Barclays Launch New Measure to Protect Problem Gamblers

With the UK Gambling Commission, GambleAware, and many other organisations putting pressure on the UK government and UK based companies to step up when it comes to the protection of vulnerable gamblers, Barclays bank has answered the call with a new feature in their mobile app.

The new function allows users to turn off spending within certain industries or to certain places, allowing extra control for those who are worried about their spending in various sectors.

Impact

While Barclays cite many industries that are applicable, including premium rate websites and phonelines, bars and restaurants, and more, it is perhaps in the world of online gambling that the app could be most helpful.

While it is possible for players to self-exclude from gambling sites through the sites themselves, the offering of a service that allows this to be done without having to visit or contact the online betting sites or casinos in question could make a huge difference.

The way the new addition to the app functions is simple, if spending within a certain category (gambling, for example) has been turned off in the app, then any payments attempted to any site within that category will be automatically denied.

Important

Speaking of the new function, Catherine McGrath, MD of Barclays, said:

“We are always looking for new ways to support our customers and make it easier for them to manage their finances.”

With GambleAware CEO March Etches praising the new measure, saying:

“GambleAware welcomes this initiative by Barclays, which we hope will encourage other banks to do the same.

“There are 340,000 problem gamblers in Britain and a further 1.7 million at risk and initiatives like this can play an important role in helping to reduce gambling-related harms.”