PTSB has launched a digital voluntary block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling merchants.

The new facility is aimed at combating problem gambling.

The bank has described the move as an important initiative in promoting financial wellbeing and supporting customers in managing gambling-related harm.

The new feature allows PTSB customers to block debit and credit card transactions that are classified as gambling instantly through their PTSB app.

If customers choose to remove the block, a 48-hour impulse delay period will apply before gambling transactions can resume.

Along with betting sites, the block also covers online casinos, poker sites, and lottery websites.

PTSB says their own banking data in the first six months of this year shows 91% of gambling spend was completed online.

While 80% of gambling spend was completed by men, versus 20% completed by women.

The age group with the highest spend on gambling sites for both men and women is 40-49.

The data also revealed 2% of those who gambled in June 2025 spent over €1,000, which the bank said falls into the threshold of problem gambling, according to ESRI Research.

ESRI research found that there are 130,000 adults with problem gambling in Ireland.

There is also growing evidence that gambling offers lure people to bet more, particularly those at risk of problem gambling, PTSB said in a statement.

The bank said it is committed to supporting customers by improving the financial literacy of its customers through education, inclusion supports and the delivery of digital tools.

It said this includes raising awareness of the risks associated with problem gambling and providing support for those affected.

PTSB also has a dedicated Enhanced Customer Support team within their Contact Centre should customers need to access this support via phone.

Patrick Farrell, PTSB’s Retail Banking Officer said: “At PTSB, the safety and welfare of our customers is of the utmost importance, and we’re committed to ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and plan for their future.

"Problem gambling is increasingly becoming a societal issue that warrants the closest attention, as it can have hugely damaging implications for individuals, their families and loved ones.

"We know from ESRI research that one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling, but worryingly a further 279,000 adults show moderate evidence of it.

"That’s why we have introduced this voluntary gambling block in-app so that it is accessible when our customers need it most.”

Oisín McConville, GamblingCare.ie said: “I am delighted that PTSB has introduced a Gambling Block feature to their app.

"Having this service available to customers digitally will make a huge difference as it is accessible to them on the go, which is particularly important given the prevalence and availability of online gambling.

"Initiatives like this from PTSB are crucial in supporting those who experience problem gambling and really complement the support services GamblingCare offers in managing gambling-related harm.”

Photo: Patrick Farrell, Chief Retail Banking Officer, PTSB and Oisin McConville GamblingCare.ie launch PTSB in-app Gambling Block functionality.