Operator of the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare, has issued a statement that banks should contemplate blocking transactional activity between business cards and gambling companies.
This latest press release follows growing reports of cases in which business cards have been used to finance gambling.
In a recent workshop, one case detailed a former business owner who had lost her business, as her son – who took care of the company finances – had used the business debit card to gamble. In this particular instance, there were thousands of gambling-related transactions the bank and company accountant both failed to flag.
Evidently, the use of company banks cards to aid gambling habits can be highly detrimental both personally and professionally, to both business and individuals alike. Therefore, GamCare has recommended that, alongside the blocking of gambling transactions on business accounts, companies should implement staff training and awareness, transactional monitoring, as well as intervention and support initiatives to protect their staff.
Naturally, though, there still remains the key, and constant question, of where does individual responsibility also lay?
Raminta Diliso, Financial Harm Manager at GamCare, said: “Gambling harm can be a very hidden issue and it is worrying to hear that some people are financing their gambling through business funds. Business banks need to be aware of the risks of allowing transactions to gambling companies – both for the businesses and for the people running these businesses.
"Following our event, we have made some practical recommendations so banks can prevent British businesses and people from gambling harm.”
This latest development comes a week after GamCare once again called for enhanced workplace support for staff with gambling-related issues, after a YouGov study found that only 9% of companies have policies for gambling issues.
