Posted in Industry May 17, 2020
UK Implements Ban on Credit Card Use for Online Gambling
The UK has decided to ban the use of credit cards for online gambling, effective April 14th, excluding non-remote lotteries. The decision came after the Gambling Commission reviewed online gambling and the potential risks to players, with 22% of all online gamblers using credit cards categorised as problem gamblers or at risk. The ban is viewed as a means of improving consumer protection, with the risks for players being minimised. Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, sees the use of credit cards for gambling as a significant harm to be avoided. Although such a ban is negative for the industry, the majority of gambling operators have responded positively to the move. They hope it will be integrated into other consumer protection measures such as affordability checks and investment in research. The online gambling industry has seen an increase in customer engagement due to the COVID-19 health crisis, leading the Commission to suggest steps that operators should take to protect players online.
