Ireland’s largest bank launches gambling payment block to tackle crisis

The feature, now available to both personal and business account holders, lets users block payments to online casinos, betting sites, lottery services, and slot machine operators.

Bank of Ireland says the service will soon extend to credit cards.

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.

Problem gambling can have a devastating effect not just on the person involved, but also on families, friends and loved ones.

Youth betting surge triggers concern

The bank’s decision follows an internal review of customer data showing a sharp contrast between age groups. While overall gambling-related card spending declined by 2% in Q1 2025, the 18–25 demographic saw a 19% increase, with men accounting for 71% of all bets.

An overwhelming 90% of gambling transactions took place online, and 99% were made with debit cards, underlining the urgent need for digital payment controls.

Notably, Wicklow led the regional spike with a 37% increase in gambling deposits, followed by Kilkenny (+24%), Limerick (+20%), and Laois (+17%).

The rise in youth gambling is widely attributed to the availability of mobile betting apps, targeted advertising, and the gamification of sports betting tied to major national and international events. There is also a concern that gaming in childhood may lead to young adult gambling.

Support from gambling harm advocates

The initiative has been welcomed by GamblingCare.ie, Ireland’s national support service for those affected by gambling harm.

Oisín McConville, spokesperson for the organisation, stated;

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 supports are essential to prevent the issue from becoming overwhelming for those impacted.

The debit card block is seen as a practical and preventative step, empowering vulnerable users before gambling behavior spirals into addiction.

Backed by Ireland’s new gambling regulator

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), formally established in March 2025, has also thrown its support behind the bank’s action. The regulator described it as a key consumer protection measure, aligned with its goal of creating a safer gambling environment.

GRAI is currently working to implement the National Gambling Exclusion Register, which will allow consumers to self-exclude from all licensed gambling platforms in Ireland. Until this centralised system is live, the authority has encouraged private and public sector solutions like banking blocks and ad-limiting software to fill the gap.

A GRAI spokesperson stated;

We expect that other main banks will also offer this facility in the future. Every measure that limits exposure to gambling harm is a step in the right direction.

A nation on the road to recovery

The Bank of Ireland’s new card block feature represents more than just a banking tool. It signals a broader cultural and regulatory shift in how Ireland addresses gambling harm.

With financial institutions, advocacy groups, and the newly formed GRAI now aligning on intervention strategies, the country is slowly but surely building the foundations of a public health-led gambling reform movement.