UK considering credit card ban for online gambling

Credit cards, specifically those used for online gambling deposits, are coming under fire in the United Kingdom. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright wants to question bookmakers and bankers about his concerns that punters are gambling with money they can’t afford.

This push comes due to concerns that as much as 20% of deposits are made on credit, made using money the player doesn’t have at the moment. It’s also part of a broader push to address gaming addiction.

The Guardian reports that Wright wants gambling operators to do more, or risk losing their licenses. He said, “We should also ask if it is right that people should be able to gamble on credit and this is an area that the Gambling Commission are going to look into.”

If he is really intent on pushing through changes, it appears they would be inevitable. The opposing Labour party has also called on a similar ban in the past.