A Practical Tool for Self-Exclusion
The Bank of Ireland has introduced a new gambling block feature on its cards, allowing customers to restrict gambling-related transactions directly from their banking app. The feature, launched in early May 2025, underscores the growing emphasis on responsible gambling across Europe’s financial and regulatory landscape.
How the Gambling Block Works
The gambling block functionality, available via both personal and business debit cards, gives users the option to voluntarily activate a block on payments to betting and gaming merchants. Once enabled, the block instantly rejects any attempted transactions to gambling operators, including both online platforms and in-person establishments. A 48-hour cooling-off period is also embedded into the system, meaning that even if customers try to disable the block, it will remain active for an additional two days before lifting, ensuring a deliberate pause to reassess spending behavior.
Addressing a Growing Public Health Concern
According to Ireland’s Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), roughly 2.9% of adults in the country experience some form of problem gambling, highlighting a significant public health concern.
The Bank of Ireland’s proactive stance follows similar initiatives by leading banks such as Barclays, Lloyds Bank, and Monzo, who have already implemented gambling blocks across the UK and Ireland in response to rising demand for safer gambling tools.
Aligning with Regulatory Changes
Susan Russell, CEO of the Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland division, remarked, “We are committed to giving our customers control over their financial wellbeing. This new feature gives people a practical tool to help manage their gambling habits in a secure and private way.” With Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill currently under consideration, set to overhaul gambling laws and establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority, such financial innovations align well with the broader policy shift towards minimizing gambling-related harm.
