Gambling transactions will be blocked on credit cards from 1 October 2021
Gambling is a mainstream entertainment activity, however it is also a public health issue in Australia, with significant health and social impacts, at individual, family and community levels. Most of those who gamble do not experience harm, however, gambling can be a problem for some people and gambling on credit can lead to severe financial stress for the individual and their family.*
As part of our commitment to responsible banking, from 1 October 2021, gambling transactions will no longer be authorised on credit cards. The block relies on information provided by merchants classified under the gambling merchant category code. We are not alone in implementing this initiative, with a number of other banks already prohibiting the use of their credit cards for gambling purposes.
The block does not apply to debit cards
We know that many people choose to gamble and we respect their freedom to choose how they spend their money. Members can still use the Visa Debit card for gambling, as the debit card is linked to a transaction account, meaning the member's own money, rather than borrowed money as is the case with a credit card.
If you or someone close to you is gambling and it is causing problems, help is available by calling the Gambling Help Line on 1800 858 858 or visiting https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
*https://www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/878303/gambling-harm-minimisation-report.pdf
https://aifs.gov.au/agrc/publications/impact-gambling-problems-families
