GamCare calls for more awareness on bank gambling blocks

GamCare has called for banks to raise consumer awareness of gambling blocks and offered its recommendations on how to improve them.

In so doing， GamCare has voiced its desire for an increase in awareness and additional support beyond the block for vulnerable customers.

Bank gambling blocks are designed to stop transactions when a bettor appears to be potentially experiencing harm. However， GamCare revealed that many people only find out about the block after they have experienced gambling harm. 

Jonathan， a man in recovery from gambling harms， is quoted as saying by GamCare: “The gambling block offered by my bank has been a key pillar in my recovery， but more publicity is needed to raise awareness of bank gambling blocks， especially amongst those struggling with their gambling.

"Having this block in place， coupled with self-exclusion from online gambling，Free games gives me breathing space and a sense of security， especially when big sporting events are on.”

Deelan Maru from the Behavioural Insights Team said: "Our analysis of bank gambling tools shows that gambling blocks have inconsistent naming conventions across different banking apps. For example， one bank may call it ‘card freeze’， whilst another would place it under ‘merchant control’ or ‘restriction’ settings – ultimately causing ambiguity and confusion for the consumer.

"Offering these tools in intuitive locations and adopting consistent naming across the finance sector could help drive awareness and adoption of gambling management tools， ensuring more vulnerable customers are protected from gambling harms.”

GamCare recently partnered with The MMA Fan Podcast， hosted by The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison， to help further promote problem gambling awareness.