All-Ireland winner Oisín McConville has backed a new initiative from AIB to introduce a voluntary block on card payments linked to gambling.
The new measure – which enables a block to be put on debit and credit cards for personal or business use – is designed to support customers with gambling problems.
The former Armagh footballer said: ‘I am very pleased to see AIB is offering this voluntary gambling block to help their customers to begin to tackle their gambling problems. I would like to reassure people that you can recover, that there is life after gambling addiction and that help is available to anyone who needs it.’
Mr McConville is brand ambassador for Gamblingcare.ie. He has spoken about overcoming his own gambling addiction and has urged anyone experiencing gambling problems to avail of the supports on offer, saying: ‘The service is free, confidential and it’s for you.’
Mr McConville, who now works as an addiction counsellor, said recently he believes there should be a complete ban on gambling around sporting events.
He was speaking after research published by the Institute of Public Health found young gamblers in the 18-34 age group reported a high exposure to gambling ads. They said the ads, across platforms from television to social media, were so frequent that some found the exposure ‘inescapable’.
His own addiction saw him fall €42,000 into debt at Cheltenham, take out a €20,000 Credit Union loan to bet on a horse, and take every last penny from his mother’s handbag.
He said he was on the brink of ending his life when his addiction spiralled out of control on the streets of London in 1999.
Geraldine Casey, AIB’s managing director of retail banking, said: ‘We understand that when gambling becomes harmful it can affect not just the person involved but their families and friends. It can damage relationships, finances, employment and mental health. The financial services industry has a role to play in supporting customers as they combat any gambling difficulties they may have, and it’s important AIB does what we can to help them stop the harm. That is why we are putting in place additional supports for customers who wish to take steps to protect themselves from problem gambling.’
Data from Gamblingcare.ie shows many people first disclose a gambling problem to staff at their financial institution instead of family or friends. Behaviour associated with problem gambling includes concealing or lying about gambling, becoming preoccupied with past gambling successes, and increasing money being gambled.
AIB customers can ask for the gambling block by phoning 0818 227 056. Problem gamblers can also visit Gamblingcare.ie.