This report reviews the use of debit and credit card technology to block spending on gambling. It assesses the effectiveness of bank card blockers to help people control their gambling. The blockers work in real-time to assess the type of business a customer is trying to pay with their bank card. If the business is related to gambling, and the customer has activated the blocker, the payment should be declined. Findings in the report draw on six months of research that included over 100 interviews and surveys.
The researchers found the following ways that can improve bank card blockers:
- Block technology works and should be available to card users. Blockers are working but are not available to all users.
- Few customers know about bank card blockers. Financial institutions should raise awareness of blocker technology.
- Blockers should be built around a time-release lock. Bank card blockers can be turned on and off by users at will. This is not an effective intervention.
- Blockers should limit cash withdrawals E-wallet providers and Credit Reference Agency need their own "blockers".
The report concludes that cross-sector efforts and regulatory intervention are needed to significantly reduce gambling harms.
