Allied Irish Bank now offers its customers a service that allows them to ban themselves from financing gambling. (Image by tarunfireoo2926605 on Vecteezy)
The new measure introduced by the Allied Irish Bank (AIB) provides their 3.3. million customers the option to block gambling transactions on their cards, at will.
With the software in place on banking apps and via the bank’s support services, customers of the Irish banking brand can request the gambling block on all their accounts.
It is a service that also extends to business accouints, and not just personal banking. AIB has also created a page on its website to help players available here on the AIB website.
For those in Ireland who use AIB banking services, you can initiate the block by calling the AIB Additional Support Helpline. This option is also available to EBS Ireland clientele as EBS is a subsidiary of AIB, carrying out lending and insurance services.
AIB is now the second major Irish bank to carry a gambling block initiative after Ulster Bank.
Their positioning is part of a broader support movement offered towards vulnerable customers, which aims to prevent financial harm to their respective families.
The important role of the bank’s effort to aid customers impacted by gambling addiction is highlighted by Geraldine Casey, AIB’s Managing Director of Retail Banking. In a statement, he said words to the effect of the bank understanding that problem gambling can harm its customers. At the same time, the adverse effects can also spill over to loved ones, like family and friends.
He also directly quoted that: “The financial services industry has a role to play in supporting customers as they combat any gambling difficulties they may have, and AIB must do what we can to help them stop the harm.”
The public well received AIB’s initiative as it helps prevent problem gambling.
Even GAA All Ireland Football Championship winner Oisín McConville delivered a statement regarding this measure, saying that he was pleased AIB had taken the initiative to offer its customers a tool to block gambling transactions. It is an important service that will help those looking to face their problem gambling habits. He added that there is a life after gambling addiction as encouraging words to those currently facing gambling addiction problems.
You can read the full PDF by AIB titled AIB introduces voluntary gambling block to support customers, which has a date stamp of 25 August 2024.
We Are Seeing Problem Gambling Improvements Globally
There is a huge rise in support for the prevention of problem gambling across the globe. The UK online casino market is arguably one the strictest and most persistent in its fight against gambling addiction.
In the accompanying table, I’ve highlighted some of the most recent news reports covering problem gambling initiatives. All these news reports were reported by Casinoplusbonus EN news team, and include PayPal as well as the possibility of UK bank blocking business cards from gambling transactions.
As Ireland moves closer to finalising its Gambling Regulation Bill, we will begin to see the country build up further awareness of problem gambling. Irish casino players and sports betting enthusiasts will be encouraged to sign up to platforms regulated by the GRB, which in turn will have responsible gambling tools built in.
If you are still unsure as to how problem gambling tools can help you, please read our casino responsible gambling tools guide.
| Recent Problem Gambling News |
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| GameCare Request Banks Raise Awareness |
| UK Banks May Ban Business Cards From Gambling |
| PayPal Online Gambling Block Software |
What is Happening with Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill (GRB)
Ireland’s GRB has had ongoing delays in its implementation and despite the 2022 tri-coalition government terms agreement of the GRB – the bill is still under review. Although the GRB intends to replace the Betting Act of 1931, no updates have been provided yet.
The ongoing frustration for the nation-wide gambling issue is growing while the leader of the legislative process, Fianna Fáil minister James Browne tries to assure everyone that the government is commited to establishing the new Gambling Regulatory Authority.
Do you have a gambling problem? Take the problem gambling test with Gambleaware to check your gambling. You can also read the Casinoplusbonus EN ‘How to Get Help For Problem Gambling’ guide in the footer.
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