Bank of Ireland Spins Up a New Feature For Keeping Gambling In Check

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated May 8, 2025

By now, even the cat knows problem gambling needs to be kept in line, so no wonder big banks take a firm stance on responsible gambling, too. 

This time, it’s the Bank of Ireland. This institution decided to introduce the gambling block — a new feature that lets users block gambling transactions on their debit cards.   

To see this option in action, the only thing users have to do is reach out to the bank by phone. 

But what’s behind this brave new feature? Based on the bank’s official press release, on top of 90% of gambling transactions happening online, an increasing number of 18 to 25-year-olds got in on the gambling action in Q1 2025. 

All that considered, with financial literacy scores dropping left and right among young adults and 70% of Gen Zers prioritizing immediate wellness over extra money in the bank, a decision to step in for those at risk of problem gambling is far from a shock. 

Let’s now give it some time and see if other banks tag along. It doesn’t sound possible that something’s banjaxed in Ireland only while the rest of the world’s youth financial literacy skills are thriving. Don’t ya reckon? 

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