In an attempt to tackle gambling problems, UK regulators are taking steps to ban credit card payments for online gambling.
The ban starts on 14 April, and it comes after reviews by the government and regulatory bodies. 24 million adults in Britain gamble, with 10.5 million of those doing so online.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, said: “Credit card gambling can lead to significant financial harm. The ban that we have announced today should minimise the risks of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have.
Credit: BBC
“We also know that there are examples of consumers who have accumulated tens of thousands of pounds of debt through gambling because of credit card availability.
“There is also evidence that the fees charged by credit cards can exacerbate the situation because the consumer can try to chase losses to a greater extent.”
Culture Minister Helen Whately said: “Whilst millions gamble responsibly, I have also met people whose lives have been turned upside down by gambling addiction.
“There is clear evidence of harm from consumers betting with money they do not have, so it is absolutely right that we act decisively to protect them.”
The ban will apply to all online and offline gambling services except lotteries that are run for good causes.
