Gambling blocks on credit and debit cards

Customers of Australian banks have the option to block gambling transactions on their credit and debit accounts.

A gambling block on a credit or debit account means the account cannot be used to pay for gambling products or activities.

In many cases, customers can activate a gambling block on their accounts through their banking app.

If needed, customers can contact their bank for assistance with its app or to request that the bank activate a gambling block on their accounts.

Support varies across different banks, so customers should speak to their bank’s customer service team about what the bank can offer, which may include:

• activating gambling blocks on their accounts
• declining gambling transactions when the customer has reached a pre-determined limit on their credit card
• allowing the customer to create a high balance alert for their accounts
• providing credit cards that do not allow gambling transactions
• referral to gambling help and financial and wellbeing counselling services.

ANZ

A gambling block can be applied to eligible cards using the ANZ app without needing to call or visit the bank.

For more information:

• visit Gambling Support | ANZ
• call ANZ on 13 22 73
• message the ANZ team from within the ANZ app.

Bank of Melbourne

The gambling block feature is available on all eligible personal credit and debit cards. Login to Internet Banking and activate gambling block in the Card Services menu.

For more information:

• visit Gambling block | Bank of Melbourne
• call the Customer Care team on 13 22 66 (Mon–Sat, 8 am to 8 pm).

Commonwealth Bank

Blocks can be applied to credit and debit cards. Customers commit to a set period of time and the block will be applied immediately.

A Gambling Support Service is available for customers experiencing gambling harm. The service provides financial hardship assistance and can activate a gambling block on customer accounts.

For more information:

• visit CommBank
• call the Community Wellbeing team on 1800 222 387 (Mon–Fri, 8 am to 6 pm).

National Australia Bank (NAB)

Blocks can be applied to credit and debit cards, including via the NAB app.

Primary card holders, additional card holders, people who hold a power of attorney, and people who have third-party access to another person’s internet banking can apply for a block.

For more information:

• visit Block gambling transactions on your cards – NAB
• call NAB Customer Support on 1300 308 175.

St George Bank

Customers can block gambling transactions on credit and debit cards through the St George app, internet banking or by calling the bank.

For more information:

• visit Gambling block (stgeorge.com.au)
• call 13 33 30.

Westpac

Blocks can be applied to credit and debit cards.

For more information:

• visit Gambling block | Westpac
• call the Customer Care team on 131 900 (Mon–Fri, 9 am to 6 pm).

These banks automatically ban the use of gambling transactions on their credit cards but may allow their debit cards to be used for gambling purchases.

• Bank Australia: 132 888
• Bank of Queensland: 1300 557 272
• Citibank: 13 24 84
• Macquarie Bank: 1300 150 300
• Suncorp: 13 11 55
• Virgin Money: 13 37 39
• Bendigo Bank: 1300 236 344

Anyone struggling with, or negatively affected by, their own or someone else’s gambling can access free, confidential Gambler’s Help support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.