Gambling's imminent credit card ban can’t come soon enough

The use of credit cards on online casinos or online bingo sites has long been criticised by the UK government, with some of the major political parties promising to tackle the issue in the lead up to December’s general election. 

Well, an article posted by The Guardian suggests that details of the imminent ban, as well as how the new rules will be implemented, could be due as soon as tomorrow. 

The Guardian reports that a source close to the Gambling Commission has informed them that an official announcement is due this week, pegging Tuesday, 14th Jan as the date. 

The change in rules could also affect other online casino payment methods, including e-wallets like Paypal or Neteller, though currently there is no official word on this.

The biggest names in the industry frequently push the narrative that they are doing their part to reduce gambling harm, even going as far as to set up a new safer gambling initiative to better educate and support people suffering with gambling addictions.

However, what’s baffling is how all these sites still accept credit cards as a form of payment considering a ban would be an easy way to reduce harm and prevent people with a gambling problem from racking up a debt they can’t afford to pay off.

It’s great that this ban is being implemented, but it is a shame that it has taken so long for the government and the Gambling Commission to take decisive action.