AIB Introduces Voluntary Gambling Block to Support Customers
Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has introduced a voluntary gambling block feature for debit and credit cards, allowing customers to restrict transactions linked to gambling.
New Gambling Block Feature
Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has launched a new feature that allows customers to voluntarily block gambling transactions on their debit and credit cards.
This initiative is designed to help individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction by giving them a practical tool to control their spending.
The block can be applied to both personal and business cards, providing flexibility for all types of customers.
Support for Problem Gambling
In addition to the gambling block, AIB offers a range of support services for customers facing gambling problems.
The importance of such support is underscored by data from gamblingcare.ie, which indicates that many people first disclose their gambling issues to staff at financial institutions rather than to family or friends.
AIB’s Managing Director of Retail Banking, Geraldine Casey, emphasized the bank’s commitment to helping customers manage the negative impacts of gambling:
“We understand that when gambling becomes harmful it can affect not just the person involved, but their families and friends too. It can damage relationships, finances, employment, and mental health. The financial services industry has a role to play in supporting customers as they combat any gambling difficulties they may have, and it’s important AIB does what we can to help them stop the harm.”
Advocacy and Encouragement from Oisín McConville
Oisín McConville, a GAA All Ireland Football Championship winner and advocate for gambling addiction recovery, has openly shared his own experiences with gambling problems.
He expressed his support for AIB’s initiative, stating, “I am very pleased to see AIB is offering this voluntary gambling block to help their customers to begin to tackle their gambling problems. I would like to reassure people that you can recover, that there is life after gambling addiction and that help is available to anyone who needs it.”
McConville, who also works with gamblingcare.ie, encourages individuals to seek help, highlighting the free and confidential services available to those in need. He emphasized that recovery is possible, and resources like AIB’s new feature are vital in supporting this journey.
Identifying Harmful Gambling Behaviors
AIB has provided a list of signs that may indicate when gambling is becoming harmful.
These include concealing or lying about gambling, gambling to cover living costs, accumulating unpaid bills, continuing to gamble after significant financial losses, selling possessions or borrowing money to gamble, difficulty sleeping due to late-night gambling, and experiencing relationship or occupational problems as a result of gambling.
Recognizing these signs can be crucial in taking early action to address the problem.
How to Activate the Gambling Block
The gambling block feature is optional and can only be activated at the customer’s request.
AIB customers interested in applying the block can contact the AIB Additional Support Helpline on 0818 227 056, available Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 (excluding bank holidays).
Additional Resources
AIB has also advised that there are other services available for those experiencing gambling problems.
These services provide additional support to help individuals and their families manage and overcome the challenges associated with gambling addiction.
