Report reveals the technology behind bank card gambling blockers works, but millions do not have access

The research, published today and led by the University of Bristol, highlighted although blockers could be effective, particularly when used in conjunction with other self-exclusion tools, they need to be improved to better protect people from gambling harm. The researchers, from the university's Personal Finance Research Centre (PFRC), are recommending all card blockers include a time-release lock of at least 48 hours. Joining forces with GambleAware, which commissioned the study, the researchers have put forward a blueprint for change to maximise the effectiveness of bank card blockers. Among their proposals, they call on the Financial Conduct Authority to recommend gambling blocks are standard on debit and credit cards; and propose a cross-sector consumer awareness campaign placing bank card blockers alongside other forms of self-exclusion and player controls. The report found just eight financial service firms offer blockers on certain products and ranges, estimated to cover 60 per cent of personal current accounts. Outside of these eight firms, no other organisations are currently offering blockers to all their customers. This means more than 28 million personal current accounts are missing out on this important tool to block gambling expenditure.