Bank of Ireland launches debit card gambling blocks amid surge in youth betting

Youth gambling in Ireland has surged 19%, prompting Bank of Ireland to offer new blocking tools to curb addiction

The rise among under demographics was helped by popular sporting events at the beginning of this year, such as Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations. Photo: John Giles/PA Wire.

Spending on gambling has risen significantly amongst young people, with popular sporting events in the first three months of this year underpinning the rise in betting activity. 

New figures released by Bank of Ireland show card spending on gambling rose by 19% amongst 18 to 25-year-olds between January and March this year, despite total spending falling marginally by 2%.