The reform is just one of many the country’s new gaming regulator is looking to implement
Ireland is preparing to introduce a ban on using credit cards for gambling as part of broader efforts to address gambling-related harm. The country’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), led by Anne-Marie Caulfield, is collaborating with major banks to implement a voluntary block feature on both credit and debit cards. This initiative is seen as a key consumer protection measure to help curb problematic gambling behaviors.
Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) highlights the seriousness of gambling harm, revealing that individuals experiencing these issues spend an average of €1,000 per month. Some financial institutions, including AIB, EBS, and digital bank Revolut, already offer customers the option to block gambling transactions.
The GRA aims to extend this feature to all major banks through engagement with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland.
The upcoming ban is part of a larger legislative framework spearheaded by Junior Justice Minister James Browne. The new laws introduce measures such as advertising restrictions, a national exclusion register, and a social fund to support problem gambling initiatives. The GRA will oversee enforcement, with penalties for gambling companies breaching the law reaching up to €20 million (US$21 million) or 10% of their turnover.
The GRA has also emphasized the importance of education and awareness. Gambling has been integrated into the Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, and joint campaigns with HSE Addiction Services aim to educate parents about the risks of gambling for children. Research shows that early exposure to gambling nearly doubles the likelihood of problem gambling in adulthood.
Efforts to establish a national exclusion register are underway, which will bar registered individuals from participating in gambling activities. Operators found in violation face significant fines and imprisonment. These measures reflect Ireland’s commitment to creating a safer gambling environment for its citizens.
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