UK regulator bans punters from using credit cards for online gambling

Punters will no longer be able to use their credit cards to place bets online after a major shake-up of rules announced by the UK industry regulator.

From April 14, people wanting to place bets online will have to do so by using either a debit card or through cash deposited into an account.

The credit card ban affects all gambling, with the exception of the National Lottery, the UK Gambling Commission said.

It follows concerted efforts by the Government to address the issue of problem gambling.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, said: "Credit card gambling can lead to significant financial harm."

"The ban that we have announced today should minimise the risks of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have."

Commenting on the announcement by the Gambling Commission , Brigid Simmonds, Chairman of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “The Betting and Gaming Council is a body firmly committed to raising standards, safer gambling and change."

"We will implement a ban on credit cards and indeed our members will go further to study and improve the early identification of those at risk."

"The use of credit cards were previously used as a potential marker of harm which might lead to  further intervention with customers."

"We welcome the requirement for all companies to join GamStop as part of our continued and ongoing determination to raise standards in the industry."

"Measures already introduced include new age-verification and affordability checks, additional funding for research, education and treatment and new codes of conduct.”