Key points:
- Bank of Ireland now offers voluntary gambling blocks for debit card users, to be extended to credit cards
- The initiative follows GRAI efforts to promote consumer protection and self-exclusion tools
- Online gambling among 18–25-year-olds increased by 19% in Q1 2025, despite a slight overall decline
The Bank of Ireland has introduced a voluntary gambling block feature for its customers, joining AIB, EBS and Revolut in offering tools to help reduce gambling harm.
This move is part of a broader push by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to encourage consumer protection initiatives across the financial sector.
The new feature allows customers to block debit card transactions associated with gambling operators, including access to online casinos, slot machines and lottery websites.
The block is available for both personal and business accounts, with plans to extend the service to credit cards in the coming months.
The GRAI welcomed the announcement, noting it aligns with the regulator’s strategy to implement practical measures such as bank blocks, gambling blocking software and ad exposure limitations to help those affected by gambling harm.
Good to know: The GRAI is also developing a National Gambling Exclusion Register, with the aim of integrating licensed operators into a centralised self-exclusion system
Bank of Ireland’s decision comes in response to shifting gambling trends. According to Q1 2025 data, 90% of gambling transactions were made online, with 99% of these funded by debit cards.
While overall gambling spend fell by 2% year-on-year, a 19% increase in gambling among 18–25-year-olds highlights growing concern about youth gambling habits.
Commenting on the decision to implement the new feature, Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, stated: “This initiative we are launching is designed to help customers take positive steps to improve control over their finances.
"It also furthers Bank of Ireland’s ambition to improve the financial wellbeing of our customers and communities, especially those going through difficult times.”
Oisín McConville, GamblingCare.ie added: “Measures such as this are very welcome, as we can see from the latest gambling spend insights that betting amongst younger people is on the rise.
“In order to combat the scourge of problem gambling, a wide range of support is essential to prevent the issue from becoming overwhelming for those impacted. The introduction by Bank of Ireland of gambling blocks is another step in the right direction and will further safeguard their customers.”
