The European bank HSBC will allow UK customers to block the cost of betting in online casino. According to The Guardian, the measure is aimed at helping addicted gamblers.

The new system was developed in collaboration with organizations GamCare and GambleAware. HSBC will not block the entire account, but will be able to exclude gambling expenses from the list of all transactions. As explained in the bank, the ban can be lifted 24 hours after activation. According to representatives of the financial organization, this measure will allow gamblers to avoid unwanted expenses.

According to statistics, in 2018, about half a million HSBC customers wagered at online casinos and betting sites and spent an average of £52.5 on this.

“Payments are an important part of the gambling industry; without them, online gambling would not exist. Therefore, it is only right that banks and other financial institutions take seriously the protection of people from possible addiction,” said Dr Heather Wardle, researcher of human behavior.

Earlier in the British Parliamentproposed 686 ввести новые ограничения для ставок на игровых автоматах в онлайн-казино. Парламентарии считают, что необходимо снизить максимальную ставку до 2 фунтов стерлингов за одно вращение (текущий лимит составляет 100 фунтов). Эксперты предполагают, что это вызовет рост количества нелегальных казино, которые будут работать без лицензии Великобритании.