Gambling blocks for debit cards

Putting a gambling block on your debit card can help you take control of your finances. A block will stop transactions with gambling operators, including online casinos, betting shops (where you use your physical card in the shop), and lottery websites.

How does it work?

The block will stop any payments identified to us as being made to a gambling company. The following types of payments to gambling companies will not be authorised:

• In-store and online transactions (excluding transactions made using Open Banking)
• Chip and PIN, including contactless payments
• Apple Pay and Google Pay.

However, if a company does not have a gambling-related code, we won’t be able to identify it and stop a payment.

Please note: If you get a new card, we’ll automatically apply the gambling block – you don’t need to do anything. It may take up to two business days from when the new card is issued, for the block to be applied.

FAQs

• What does the block cover? Does it cover in-person transactions in a retailer using contactless or chip and PIN transactions?

  A gambling block on your Visa debit card will apply to all online gambling operators as well as point of sale transaction in physical gambling establishments, where an operator has a gambling-related code. If an operator does not have a gambling-related code, we won’t be able to identify and stop a payment. Not all gambling companies use gambling codes.

• Can I place a gambling block on my credit card?

  We are working on blocks for credit cards. Within Ireland, a credit card cannot be used to make gambling transactions but the rules are different outside of Ireland.

• Is the block instant?

  No, the block is not instant. Once you request the block, it will take up to two business days to be applied to your card. You’ll get a text message to confirm your request has been completed.

• How do I turn off a gambling block?

  • By phone: Call us on 0818 200 423 / 01 250 0423, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays)

  You’ll need to give us the 16-digit card number of the card you want to remove the block from.

  It will take two business days for the gambling block to be removed. We’ll text you to tell you when the block has been removed.

• Can I turn off a gambling block immediately?

  No, it will take up to two business days to remove the block from your card. This allows you some time to think about whether it’s the right decision. If you change your mind during this time and want to keep the gambling block, call or message us to let us know. We’ll cancel your request.

• Will placing a block show on my account history or affect my credit history?

  Requesting a gambling block to be applied to your card will not have any impact on your credit history or your ability to apply for products with Bank of Ireland.

• I have a joint personal current account. If I turn on a gambling block, will it also apply to anyone else on the same account? Can my wife / husband / partner request a block?

  No, the block will only apply to your debit card. For joint accounts, each person will have to ask for a gambling block on their individual card.

• I’m a business owner or corporate customer. Can I block gambling on my business debit card?

  Yes, you can request a gambling block on business cards in the same way you do for personal cards. You can only request a block on the card in your name.

• Are the gambling companies notified if I get a gambling block?

  Different gambling companies have their own rules that you can apply to an account with them. Bank of Ireland will not contact a specific company to let them know that you have requested a gambling block for your card.

• How many times can the block be placed and taken off again?

  You can request a block to be applied and removed from your card as often you need to support your individual needs. It takes two days from when the request is received to have it applied, and two days from when the removal of a block is requested to have a block removed from your card. There is no limit to the number of times you can do this.

• Can the block be placed permanently?

  The gambling block will remain on the card until you ask for it to be removed. It can remain in place indefinitely.

• If I have requested a gambling block and receive a new card do I need to request the block again?

  No. The block will be carried over to the new card. You don’t need to do anything. It may take up to two business days from when the new card is issued for the block to be applied.

• What other supports can you offer apart from blocking my card?

  We’re here to support your financial wellbeing. We’ve worked closely with a number of organisations that can offer you, a relative or friend additional support and guidance for gambling and gambling addiction. Find out more about other supports.