PTSB Introduces Voluntary Gambling Transaction Block Feature

Permanent TSB (PTSB), a prominent retail bank in Ireland, has rolled out a new voluntary feature within its mobile app that permits customers to block card transactions related to gambling activities. This measure is designed as an additional layer of protection for consumers who are looking to manage their gambling expenditures. It follows recommendations from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), which has been advocating for financial institutions to equip consumers with tools that promote safer gaming practices. The introduction of this feature sees PTSB joining a number of other key players in the Irish banking sector. Financial institutions such as AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS, and the digital banking service Revolut have already established similar services. These collective efforts represent a sector-wide commitment to offer clients the resources necessary to control their spending on gambling-related activities.

Ireland's Broader Framework for Reducing Gambling Harm

The announcement from PTSB coincides with another critical development spearheaded by the GRAI: the establishment of a National Gambling Exclusion Register. This register, once operational, aims at empowering individuals by allowing them to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators throughout Ireland. This initiative aligns with wider legislative reforms that came into effect with the passing of new gambling regulations in October 2024. These changes uphold a framework intended to minimize gambling-related risks. The GRAI, having placed its operational headquarters in Dublin in April 2025, was set up in March the same year to monitor and enforce this updated legal regime. As stipulated by the new law, gambling operators online will need to regularly consult the exclusion register. They must honor any exclusion requests put forward by individuals, ensuring the process of self-exclusion is respected and observed.

Promoting Consumer Protection and Awareness

In addition to the physical transaction blocks, the GRAI emphasizes the importance of several preventive tools tailored to reduce the impact of gambling on susceptible individuals. Detailed guidance on their website shows various strategies such as utilizing blocking software, curbing exposure to digital advertisements, and enabling account-level exclusions as valuable methods of reducing engagement with gambling content. Furthermore, the GRAI recognizes and supports the voluntary exclusion programs many gambling operators already offer. These programs assist customers who wish to limit their participation in betting activities. The GRAI pledges ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to bolster consumer protections and guarantees the provision of adequate support and resources to those experiencing the adverse effects of gambling. In conclusion, the efforts by PTSB to introduce a voluntary gambling transaction block on its app marks a significant step forward in ensuring consumer protection and reducing gambling-related harms. As Ireland moves towards a more robust framework for managing gambling practices, initiatives like this underline the commitment to fostering a safer environment for all. Source: “PTSB introduces voluntary card-blocking for Irish players”, ptsb.ie, July 2025. By GamesAndCasino