Bank of Ireland Adds Gambling Blocks as Youth Betting Rises

Gambling among young Irish adults has seen a marked increase this year, leading Bank of Ireland to roll out a new voluntary feature that allows customers to block gambling-related transactions on their debit cards.

According to data compiled by the bank, gambling expenditure by 18 to 25-year-olds jumped 19% in the first quarter of 2025, despite a slight 2% dip in overall gambling spend across all age groups. This uptick in youth betting activity coincided with major sporting events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations rugby championship, which significantly contributed to the heightened gambling interest early in the year.

Online Gambling Dominates as Young Men Lead the Surge

Bank of Ireland's review of card activity during the first three months of the year revealed that a vast majority—90%—of gambling transactions occurred online. Of these, 99% were processed through debit cards. Men accounted for 71% of all bets placed, with counties like Wicklow (+37%), Kilkenny (+24%), Limerick (+20%), and Laois (+17%) showing the sharpest increases in gambling activity.

In contrast, individuals over the age of 65 registered an 8% decline in gambling activity during the same period.

Voluntary Gambling Blocks Introduced

In response to growing concerns about problem gambling—especially among younger users—Bank of Ireland has unveiled a voluntary debit card blocking tool designed to prevent payments to gambling-related services. Once requested by a customer, this feature restricts access to transactions involving online casinos, slot machines, and lottery platforms.

The new safeguard is available for both individual and business debit cards, with plans to expand the functionality to credit cards in the near future. Customers seeking to activate this block can do so by contacting the bank directly or visiting www.bankofireland.com/gambling.

Tackling Problem Gambling Through Prevention

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer at Bank of Ireland, emphasized the broader impact of gambling addiction on individuals and those close to them. “Problem gambling can have a devastating effect not just on the person involved, but also on families, friends and loved ones,” she said. “For those with a gambling addiction it can often seem like help is out of reach. This initiative we are launching is designed to help customers take positive steps to improve control over their finances.”

Oisín McConville of GamblingCare.ie echoed this sentiment, noting that younger demographics are particularly vulnerable. “We can see from the latest gambling spend insights that betting amongst younger people is on the rise. To combat the scourge of problem gambling, a wide range of supports is essential to prevent the issue from becoming overwhelming for those impacted,” he said. “The introduction by Bank of Ireland of gambling blocks is another step in the right direction and will further safeguard their customers.”

Support Services Available

GamblingCare.ie, which has been operating since 2019, offers educational resources and support services for individuals dealing with gambling-related issues. It also provides assistance to friends and family members affected by gambling addiction. Their 24/7 National Helpline is available at 1800 936 725 for those in need of immediate support.

Customers in the Republic of Ireland who wish to activate the gambling block feature can call 1818 200 423. Those in Northern Ireland can contact 0345 6016 157 for further assistance.

Sources:

Bank of Ireland Introduces Voluntary Gambling Blocks, bankofireland.com, May 7, 2025.