Today, 14 April 2020, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission(UKGC) enforced a total ban on credit card gambling within the UK which will add a further ‘Layer of protection’ for vulnerable gamblers.
Blanket-Ban On Credit Card Gambling
In January 2020, the UKGC along with the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) announced a blanket-ban on the use of all credit cards to fund casino accounts, this also includes e-wallets funded by credit cards. The ban includes online and offline gambling with the exception of non-remote lotteries like the National Lottery.Over the past few years, gambling online has increased, UK Finance research has shown 800.000 consumers in the UK use credit cards as a payment method, with 22% of online consumers deemed as problem gamblers.Neil McArthur from the Gambling Commission said,“ This highlights just how important it is for gambling operators to keep people safe and the credit card ban will help that. This is another milestone and we will continue looking for ways to make gambling safer.”
Continued Reviews Into Online Gambling
In April 2019, the UKGC reduced the maximum bet for FOBT’s from £100 to £2 in a bid to protect players from gambling related harm. Working directly with operators they have implemented a range of tougher regulations including stricter age and identity verification processes, applying safer gambling tools for players and joining forces with the NHS in their long term plans.Today’s credit card ban follows on from the UKGC’s review of online gambling, they will also be reviewing the Gambling Act ensuring it’s fully up to date with the digital age.