Bank of Ireland Gambling Block — How to Stop Gambling Transactions

The GRAI encouraged all Irish banks to introduce gambling blocking tools, and Bank of Ireland launched its gambling block facility in 2025. It joins AIB, EBS and Revolut in giving Irish customers the ability to block gambling transactions directly from their banking app or online account.

This page explains how each bank's gambling block works, how to activate it, and what else you can do if you want to limit or stop your gambling spending in Ireland.

Irish Banks That Offer Gambling Blocks (2026)

How to Activate the Bank of Ireland Gambling Block

1. Log in to Bank of Ireland 365 Online or the Bank of Ireland mobile app
2. Go to My Accounts → select your card → Card Controls or Spending Controls
3. Find the Gambling category and toggle it to block
4. The block applies immediately to debit and credit card transactions at gambling merchants
5. If you cannot find the option, call Bank of Ireland at 0818 365 365 and request the block by phone

How to Activate the AIB Gambling Block

1. Open the AIB Mobile Banking app
2. Go to Cards → select your card → Card Controls
3. Toggle off Gambling & Lottery to block all transactions in this category
4. The change takes effect immediately

How to Activate the Revolut Gambling Block

1. Open the Revolut app
2. Tap your Card → Control your card
3. Toggle off Gambling under spending categories
4. Revolut's block is widely used as it covers a broad range of online gambling merchants

Gambling Block vs Self-Exclusion — What's the Difference?

A bank gambling block prevents card payments but does not stop you from visiting gambling websites or using other payment methods. Self-exclusion is a stronger step — it removes your ability to access gambling accounts directly.

For the most effective protection, use both: activate your bank's gambling block and register with Ireland's national self-exclusion scheme through the GRAI.

📋 See also: Ireland's national self-exclusion scheme — how to register →

📋 See also: Full guide to GRAI licensed bookmakers in Ireland →

18+ only. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, contact the Gambling Awareness Trust on 1800 753 753 (freephone) or visit gamblingcare.ie.

How to Activate Bank of Ireland Gambling Block

• Step 1: Open the Bank of Ireland 365 app on your smartphone
• Step 2: Go to Account, then Card Controls or Manage Card
• Step 3: Look for Block Gambling Transactions or Merchant Category Controls
• Step 4: Toggle the gambling block on — applies immediately
• Step 5: To remove the block, return to the same screen and toggle off — up to 48-hour cooling-off
• Step 6: If you cannot find the toggle, call Bank of Ireland at 0818 365 365

Bank of Ireland Gambling Block: How to Disable

Bank of Ireland's gambling block (called "Gambling Freeze") is managed via the BOI Mobile Banking app. To disable: open the app → Card Controls → Gambling → toggle off. Changes apply within seconds. If you do not see this option, update the app — the feature was introduced in 2022 and may not appear on older app versions. Alternatively, call BOI at 0818 365 365 and request removal over the phone with identity verification.

All major Irish banks now offer voluntary gambling blocks. Enabling a block typically takes effect immediately; disabling may require a 24–48 hour waiting period depending on bank policy.

Bank of Ireland Gambling Block: How to Disable

To disable the Bank of Ireland gambling block: open the BOI 365 app, tap Manage at the bottom, select Manage Card, tap Block Transactions, toggle off Gambling. Bank of Ireland enforces a 48-hour cooling-off period before the block lifts -- a mandatory wait built in as a responsible gambling measure. You cannot speed this up by calling the bank.

How to Unblock Gambling on Bank of Ireland

The unblocking process for Bank of Ireland requires the 48-hour wait -- plan ahead if you know you will want to bet on a specific event. Alternative: use a Revolut card (block lifts instantly) or Skrill/PayPal e-wallet funded from a different account not subject to the BOI restriction.