PTSB, one of Ireland’s biggest retail banks, has launched an in-app voluntary gambling block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling merchants. 

The new feature allows PTSB customers to block debit and credit card transactions that are classified as gambling instantly through their PTSB app, with 48-hours notice required to remove the block.

The new feature works across online betting, gaming and lottery websites.

An analysis of PTSB banking data from January to June 2025 shows that 91 per cent of gambling spend occurred online, of which men accounted for 80 per cent, with the 40-49 age group recording the highest level of spend. The data also shows that 2 per cent of those who gambled in June spent over €1,000.

“At PTSB, the safety and welfare of our customers is of the utmost importance, and we’re committed to ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and plan for their future,” said PTSB retail banking officer Patrick Farrell. “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.”

The launch of the new feature was welcomed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

“We very much welcome PTSB’s introduction of an in-app gambling block, this represents a proactive and valuable consumer protection measure helping to reduce the risk of gambling-related harms,” said GRAI chief executive Anne Marie Caulfield.

In recent months, the Irish gambling regulator has engaged with the Irish Banking Culture Board, the Irish Banking and Payments Federation and individual banks to encourage as many financial institutions as possible to offer gambling blocking facilities.

PTSB joins Bank of Ireland, AIB, EBS and Revolut in offering this facility to their customers in Ireland.

The GRAI is currently working on the design and development of the National Gambling Exclusion Register, which is expected to be operational following the commencement of the country’s licensing application process later this year.