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UK Gambling Commission Sets Credit Card Gambling Ban Date
By Shane Addinall Feb 05, 2020 OpinionThe UK Gambling Commission has set a date for banning all gambling via credit cards in Great Britain. But is this a hollow PR exercise or something that will actually positively impact problem gambling?After much debate and consideration, the UK Gambling Commission has finally set a date for the termination of gambling via credit cards. While not wholly unexpected many had hoped this wouldn’t come to pass, not because protecting at-risk gamblers isn’t important but because it is not really a solution – in fact, it barely passes as a band-aid.
Not An Aprils Fools Joke
The Commission decision will see all gambling via credit in Great Britain cease as of April 14th, 2020. They claim after extensive research into the matter of gambling debt that they feel this move will safeguard at-risk gamblers.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, said:
“Research shows that 22% of online gamblers using credit cards are problem gamblers, with even more suffering some form of gambling harm. 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.”
The decision is a blanket ban on all gambling via credit card which means not only will online providers be affected but you won’t be allowed to buy casino chips with your credit card at your local land-based casino either.
PR Win Versus Real Impact
The problem with this bold action is that it’s virtually pointless. In the example of land-based gambling above all you need to do is go to an ATM and withdraw the cash from your credit card and use that same interest-bearing cash to purchase chips at the local casino.
In terms of online gambling, the workaround for an addicted gambler is much the same. All they need to do is make a direct bank deposit or fund any of the available web wallets with their credit cards. Yes, direct online gambling via credits will look to be reduced but the issue of interest-bearing card fees has not been curbed, merely obfuscated.
Even McArthur’s platitudes speaking of how the Commission in conjunction with banks and financial institutions must “ensure consumers only gamble with money they can afford to spend” rings hollow.
Other than becoming a nanny-state where you directly control people’s money and time at a casino – as China does with children’s time on various online video games – there is not much you can do to control the actions of free-willed adults other than educate them and their loved ones and create processes to help them when they ask for it.
Real Help Is At Hand
If you or a loved is at risk of problem gambling, please educate yourself and reach out to a recognised local program. They have trained staff who can advise you on the next steps to ensure your family is safe and secure. Please visit our Problem Gambling link to learn more.
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