UKGC mulls total ban on credit card-based gambling

The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued a request for evidence ahead of a potential blanket ban on gambling using credit cards.

The regulator said it wants to build a “comprehensive picture” of gambling with credit cards, including the scale of use in the gambling industry and associated risks.

The UKGC has asked for evidence of effective harm prevention measures which may serve as “robust alternatives” to prohibiting or restricting gambling with credit.

Among the alternatives mooted by the commission are card-blocking facilities or the imposition of account limits until further information about consumer gambling spend is obtained by operators.

The move follows the UKGC confirming its support for the principle that “consumers should not gamble with money they do not have”, which was included in its review of the UK online gambling sector published in March 2018.

Paul Hope, executive director at the Gambling Commission, confirmed the UKGC is “exploring” all measures that could help reduce risk of harm to consumers using their credit cards to gamble online.

“We want consumers, gambling firms and other interested parties to have their say and provide evidence that will help us make gambling safer” Hope added.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban said there was “no justification for allowing gambling via credit cards”.

“Betting more than you can afford is a sign of problem gambling, so permitting gambling on credit cards both facilitates and is an endorsement of harmful activity,” he added.

Industry stakeholders have until 16 May to submit evidence.