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Irish banks that offer gambling blocks will set up a block on any card transactions they can reasonably spot, but some will process through transactions not identified as gambling. The block is limited to payments the bank can identify as gambling, which means merchants coded as gambling; payments that are not coded that way can slip through.
Why the block works and where it stops
A gambling block set up with a bank tells the bank to stop authorising transactions that its systems identify as gambling when they come through the card. It is effective only if the bank recognises the transaction as gambling - and can fail for offline purchases or when the merchant does not code the transaction as gambling.
AIB says it will only prevent transactions it confirms to be gambling from being approved, specifically noting that if AIB is not able to recognise the transaction as gambling, then it cannot stop it.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) lists several ways to block gambling on a card, from in-app settings in your banking app to clear requests by phone or in branch. It names AIB, Permanent TSB, Bank of Ireland, EBS by AIB and Revolut as the banks that offer it, but to activate it or get specifics, check the bank’s offering.
How to switch it on
The exact procedure varies, depending on the bank. PTSB lists it under its "Cards" menu in the banking app, and says it can also be activated after downloading and registering for its online banking. Bank of Ireland says the request can be made by phone or webchat, and to have your card details ready. AIB says the block can be placed on debit or credit cards via its support channels. When in doubt, GRAI also suggests speaking with a bank advisor in person at a branch.
How long removal takes
Different banks impose different cooling-off periods, from 48 hours at PTSB, up to two working days at Bank of Ireland, to three working days at AIB. In practice, this means you will need to give yourself enough time to get through the bank’s procedures and get the block actually released, not just asked for.
What it covers in practice
The block can reach into most of the ways a card can be used, either in person or online. The block's effectiveness depends on how the bank identifies gambling transactions. The block may not catch all gambling-related payments unless the bank explicitly states otherwise.
Getting extra support
Check the bank’s own published information on gambling blocks, and its support pages for any practical steps on setting up the block. GRAI also recommends speaking to an advisor or contacting a helpline when setting up, and the National Gambling Helpline (1800 936 725) is free and open 24 hours. It also notes that the block can usefully co-exist with software tools.