New Irish Scheme Lets Customers Block Gambling Transactions

Ireland has introduced a national, voluntary scheme that lets bank customers block gambling transactions on their cards. Launched by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) together with the Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB) and rolled out by AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB, the Common Commitment of Care aims to put a straightforward financial stop-gap in the hands of people struggling with gambling-related harm. The move responds to stark data: about 90% of gambling in Ireland happens online, and debit cards account for 99% of those payments.

IBCB CEO Marion Kelly framed the measure as compassionate and practical support from banks, while Minister of State Robert Troy described it as a welcome addition to the government’s broader regulatory push. A public launch in Dublin will outline operational details and next steps for affected customers and stakeholders.

What customers can expect — clear, frontline safeguards

Under the new framework, customers can ask their bank to block card payments to gambling sites and apps. The pledge goes beyond a single technical fix: banks have committed to better staff training, dedicated helplines, and clear referral routes to specialist services such as Gambling Care and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). That combination of transaction controls plus human support is designed to make it easier for someone to stop harmful spending and get immediate help.

Banks are also expected to standardize the handling of these requests so customers encounter consistent, compassionate support across institutions rather than fragmented responses.

Where the plan still needs tightening

The initiative is a meaningful advance, but it’s not a cure-all. Because the card block is voluntary, its effectiveness will depend on consistent implementation, robust monitoring, and the willingness of additional financial providers to sign up. The measure targets card-based transactions — the dominant channel today — but other payment avenues exist. Some operators list cryptocurrencies and e-wallets among their options, and prepaid vouchers or direct bank transfers can also enable gambling activity outside the card system. That reality makes it vital for banks, regulators and policy-makers to map how players move money across different rails and to close predictable loopholes.

Also, without publicly available outcome metrics, it will be hard to assess whether the program genuinely reduces harm or simply displaces spending. Independent evaluation and transparent reporting should be part of the rollout.

Why industry cooperation matters — and what to watch for next

The IBCB’s involvement signals a cultural shift in banking: treating gambling-related requests as a consumer-protection priority rather than a peripheral issue. For regulators, the card block adds a practical tool that complements legislative measures under the Gambling Regulation Act. The GRAI and consumer bodies will need to watch uptake rates, processing times, and whether frontline staff are equipped to manage sensitive conversations and referrals.

Operators and software providers that power online games also have a role. Many popular titles and platforms are driven by vendors like Betsoft and Pragmatic Play, which shape player experiences and promotional flows; transparency and responsible-play features at the platform level can reinforce financial safeguards already offered by banks. Games themselves—such as NetEnt’s titles like Crab Trap Slots—remain central to the online market and should be part of any broader harm-reduction conversation; a clearer picture of game-level risk could help target interventions more effectively.

Immediate actions and the broader picture

For customers who want protections now, contacting your bank to request the voluntary card block is the quickest option; banks involved have pledged dedicated contacts and support. At the same time, policy-makers and industry must avoid complacency: expanding participation beyond the three pillar banks, tracking outcomes, and addressing non-card payment methods are essential next moves.

This scheme represents a practical, humane tool that can reduce immediate financial harm when implemented well. Its long-term impact will depend on follow-through, cross-sector cooperation, and rigorous evaluation to ensure the measure helps the people it intends to protect without leaving easy workarounds in place.