William Hill Bans Credit Cards Payment in Ireland
William Hill announced that it will ban the use of credit cards for online betting in Ireland. The ban starts this week, as reported by the Irish Independent.
“It’s our ambition that nobody is harmed by gambling. We’re getting in touch to let you know that we will be voluntarily removing credit card deposits as a payment option,” the company said.
No Sanctions
Several major betting companies still accept credit card payments directly in Ireland in contravention of the Irish Safer Gambling Code. Others that claim not to accept credit card bets reportedly do so through apps such as Apple Pay and Revolut.
The authority behind setting the anti-credit card rules in the country is the Irish Bookmakers Association. They say that they have no power to sanction credit card gambling because the Irish Government has not formally outlawed it.
New Regulator
A new gambling regulator is expected to be introduced in Ireland by the Irish Government. The regulator would have the power to fine betting firms for breaking the law. This regulator is expected to be introduced by the end of 2022, or at the beginning of 2023. One of the measures that will be outlawed is credit card betting.
Earlier this month, both Apple and Google provided Irish betting apps with a measure to stop card gambling through Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, a handful of local betting companies have been ignoring this measure.
In October last year, the Irish Times reported that free bets will be banned in Ireland as part of the new gambling laws. In addition, the regulator will have the power to revoke or suspend gambling licenses. It will also be able to freeze accounts and block incoming payments to providers.
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