It’s been announced this week the Bank Of Ireland now have the ability to block debit cards for anyone looking to stop wagering with gambling sites – in a bid to help problem betting.
Bank Of Ireland To Help Their Gambling Customers With Voluntary Debit Card Blocks
Anyone using the Bank Of Ireland to bet through gambling sites will now have the option to block their debit cards, should they wish.
This new facility has been set up to stop funding sportsbooks, online casinos in Ireland, slot machines and lottery-based operators – but it must be done with a customer request.
This block will stop any payments being allowed to a gambling site and is designed to help the financial protection of their customers with a problem gambling history.
After a first quarter report filed by the Bank Of Ireland, they state that 90% of gambling deposits were made online – with a massive 99% done via a debit card.
The largest bank in Ireland also reported that despite a first quarter 2% tumble in overall ‘year-on-year’ gambling spending, the more worrying statistic for many is that over this same period deposits made by 18-25 year-olds was up 19%.
They also stated these gambling deposits, which would have then led to bets, were made up by 71% of men.
Plus also listed the counties in Ireland that had the biggest increases.
Wicklow County Had The Highest Increase Of Gambling Deposits With The Bank Of Ireland
- Wicklow +37%
- Kilkenny +24%
- Limerick +20%
- Laois +17%
(Figures based on first quarter of 2025)
Cheltenham Festival and Rugby Six Nations Popular Betting Events During The First Quarter
These opening quarter increases were also said to be down to major sporting events that are popular in Ireland – including the Cheltenham Festival, which is one of the premier Jockey Club racecourses.
Each year thousands of Irish horse racing fans travel over to England and bet with the leading sports betting sites on the four-day Cheltenham Festival – with many top Irish trainers like Willie Mullins bringing runners over.
While the Bank Of Ireland also said that the Six Nations Rugby tournament was another popular betting event – which also would have contributed to the higher turnover of gambling deposits in February and March 2025.
Any customers in the Republic of Ireland wanting to find out more or place a block on their debit card can call a dedicated number on 1818 200 423, or 0345 6016 157 for Northern Ireland based customers.
There is also more information about these new Bank Of Ireland deposit card gambling block at www.bankofireland.com/gambling
Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, went onto say. “Problem gambling can have a devastating effect not just on the person involved, but also on families, friends and loved ones.
Adding – “This initiative we are launching is designed to help customers take positive steps to improve control over their finances. It also furthers Bank of Ireland’s ambition to improve the financial wellbeing of our customers and communities, especially those going through difficult times,”
Oisín McConville, who is from GamblingCare.ie, also said. “Measures such as this are very welcome, as we can see from the latest gambling spend insights that betting amongst younger people is on the rise.
“In order to combat the scourge of problem gambling, a wide range of supports are essential to prevent the issue becoming overwhelming for those impacted. The introduction by Bank of Ireland of gambling blocks is another step in the right direction and will further safeguard their customers,”
Andy is an experienced betting and gambling journalist with over 20 years industry experience. He brings an excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and industry gambling news.
