Credit Card Gambling Ban

On 14 April 2020, the Gambling Commission introduced a ban on gambling with credit cards in Great Britain. However, a closer look reveals this rule is more nuanced than many assume, with an exception for lottery products bought in a shop.

The reasoning behind the rule is simple: the ban aims to reduce the risk of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have. This means that any gambling operator, from betting and casino to bingo, must not accept credit cards.

By introducing barriers to using borrowed money for gambling, regulators aim to ease the risk of gambling-induced debt.

How the Credit Card Gambling Ban Works

In essence, the credit card gambling ban affects online and offline gambling in the UK, from online casinos to in-person bookmakers. It applies through licence conditions, one of which requires all licensees not to accept credit card payments for gambling. This extends to e-wallets and other payment services funded by a credit card.

One key caveat is that operators must not accept payment through a money service business unless it has blocked credit card funding for gambling through its services.

How Shop Lottery Sales Escape the Rule

One category of gambling remains untouched by the ban: non-remote lottery sales. Customers can buy scratchcards and lottery tickets from a shop alongside non-gambling products using a credit card, while the same purchases made online are covered by the ban.

After the Ban: What Is Still Allowed for UK Gamblers

The key takeaway from this patchwork of rules is that credit card funding is barred from most forms of gambling, including through third-party money services and e-wallets, but lottery tickets and scratchcards remain available to buy in a shop using a credit card.

Ultimately, gamblers must now choose a payment method other than a credit card, such as a debit card, for online gambling.

18+. Gambling can be addictive: the National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133.