Bank of Ireland Introduces Voluntary Gambling Blocks 103b1s Gambling Care

Pictured as Bank of Ireland introduces voluntary blocks on debit cards are; Susan Russell, CEO of Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland division, Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland and Oisín McConville, gamblingcare-ie.casinowinning.net. 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 and stops any payments identified as being made to a gambling operator

71% of bets in Q1 2025 were placed by men 4f5m63

90% of gambling transactions taking place online 2j5k2r

19% increase in gambling amongst 18 to 25 year olds in Q1 2025 4q2i6a

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. 402o1r

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. Customers in the Republic of Ireland can call a dedicated number on 1818 200 423, or 0345 6016 157 for Northern Ireland based customers. Customers can also find out more about the blocks and how they work at www.bankofireland.com/gambling.

Commenting on the introduction of voluntary gambling blocks, Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, 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, gamblingcare-ie.casinowinning.net 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 s 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.”

7 May 2025