Bank of Ireland Launches Gambling Block Feature

Bank of Ireland has taken a bold step to help customers manage gambling risks.

The bank has launched a voluntary gambling block feature, empowering customers to restrict payments to gambling operators.

This initiative offers individuals, especially younger gamblers, new tools to protect their finances and wellbeing.

Let’s explore why this launch matters, how it works, and why it’s part of a much-needed national shift.

Bank of Ireland Tackles Gambling Harm with New Blocking Feature

3 Key Points

• Customers can now block debit card transactions to gambling operators, with credit card blocks coming soon.
• The feature aligns with GRAI’s national strategy to expand consumer protections and self-exclusion tools.
• Online gambling among 18–25-year-olds rose by 19% in early 2025, despite an overall market decline.

A Landmark Move in Financial Responsibility

Bank of Ireland has joined the growing list of institutions taking action against gambling harm.
It now offers customers the ability to voluntarily block debit card payments to gambling operators.

This covers a wide range of platforms, including online casinos, slot machines, sportsbooks, and lottery sites.
Importantly, the block applies to both personal and business accounts, signaling the bank’s broad commitment to consumer wellbeing.

Plans are underway to extend this feature to credit cards in the near future.
This follows similar moves by AIB, EBS, and fintech leaders like Revolut.

Why This Matters Now

The launch comes at a critical moment for Ireland’s gambling landscape.

According to Q1 2025 data, 90% of gambling transactions now occur online, with 99% funded by debit cards.
While overall gambling spend dropped by 2% year-on-year, gambling among young adults aged 18–25 surged 19%.

These statistics have raised alarms among regulators and public health experts.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, emphasized:

“This initiative is designed to help customers take positive steps to improve control over their finances.”

By providing this block, the bank hopes to support customers during financially challenging periods and foster long-term financial wellbeing.

National Efforts to Protect Consumers

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has praised the bank’s decision.
It fits into GRAI’s broader strategy, which includes:

• Expanding bank-led gambling blocks

• Rolling out gambling blocking software

• Limiting gambling advertising exposure

A particularly ambitious project on GRAI’s agenda is the National Gambling Exclusion Register.
This centralized system would allow players to self-exclude across all licensed operators in one step.

Expert Voices Welcome the Change

Oisín McConville of GamblingCare.ie endorsed the initiative, noting:

“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.”

He stressed the importance of a multi-layered support system to tackle problem gambling.
Tools like gambling blocks, he added, are vital to helping individuals avoid reaching crisis points.

How Customers Can Access the Feature

The process is designed to be simple and discreet.
Customers can activate the gambling block through the Bank of Ireland’s online banking platform or mobile app.

Once enabled, the block immediately restricts all debit card payments linked to gambling operators.
Customers can reverse the block, but they are typically subject to a cooling-off period to prevent impulsive deactivation.

This approach mirrors best practices from the UK and other markets where gambling blocks have already shown positive results.

A Global Trend in Financial Wellbeing

Bank-led gambling blocks have become an important part of global responsible gambling efforts.

In the UK, major banks such as Barclays, Monzo, and Lloyds have offered similar services since 2019.
Studies show that gambling blocks help many individuals reduce gambling spending and regain financial control.

With Ireland now following this model, financial institutions are positioning themselves as key partners in consumer protection.

Bank of Ireland’s gambling block is more than just a technical feature — it’s a powerful statement of social responsibility.

As online gambling continues to grow, especially among young adults, tools like this offer essential safeguards.

By aligning with national strategies, expanding to credit cards, and supporting the National Gambling Exclusion Register, Bank of Ireland is helping to reshape the conversation around gambling harm.

In doing so, it joins a global movement toward financial wellbeing, consumer protection, and a safer gambling environment.