Ireland - From now on no credit card payment at William Hill
Ireland - From now on no credit card payment at William Hill
In most countries in Europe, gambling is currently considered a much-discussed topic. In particular, the protection of problem gamblers from a gambling addiction and the fight against the gambling black market. More and more illegal slot machines and casinos are on the rise, which completely neglects player protection. For this reason, the authorities and governments of most countries are working on good and balanced gambling regulation. Especially as far as online gambling is concerned, credit card payment is considered a big difficulty. For this, the Irish want to find a quick solution.
William Hill - no more credit card deposits possible
Only yesterday, we presented the results of a study conducted in Ireland on the subject of gambling addiction among the population. The results here are clear and show that men are 5 times more likely to suffer from gambling addiction than women. Especially young men between 25 and 34 years. The use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are considered to be serious factors while living in socially disadvantaged regions also promotes such behavior. It is precisely these people who need help and should not get into debt under any circumstances.
For precisely this reason, the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) called on its members last August to abandon credit card payments as a payment option. After sports betting providers such as Bet365, Entain, Betway, Flutter Entertainment, and cricket betting sites in India already complied with the government's demand, William Hill has now followed suit. Credit card payment is considered to be the easiest way for a problem gambler to get himself into high debt. As a result, this is only a request from the IBA and not a ban on credit card payments.
Credit card payment indirectly still possible
Nevertheless, credit card payment or the use of credit card for online gambling can not be completely excluded. Rather, most online casinos offer payment through e-wallets, where a credit card can be deposited without any problems. Ultimately, the gambler uses Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Revolut as a deposit method at online casinos, through which the money has ultimately been deducted from the credit card.
Moreover, the whole thing will certainly attract some gamblers to illegal online casinos, where they themselves can pay directly with their credit card. Nevertheless, it is still allowed by law to pay gambling offers with a credit card. For this reason, all politicians and player protectors in Ireland are insisting on a new edition of the gambling laws. There, the credit card payment method should be eliminated in any case in order to prevent possible mental gambling disorders. In this regard, Great Britain is considered a role model and pioneer, because there the credit card payment of gambling has already been banned since April 2020.
Amendment of the gambling law in Ireland
In all likelihood, it will be some time before the gambling law in Ireland is amended. Currently, a change in the regulations is not expected until the end of 2022 at the earliest, as the EU country has yet to establish its gambling authority. This authority will then take over large parts of the jurisdiction and responsibility in matters of gambling. For this reason, the new gambling law in Ireland is expected in the coming year.