UK credit card ban “comes at a vital time” as introduction coincides with spike in online activity
The Gambling Commission has said the introduction of the credit card ban will add another vital layer of protection for consumers, particularly during the current coronavirus lockdown period.
The ban on players in the UK using credit cards to gamble comes into force today (14 April) after being announced in January by the Gambling Commission and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
It applies to all online and offline gambling, except for non-remote lotteries, such as in-store National Lottery tickets and scratchcards. The ban also covers credit card gambling through e-wallets.
The regulator stated some players might be changing their gambling habits during the coronavirus outbreak due to being forced to stay at home, with the ban coming at the right time as online gaming sees a spike in activity.
Gambling Commission CEO Neil McArthur said: “It is a ban which ultimately reduces the risk of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have.
“The ban also comes at a vital time as we are seeing an increase in the use of some online products, such as online slots and virtual sports, and our online search analysis shows an increase in UK consumer interest in gambling products since the lockdown began.”
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