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When does gambling become a problem?

When gambling becomes harmful it can affect not just the person involved, but their families and friends. It can damage relationships, finances, employment, and mental health.

Here are some of the signs that gambling is becoming harmful

  • Concealing or lying about gambling.
  • Gambling to try and make money to cover rising costs of living/bills.
  • Overdue and/or unpaid bills.
  • Continuing to gamble even after significant financial losses.
  • Selling possessions, borrowing, or even stealing money to gamble.
  • Difficulty sleeping which has resulted in gambling at night.
  • Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling.
  • Preoccupation with gambling.
  • Losing interest in other activities and hobbies.
  • Denying that a problem with gambling exists, or believing it is under control.
  • Experiencing relationship and occupation problems because of gambling.
  • Unexplained mood changes.
  • Continuing to gamble even when you don’t have the money to do so.

What we can do to help

Get in touch

If you, or someone you are caring for, needs support call us on 0818 227 056 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
 
We’ll talk through your situation, and how we can help you in confidence.
 

Gambling Block

If you would like a gambling block on your AIB Debit Card and/or AIB Credit Card, call us on 0818 227056, Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 (excluding Bank Holidays).
 
This block will prevent any transactions identified to us as gambling from being approved. However, if the transaction is not flagged to us as gambling, then we won’t be able to stop it and they will process as normal.
 
To remove the gambling block, call the number above. It will take 3 working days from the date of your request for the block to be removed.

 

How do I turn on or off a Gambling Block on my card in the AIB mobile app? (new app) 

  1. Log into the app. 
  2. Tap ‘Cards’ at the bottom of the home screen. 
  3. Scroll to the card you’d like to turn the gambling block on or off for.  
  4. Tap the ‘More’ button under the Card.  
  5. Tap ‘Card controls’.
The gambling block is on, when the toggle is purple. The gambling block is off when the toggle is grey.
 
If the gamble block is removed from a card, it may take up to 4 business days before gambling payments can be made.

 

Taking control

If you are struggling with your finances, have mounting debt, or have missed payments, talk to us as soon as possible. Check out the ‘Worried about Missing a Payment’ section on our website.

 

Commitment of Care

AIB is a member bank of the Irish Banking Culture Board and were pleased to support the IBCB Common Commitment of Care for Problem Gambling launched in September 2025.
 
Please visit the IBCB website for more information.

Get Help and Advice

If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, there are services available you can access for support.

Gambling care logo.

Gamblingcare.ie provides advice, support, and information to those who are concerned about their own or another person’s gambling, with dedicated support services across the country. 

Gamblingcare.ie support services ranged from residential programmes, in-person counselling, online counselling, and support groups to self-help tools. Their resources are helping thousands of people overcome the impact of harmful gambling in Ireland today.

National gambling helpline banner and number.

National Gambling Helpline 1800 936 725, open 9:00 - 23:00 daily.

Website: National Gambling Helpline website

Email: info@gambliingawarenesstrust.ie

Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS) logo.

MABS is the Irish money advice service, supporting people with money advice, budgeting, and problem debt for 30 years.

You can get impartial advice from MABS to help you manage your money and take control of debt. They offer support online, over the phone and face to face.

MABS Helpline: 0818 072000

Website: MABS site

Ways to get in touch