The Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB), together with its member banks AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB, has launched the Common Commitment of Care for Problem Gambling. The initiative aims to provide consistent and compassionate support to customers affected by problem gambling, reinforcing the banking sector’s role in tackling this important social issue.
The new framework commits banks to practical measures such as dedicated support phone lines, trained staff, voluntary card blocking, and signposting to trusted external services like Gambling Care and MABS.
Speaking at the event, Marion Kelly, CEO of the Irish Banking Culture Board, said: “Problem gambling can cause serious harm to individuals, families and communities. IBCB member banks recognise their responsibility to respond with compassion and practical support when customers reach out for help.
This Common Commitment of Care ensures that anyone experiencing gambling difficulties will find clear, accessible supports to assistance through their bank. The introduction of a voluntary card block by AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB will make an important contribution to those experiencing problem gambling and IBCB calls on other financial services players to put in similar measures”
The ESRI in October 2023 estimated that 3% of the adult Irish population (130,000) were struggling with problem gambling. Additionally, another 279,000 adults are exhibiting moderate evidence of problem gambling.
Problem gamblers spend over €1k per month on average, to support their addiction. The CSO confirms the average net monthly income of €2,990 across Ireland.
Other developing trends confirm over 20% of 16 year olds have gambled for money in the last 12 months.
Website information
Customer support phone line
Trained staff
Voluntary Card Blocking
IT Enhancements
Bank
Support phone line to talk about problem gambling
Bank of Ireland
0818 200 423
01 250 0423
PTSB
0818 818 721
From abroad: + 353 1 655 0581
For more information on the IBCB’s Common Commitment of Care for Problem Gambling, please visit our website:
The IBCB’s Common Commitment of Care builds on its wider mission to enhance trust, fairness and transparency in Irish banking. By standardising the way banks support vulnerable customers, the initiative ensures consistency and reliability, while also directing people towards specialist services such as Gambling Care’s 24/7 helpline and MABS’s free debt and budgeting advice.
The launch reflects a strong commitment by AIB, Bank of Ireland PTSB to support customers impacted by gambling addiction. With collaboration between industry, regulators, government and support organisations, the IBCB and its member banks hope to create lasting, positive change in how problem gambling is addressed in Ireland.