Independent Deputy Matt Shanahan said he welcomed the news that AIB has introduced a gambling block, which customers can now activate on their personal or business accounts as of July 31 (stock image)
A Waterford TD has called on Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB to follow AIB on implementing the option of a gambling block in its online services.
Independent Deputy Matt Shanahan said he welcomed the news that AIB has introduced a gambling block, which customers can now activate on their personal or business accounts as of July 31.
Deputy Shanahan said he has been raising the issue regularly in the Dáil, hoping that Ireland’s banks, notably the big three of Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, and AIB, would follow through on commitments made about the gambling blocks in 2019.
“A gambling block can be a very important tool that could save millions of euros each year for problem gamblers and their families,” said Deputy Shanahan. “Banks have been watching quietly from the sidelines for decades as problem gamblers blow their wages, and mortgage payments, on gambling, straight from their personal bank accounts.
“It’s about time they get off the sidelines and do something about it. Installing these blocks will allow problem gamblers to have an extra layer of protection at times when they feel most vulnerable.
“Revolut already has these blocks in place, and I’m delighted to see that AIB has followed suit. I’m now calling on the other major banks in Ireland to introduce these blocks as soon as possible.”
AIB customers can activate their gambling blocks by calling AIB Customer Service on 0818 227 056, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Once the gambling blocks are in place on the account, they can only be removed in three working days from the day that they receive a removal request.