming months.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer of Bank of Ireland, said: “Problem gambling can have a devastating effect not just on the person involved, but also on families, friends and loved ones. For those with a gambling addiction it can often seem like help is out of reach. 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 of GamblingCare.ie said: “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.”