NAB Bank’s one-click in-app solution paves the way for both Android and iOS users to simply and effectively choose to gamble responsibly by blocking gambling transactions. But will it show dividends for the players?
December 2019 saw Australia’s NAB Bank launch a first for the country – the ability for local gamblers to block all gambling transactions via the bank’s easy to use the app. The option was open to all NAB Visa Credit and NAB Visa Debit account holders but only those who were using the app on an Apple iOS device.
February 2020 saw NAB Bank roll out the free in-app service to Android device users. Since Apple owns nearly 54% of the Australian mobile user market compared to Android’s 45% it makes sense that NAB would prioritise iOS first to reach the most people at launch.
Protecting Australia’s Wealth
The need of the app said Rachel Slade, NAB Bank’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, was highlighted by an earlier 2017-2018 financial health report that showed Australians spent nearly $25 billion gambling. A figure that showed a projected growth curve of 5% and more year over year.
Slade continued by adding:
“It’s very easy to place a bet, so there’s real value in giving people the option to plan ahead and control their spending. This tool is designed to put the choice in the hands of our customers,”
The app comes at the right time with reports showing a marked rise in financial difficulties in Australia.
Does The Market Need This?
The true mark of any plan to protect players from problem gambling behaviours isn’t in market reports and theoretical values. What matters is how effective is the program in real terms. When it comes to an app the measure of its efficacy is in how many people use it.
“We also recognise problem gambling remains a major challenge affecting the community and one that requires organisations, governments, and the community to work together to effectively address.”
NAB Bank has clearly struck a nerve with their offering. At present more than 10,000 Australian gamblers have triggered the gambling restrictions feature from within the banking app with the expectation for a marked increase in this number as more Android users are educated on the feature.
This is an initiative which we hope will gain ground with banking institution worldwide as it is a sound, practical way to empower players to gamble responsibly.
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