Allied Irish Banks has launched a new feature that allows customers to voluntarily block transactions related to gambling on their debit and credit cards. This initiative is designed to assist those struggling with gambling addiction, helping them avoid financial harm to themselves and their families. The feature is available across both personal and business accounts, with EBS, a member of the AIB group, also offering the service.
Supporting Customers in Combating Gambling Harm
Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting customers facing gambling-related issues. “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,” she said. Casey emphasized the importance of the financial services industry in helping customers protect themselves from the dangers of problem gambling, stating, “It’s important AIB does what we can to help them stop the harm.”
The gambling block feature is optional and can be activated at the customer’s request, providing a proactive tool for those who wish to take control of their financial health.
Collaboration and Support
AIB’s initiative is part of a broader effort to address gambling harm, launched in collaboration with the Gambling Awareness Trust. Feedback from customers across Ireland indicated that the ability to block gambling transactions would be a critical step in helping individuals regain control over their spending. The bank’s collaboration with GamblingCare.ie, a key player in gambling harm prevention, has been instrumental in shaping this feature. The organization provided guidance on how to support vulnerable customers effectively.
Oisín McConville, a former Armagh footballer and GamblingCare.ie Brand Ambassador who has personally overcome a gambling problem, praised AIB for this initiative. “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,” McConville said, encouraging others to utilize the supports available.
Growing Awareness and the Role of Banks
The introduction of this feature by AIB comes amid increasing awareness of the issues related to gambling. Financial institutions are now seen as key players in preventing problem gambling. A similar approach has been advocated in the UK, where banks have been warned by GamCare, a leading gambling harm prevention charity, about the risks associated with gambling transactions, particularly for business and self-employed customers.
With over 130,000 people estimated to suffer from problem gambling in Ireland, AIB’s new feature represents a significant step in providing practical tools to help those affected by gambling addiction, potentially setting a precedent for other financial institutions to follow.
Source:
AIB introduces voluntary blocks on card transactions to stop problem gambling, RTÉ, August 26, 2024.*