Mobile Only Banks Allow Transactions to Gambling Operators to be Blocked

Attention on vulnerable gamblers and those who suffer from the effects of problem gambling has never been higher, with recent studies suggesting that over half a million people in the UK being affected in some way by problem gambling.

The financial and psychological fallout of problem gambling can be horrific for sufferers and their families, and, as a result, various companies and operators have been trying to do their bit to make a difference.

Two mobile only banks, Starling and Monzo, have announced they will be assisting in the fight against problem gambling by providing customers with an option to automatically block payments to gambling operators such as online casinos sites and betting outlets.

How it works

The option will allow players to switch on a feature that will prevent their card from being accepted at any online gambling or retail betting outlet.

The feature will also not be able to be simply turned off, instead, in order to make these sites and retail outlets accessible by card again, the customer will have to go through a series of checks including questions about health, as well as a 48 hour delay being put on the release of the block.

Enormous Difference

Describing the “simple change” as capable of making an “enormous difference”, Helen Undy from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said:

“It’s currently not possible to self-exclude from all forms of gambling – after being excluded from high street bookies people can cross the street to go to a casino, or log on and gamble online.

“It’s a system that just doesn’t work. That’s why we’ve been calling for banks to step in, allowing customers to block all types of gambling transaction in one go.

“We hope to see more banks following suit and offering it to their customers soon.”