Bank of Ireland Offers Gambling Transaction Blocks Amid Rising Youth Gambling Rates

Recent data has seen a rise in gambling activity amongst the younger generation, with an increase of 19% within the age bracket of 18 to 25. The Bank of Ireland is laying the groundwork to draw a distinct line between having fun on gambling sites and knowing your limits. Customers who own a Bank of Ireland debit card can easily request this block on their account by telephone (1818 200 423), where the process will take up to 2 working days. The block prevents payments to online casinos, slot machines, and lottery websites. The Bank of Ireland plans to offer this to credit card holders in the future. For now, it only applies to the following debit card transactions.

• Apple and Google contactless payments 

• Chip and PIN payments

• Transactions made in-store or via online banking

This movement is about guiding people to identify the signs of harmful gambling behaviour and giving them the tools to stop this behaviour escalating. Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, Áine McCleary, stated, “This initiative is designed to help customers regain control over their finances, particularly during challenging times.” This movement is not about restricting access to funds, but rather giving people the opportunity to have authority over their spending habits. The block takes 2 working days to be removed from the card, giving customers time to consider whether they are ready to re-enter the world of gambling. The Bank of Ireland website offers more information about the new block, along with helpful links to self-exclusion sites and mental health information. 

What Do We Think?

As someone who has followed trends in responsible gambling initiatives for years, I see this as a meaningful step toward harm reduction, especially for vulnerable age groups. While financial tools can’t solve gambling addiction alone, they can serve as a vital line of defense for those trying to change their habits or regain control. In my view, the strength of this initiative lies in its balance: it doesn’t outright ban access to gambling, but it introduces friction at a moment when someone may need to pause and reflect. This kind of pause, even if just for 48 hours, can create space for more intentional decisions and reduce impulsive behaviour. The rise in gambling among younger adults is concerning, but it's not surprising. With digital platforms making gambling more accessible than ever, I believe banks and payment providers have a real opportunity, and responsibility, to support people in managing their financial well-being. This is a smart and necessary move from Bank of Ireland, and I’ll be watching closely to see how it evolves, particularly as they expand it to credit cards.