CREDIT CARD BAN IN UK FROM APRIL FOR CASINOS

Gambling Commission Introduces Credit Card Ban Effective From April 

Credit cards use on all types of online and offline gambling will be banned as of 14 April. The ban excludes non-remote lotteries such as physical National Lottery tickets and scratch cards bought at licensed retail stores. 

With an ample choice of online platforms and land-based outlets, gambling has become more and more popular. Whilst many players have been gambling responsibly, others have become addicted and the need of protection for vulnerable players is the top priority for the British Gambling Commission. 

Keep in mind the ban is ONLY on credit cards, NOT on debit cards.

MORE SAFETY MEASURES FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

As part of an effort to deal with the increasing gambling addiction in the UK, the Gambling Commission made the decision after reviewing the Government’s Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures. 

Whilst credit cards offered convenience to some players, they can also be identifiers of those that end up dealing with substantial financial debt and vulnerability. Thousands upon thousands of pounds of debt have accumulated through gambling because of such convenience and Gambling Commission chief executive Neil McArthur stated that this ban is expected to minimise the risks of consumers gambling with amounts of money that they cannot afford. 

The situation is aggravated by the use of credit cards and most especially the fees, set up by the credit card providers, which the players incur. The latter intensifies the losses which in turn might cause the players to gamble more to try to breakeven or try to make a big win. Gambling operators, the finance industry as well as the Gambling Commission have all been working together to provide solutions for problem gambling. 

The Gambling Commission also announced that there will be amendments to its licence conditions. Such amendments make it mandatory for all online gambling operators to sign up to the GamStop online self-exclusion scheme and also to offer such service to their customers as of March 31st. 

APPROVAL OF BAN FROM KEY ORGANISATIONS

Helen Whately, minister of culture, came out in full support of the decision and affirmed that the Gambling Act will be reviewed to make sure that it caters for the digital sphere of the industry as well. This comes in conjunction with a nationwide problem gambling strategy that will be launched later on in 2020. Whately also stated that any necessary action will be taken “to protect people from gambling harm”.

Trade association for the UK gambling industry, Betting and Gaming Council has endorsed the ban and upheld that its members will be conducting research so that those at risk would be identified as early as possible. 

The problem gambling funding body GambleAware has stated its approval of the ban, Marc Etches, chief executive of GambleAware insisted that players should have the opportunity to gamble in a safe environment where all the support options should be easily accessible should they need to use them.

Etches went on to state that it is vital that all possible measures to provide further protection to those going through problem gambling should be set in place and actioned upon. 

ALTERNATIVE TO CREDIT CARDS TO PLAY ONLINE CASINOS IN UK 

There are other safe alternatives to credit cards for players in the UK. Whilst most casinos accept such alternatives, it is always advised to check the casino’s payment methods as well as the terms and conditions of any bonuses. 

1. Paypal: One of the main benefits of Paypal is that it is very simple to use and there is a strong support team ready to help any user with their queries. Online transactions are guarded at the very beginning as Paypal makes use of SSL encryption technologies. Players do not need to set up an account to deposit, however, an account is required to withdraw any funds. 
2. Skrill: Skrill can be considered as one of the easiest methods for deposits and withdrawals with usually having little to no waiting time and having the lowest fees when compared to other methods. Players can choose between two ways of how they can use Skrill; they can either open an account directly with Skrill or else use a prepaid Skrill card. 
3. Neteller: Neteller is an e-wallet which can be topped up by linking a bank account or a credit card. With an encrypted connection, it provides a safety blanket to players who want to use Neteller as a payment method. 

Like Skrill, deposits and withdrawals are instant and casinos might charge a low fee amount when withdrawing.