The UK’s ban on credit card gambling took effect Tuesday, while sketchy affiliates continue to use the GAMSTOP self-exclusion program’s name to promote Curacao-licensed online casinos.

On Tuesday, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) issued a statement to its licensees reminding them that the government’s new ban on using credit cards for gambling purposes – including using credit cards to fund e-wallets that don’t prevent funding of gambling accounts – had officially come into force.

UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said the ban “ultimately reduces the risks of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have.” McArthur added that the ban was timely given reports of “an increase in the use of some online products, such as online slots and virtual sports,” as well as “an increase in UK consumer interest in gambling products” since the nation’s pandemic lockdown began.

SELF-ISOLATION AFFECTING SELF-EXCLUSION?