Credit card ban for online gambling ‘vital’ says UKGC

From today, UK players will not be able to use credit cards to fund online and retail gambling activity.

UK.- The introduction of a ban on credit cards used in conjunction with online gambling is ‘vital’ the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has said.

The complete ban on UK players using credit cards to gamble comes into force today (April 14th) following the announcement in January by the UKGC and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

All online and offline gambling will not permit a credit card to be used for payment or a deposit of funds. Non-remote lotteries, such as in-store National Lottery tickets and scratchcards are exempt from the ruling.

The ban also covers credit card gambling through e-wallets.

UKGC CEO, Neil McArthur, said: “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.

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

“The ban also comes at a vital time as we are seeing an increase in the use of some online products, such as online slots and virtual sports, and our online search analysis shows an increase in UK consumer interest in gambling products since the lockdown began.

“This highlights just how important it is for gambling operators to keep people safe. 

“This is another milestone and we will continue to looking for ways to make gambling safer.”