‘Paddy Power Takes Moral Credit Card Stance in Ireland'(Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/x8i6FfaZAbs)
With a belief that gambling should be a bit of fun, Paddy Power has taken a moral credit card stance aimed at protecting customers in Ireland. Just last year, the UK banned the use of credit cards for all gambling transactions, and the Irish government has spoken of doing similar once new gambling laws and regulations come into place later this year. However, Paddy Power has taken things into its own hands by no longer accepting bets funded by credit card transactions. The betting company made the decision based on its commitment to promote safer gambling.
Becoming the first betting company to refuse deposits from Irish punters using credit cards, Paddy Power first informed customers via email on April 1. Many customers might have hoped this was an April Fool’s Day joke, but unfortunately for them, the date was purely a coincidence. No other betting company has implemented similar measures but once Ireland reforms gambling laws, it is unlikely they will have too much choice.
Paddy Power made it company policy to refuse credit card deposits starting April 1. Customers can still withdraw funds to credit cards. The company still accepts debit cards for deposits and withdrawals.
Moral Credit Card Stance Deserves Applause
It is refreshing to see such a huge brand make decisions that, although a detriment to the company’s bottom line, is for the good of the gambling community. As Paddy Power states, gambling should be something done for entertainment and using the money you can afford to lose. Studies have shown that using credit cards when gambling could lead to addiction and financial problems.
Before credit cards were banned in the UK as a gambling payment option, the UKGC carried out research that showed in 2018, 800,000 people used credit cards to fund gambling. Further research showed that 22% of customers who use credit cards to gamble were considered problem gamblers.
Gambling addiction destroys lives and families. Always gamble responsibly and only use money that you can afford to lose!
Credit Card Transactions Considered as Part of New Irish Gambling Reforms
New gambling reforms have been on the agenda for some time in Ireland, with the government aiming to publish the objectives of the new gambling bill by the middle of this year. There was no mention of credit card transactions in the 2013 Gambling Control Bill, but ministers working on the reforms have said that gambling using credit cards will be stopped. Whether that is as a direct result of the new legislation or via powers the newly-formed regulatory authority has, is unclear.
Paddy Power has taken the decision to act now rather than wait and is a decision we consider to be a good one. Will other major betting brands follow suit? This remains to be seen!
Live Dealer Brands at Paddy Power
Alongside sports betting and online poker, Paddy Power offers an online casino featuring a plethora of live casino games. Powered by Playtech, the casino features live tables from that company and also from Evolution. You can enjoy a diverse range of roulette, blackjack, and baccarat variants while the platform also provides live game shows such as Crazy Time (Evolution) and Adventures Beyond Wonderland (Playtech).
The latest live title to hit the Paddy Power portfolio is Deal or No Deal – The Big Draw. From Playtech, this live game show is a lottery/bingo-style game based on the popular television game show of the same name.
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