Royal Society for Public Health UK Welcomes Ban on Credit Card Gambling

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has welcomed the decision of the UK Gambling Commission to ban gambling with credit cards.

In March 2019, a research by the Gambling Commission revealed that one in five (22%) of online gamblers that use credit cards are classed as problem gamblers.

“This decision marks a clear and welcome step in the right direction toward tackling gambling related harm. Credit card gambling is particularly problematic when individuals take part in gambling with money they simply do not have, often with devastating results for individuals, families and whole communities,” Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive of RSPH said.

Under the new regulations, it will be mandatory for all online gambling operators to participate in the self-exclusion scheme provided by Gamstop and offer this to all customers from March 31.

“Throughout 2020, we look forward to working with the Gambling Health Alliance to evaluate the current system and take forward evidence based recommendations for a wider package of measures to tackle gambling related harm and protect the public’s health,” Shirley Cramer added.