Gambling support and card blocks

At Bank of Ireland, we understand that gambling can affect your finances, relationships, and mental health. We are here to help you with practical tools and confidential support.


Recognising when gambling becomes a problem

Gambling can take many forms, from betting on sports to online casinos or lottery tickets. While it may start as entertainment, it can become harmful when:

  • You are hiding or lying about gambling
  • You are missing work, school or social events
  • You feel anxious, stressed, or unable to stop gambling
  • You are using credit or loans to fund gambling
  • You are struggling to pay for essentials like rent, bills, or food



How Bank of Ireland can help

Gambling blocks on debit and credit cards

Take control by requesting a gambling block on your debit and credit cards. This feature helps prevent transactions with gambling operators, including:

  • Online casinos and betting sites
  • Lottery websites
  • High street betting shops (when using your card)

How the block works

The block stops gambling-related payments. This includes:

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

Note: If a company does not use a gambling-related code for its debit or credit card transactions, the transaction may still go through.

To request a block

Simply call us on 0818 200 423 or 01 250 0423 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays).

You will need your 16-digit debit or credit card number. The block takes up to two working days to apply. Blocks are available for personal and business debit and credit cards.

Managing gambling-related debt

If you are struggling with your finances due to gambling, let us know. We might be able to help. Support is available on our Money Worries page.


Additional support services

If you are worried about gambling, speak to us. We will listen without judgement and help you explore options. Everything you share is confidential.


  • Useful websites and tools

    Gambling Care (Ireland)

    Offers advice, support, and information for people concerned about their own, or someone else’s, gambling. Services include residential programmes, counselling (in-person and online), support groups and self-help tools.

    Visit: www.gamblingcare.ie

    Gamblers Anonymous Ireland

    A fellowship of individuals who support each other in recovery from gambling addiction through confidential meetings and shared experiences.

    Samaritans

    Available to talk, judgement-free, about anything that’s troubling you.

    GamCare (UK)

    Offers free and confidential support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Services include live chat, online forums and information about gambling blocking software.

    Visit: www.gamcare.org.uk

    Blocking software

    These tools help restrict access to gambling-related websites and apps.

    iPhone and iPad users can use built-in parental controls to block access.

    It’s best to ask someone you trust to set the password for you.

    Learn more at the GamCare website.


Common Commitment of Care

Bank of Ireland is a member bank of the Irish Banking Culture Board. We were pleased to support the IBCB Common Commitment of Care for Problem Gambling which launched in September 2025.

Please visit www.IBCB.ie/problemgambling for more information.

Frequently asked questions

  • What does the block cover?

    A gambling block on your debit or credit card will apply to all online gambling operators. It also applies to point of sale transactions in physical gambling establishments, like high street betting shops, where an operator has a gambling-related code.

    If an operator does not have a gambling-related code, we will not be able to identify and stop a payment. Not all gambling companies use gambling codes.

  • Who can request a gambling block?

    For debit cards, a cardholder can request a block on the card in their name. For joint accounts, each person will have to ask for a gambling block on their individual debit card.

    For personal credit cards, only the primary account holder can request a block, and it will apply to all cards on that account. For business credit cards, any authorised contact can request a block on the cards on the account.

  • Can I turn off a gambling block immediately?

    No, it will take up to two business days to remove the block from your debit or credit card. This allows you some time to think about whether it is 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 will cancel your request.

  • How do I turn off a gambling block?

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

    You will need to give us the 16-digit card number of the debit or credit card you want to remove the block from.

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

  • If I receive a new Debit or Credit card, do I need to request the block again?

    No. The block will be transferred over to the new card. You do not 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.

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

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

  • Are gambling blocks available on business cards?

    Yes, gambling blocks are also available on business debit and credit cards.