PTSB has launched a digital voluntary block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling.
The bank said this marks an important initiative in promoting financial wellbeing and supporting customers in managing gambling-related harm.
The new feature allows PTSB customers to block debit and credit card transactions that are classified as gambling instantly through their PTSB app.
If customers choose to remove the block, a 48-hour impulse delay period will apply before gambling transactions can resume.
PTSB said that as well as betting sites, the block also covers online casinos, poker sites and lottery websites.
An analysis of PTSB banking data from January to June of this year shows that 91% of gambling spend was completed online, while 80% of gambling spend was completed by men.
Its research also shows the age group with the highest spend on gambling sites for both men and women is 40-49.
Meanwhile, 2% of those who gambled in June spent over €1,000, which falls into the threshold of problem gambling, according to ESRI Research.
PTSB said that as part of its 2025-2027 Sustainability launched earlier this year, it is committed to playing its part in supporting customers with their financial wellbeing. This includes raising awareness of the risks associated with problem gambling and providing support for those affected.
Patrick Farrell, PTSB’s Retail Banking Officer, said that the safety and welfare of the bank’s customers is of the utmost importance.
“We’re committed to ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and plan for their future,” Mr Farrell said.
He noted that problem gambling is increasingly becoming a societal issue that warrants the closest attention, as it can have hugely damaging implications for individuals, their families and loved ones.
“We know from ESRI research that one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling, but worryingly a further 279,000 adults show moderate evidence of it. That’s why we have introduced this voluntary gambling block in-app so that it is accessible when our customers need it most,” he added.
Oisín McConville, GamblingCare.ie said, that having this new service available to customers digitally will make a huge difference as it is accessible to them on the go, which is particularly important given the prevalence and availability of online gambling.
“Initiatives like this from PTSB are crucial in supporting those who experience problem gambling and really complement the support services GamblingCare offers in managing gambling-related harm,” Mr McConville added.
