UK Gambling Commission mulls banning credit card for gambling transactions

The UK Gambling Commission is considering a ban on credit cards for gambling-related transactions. The commission has invited recommendations and suggestions from the members of the public, gambling businesses and other stakeholders.

Paul Hope, an executive director at the Gambling Commission, said: “We are exploring measures that could help reduce the risk of harm to consumers who use their credit cards to gamble online, and to those who play on all Category B machines. We want consumers, gambling firms and other interested parties to have their say and provide evidence that will help us make gambling safer.”

UKGC has already agreed in principle that consumers should not gamble with money they do not have. Gambling with borrowed money is already well-established as a risk factor for harmful gambling.

Now it is seeking meaningful input to help determine if restrictions—potentially including an outright ban—are necessary to limit risks to consumers.

The other call for evidence gives an opportunity for gambling businesses to outline how they will meet the challenges set out in the UK Government’s Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures over the protections for players using FOBTs.