UK ban on credit card gambling now in play

The United Kingdom’s ban on credit card gambling came into effect earlier this week, meaning British punters will have to seek out new ways to fund their online betting and gaming accounts.

The Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced the prohibitive measures in January as part of an industry-wide campaign to crack down on problematic behaviour and improve customer protection.

The new rules, which make it illegal for UK bookmakers and gaming operators to accept credit card transactions for any kind of gambling, kicked into gear on Tuesday, April 14.

“This credit card ban will further protect consumers from financial harm and from today, nobody in Great Britain can use a credit card to gamble,” UKGC chief executive Neil McArthur said.

“It is a ban which ultimately reduces the risks of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have.”

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From the UKGC’s point of view, the introduction of the credit card gambling ban could not have come at a more appropriate time.

With much of the British population in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, gambling activity at UK online casinos and betting sites has skyrocketed in the past few weeks.

Regulators, who have urged online gambling operators to implement a £50 daily bet limit, are concerned that the situation will lead to record levels of problem gambling.

McArthur said the latest research showed “an increase in UK consumer interest in gambling products since the lockdown began”, with a particular focus on “virtual sports and online slots”.

The credit card ban is a result of the UKGC’s Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures, which has led to a number of sweeping regulatory changes in the British gambling industry over the past two years.

McArthur added: “This is another milestone and we will continue to look for ways to make gambling safer.”