Voluntary Blocking of Gambling Transactions on Bank Cards

Key Points: 

• Many of Ireland’s major banks, now including PTSB, offer voluntary card blocks of gambling transactions.

• These blocking features empower individuals to take control of their gambling habits and prevent further harm by adding friction.

• The U.S. lacks comparable, widespread options from major financial institutions, but there are tools that offer similar types of support.

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For many struggling with their gambling urges, the temptation to place a bet can be difficult to  suppress when the next wager is just one click or card swipe away. With mobile sportsbooks, iGaming platforms, prediction markets and daily fantasy markets available 24/7, financial access has become a critical part of the potential harm cycle. 

In response, a growing number of banks in Ireland have implemented voluntary gambling transaction blocks on cards, empowering customers to add more hurdles between themselves and betting. This system, now live in Ireland, is one the U.S. could look to in the future as a key tool in the fight against gambling addiction.

Ireland banks combat Problem Gambling by allowing voluntary blocks of gaming transactions

Permanent TSB (PTSB), one of Ireland’s largest retail banks, announced a new in-app feature allowing customers to voluntarily block gambling-related transactions on their debit and credit cards. This move is a notable one as Ireland makes an effort to enhance financial safeguards for those vulnerable to gambling harm.

According to Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the PTSB block represents "a proactive and valuable Consumer Protection measure helping to reduce the risk of gambling-related harms.” The feature includes a 48-hour "cool-off" period should users want to disable the block, thereby discouraging impulsive behavior.

In a statement from PTSB’s Retail Banking Office, Patrick Farrell, “At PTSB, the safety and welfare of our customers is of the utmost importance, and we’re committed to ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and plan for their future. Problem gambling is increasingly becoming a societal issue that warrants the closest attention, as it can have hugely damaging implications for individuals, their families and loved ones.”

PTSB joins a growing list of Irish banks, including AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS and fintech giant Revolut, that now offer similar protections. These moves come after coordinated efforts between the GRAI, Irish Banking Culture Board and Irish Banking and Payments Federation to promote safer financial environments.

Background & history of the fight against Gambling Addiction in Ireland

Gambling in Ireland has long been part of the culture, dating back to horse racing in the 18th century. Over time, the industry has grown exponentially, now encompassing sports betting, lottery, gaming arcades, casinos and most notably, a massive surge in online gambling. Nearly two-thirds of Irish adults report gambling within the past year, with online platforms now representing the most rapidly growing segment.

Yet with economic gain has come societal cost. Ireland consistently ranks among the top three nations globally in gambling losses per capita. Over €2.1 billion is lost annually, and ESRI research shows that one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling, with nearly 280,000 more at moderate risk. Notably, only 1% of those needing treatment currently receive it, due to stigma, lack of resources, or absence of public education.

In response, Ireland introduced its first national gambling regulator (GRAI) in 2024. Since then, major reforms have followed, including stricter advertising rules (daytime gambling ad ban in place since March 2025), licensing reforms and a forthcoming National Self-Exclusion Register.

What the U.S. can learn from the gambling industry in Ireland

Unlike Ireland, the U.S. has no dedicated national gambling regulator or standardized gambling harm reduction framework. Gambling policy is fragmented state by state, with wildly differing rules on licensing, advertising, research, reporting and harm reduction. Most banks in the U.S. do not offer voluntary card-blocking for gambling transactions, leaving this safety feature absent from many Americans’ financial tools.

The Irish model proves that coordinated action between regulators, banks and industry stakeholders can create meaningful guardrails. Voluntary financial blocks do not ban gambling altogether but give individuals the option to self-exclude at the point of financial access, which is arguably one of the most powerful intervention points in the behavioral cycle of addiction.

Additionally, Ireland’s multi-layered approach, including education, national exclusion registers and data collection, is something American policymakers and financial institutions could adapt at scale.

What tools can Americans use to block gambling or keep it in check?

GamBan

For Americans who want to block access to gambling platforms, GamBan is an effective tool available. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android and desktop, the app blocks thousands of gambling websites and apps globally. Once installed, it runs quietly in the background and is designed to be difficult to remove. At just $2.49/month or $24.99/year (or free in some states), it’s a low-cost, high-impact option to help curb compulsive behaviors.

Birches Health is a proud partner of GamBan, which supports all types of gambling blocks, including online casinos, sports betting apps, sweepstakes, day trading and even daily fantasy sports platforms. For those serious about quitting, GamBan can serve as a key line of digital defense.

EDGE Boost

EDGE Boost can also be a useful tool that helps individuals with a centralized, bucketed view of their gambling spend. Their main product is a specialized debit card and budgeting system tailored for bettors. The card allows holders to separate gambling transactions from their main accounts and includes features like spending limits, “cool down” periods, and optional transaction notifications for accountability partners.

What sets EDGE Boost apart is its focus on betting-specific budgeting, centralizing your bankroll, setting universal limits and helping protect credit underwriting for major loans. With no account minimums and FDIC insurance up to $250,000, it also offers mainstream financial security while prioritizing sustainable play.

Gambling Addiction treatment and support in the U.S.

While tools like GamBan and EDGE Boost can be incredibly helpful, they are only part of the solution. Gambling disorder is a dangerous behavioral addiction that often requires comprehensive treatment, such as specialized counseling.

Birches Health provides expert virtual care for individuals struggling with gambling, sports betting or day-trading addictions. Birches’ team of certified counselors offer evidence-based treatment from the comfort of home, tailoring care to your specific behaviors and needs.

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

Whether you’re looking for support after a financial loss or want to proactively prevent gambling harms, Birches Health offers the #1 gambling recovery program in the United States.