A lawmaker in Ireland has introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of credit cards for online and retail betting in the country

By banning credit card usage, the Betting (Prohibition on Use of Credit Cards) Act of 2021 aims to revise the Betting Act of 1931 in order to promote responsible gaming. Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin’s spokesman on addiction, rehabilitation, and well-being, introduced it.

According to the original legislation, individuals who seek a licence must agree not to take bets that have been placed using a credit card, and the new bill would make this requirement mandatory. It will also be prohibited to use electronic wallets unless the payment provider can prove that there are safeguards in place to prevent the use of credit cards.

After three months, people with existing permits will be subject to the new credit card restrictions.?Violations might result in a fine of up to two years in jail.

“I am really proud to launch this legislation that would see credit cards banned in online and in-shop betting,” said Gould.

“Protecting vulnerable people has to be at the fore of gambling regulation. While the government still haven’t published a Gambling Control Bill, Sinn Féin are committed to bringing forward credible protections that will help to protect vulnerable people.”

It was announced in August that Irish bookmakers will prohibit the use of credit cards for gambling as well as pre-watershed whistle-to-whistle advertising.

“We need to make sure that those in the throes of addiction aren’t gambling with money they don’t have and can’t afford,” added Gould.

“I am calling on all parties, and independents, to support this legislation and ensure that we see true protection for the most vulnerable in our society.”

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