Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has launched a new feature that allows customers to voluntarily block card payments to gambling operators.
The block feature, available for both personal and business customers, targets debit and credit card transactions identified as gambling-related, aiming to support those impacted by harmful gambling behaviours.
AIB’s gambling block feature is optional and only activated at the customer’s request. EBS, a member of the AIB group, has also introduced a similar voluntary gambling block.
Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, commented: “We understand that when gambling becomes harmful it can affect not just the person involved, but their families and friends too. It can damage relationships, finances, employment, and mental health.
“The financial services industry has a role to play in supporting customers as they combat any gambling difficulties they may have, and it’s important AIB does what we can to help them stop the harm.
“That is why we are putting in place additional supports for customers who wish to take steps to protect themselves from problem gambling.’’
Launched in collaboration with the Gambling Awareness Trust, AIB’s initiative emerged after service providers surveyed clients nationwide.
Feedback revealed that the ability to block cards from gambling transactions would be a crucial step in helping individuals regain control. Many also noted that a supportive response from their bank would make it easier to seek help, giving them more autonomy over their finances.
In a release on its support website, GamblingCare.ie stated: “We were happy to collaborate with AIB on this initiative, providing information and guidance on how vulnerable customers can be supported when they are experiencing difficulties with gambling.”
GamblingCare.ie Brand Ambassador, Oisin McConville, has praised AIB for introducing this initiative and expressed hope that other financial institutions will adopt similar measures. McConville is a former Armagh Gaelic footballer who has overcome a gambling problem.
“I would like to reassure people that you can recover, that there is life after gambling addiction and that help is available to anyone who needs it,” he said.
As awareness of gambling-related issues grows, banks have taken on an increasingly significant role in preventing problem gambling.
In June, Britain’s largest business banks were cautioned by GamCare, a leading gambling harm prevention charity, about the risks associated with betting transactions. GamCare highlighted the potential misuse of business accounts for gambling payments, urging banks to consider the implications for both businesses and self-employed individuals.
