Bishop says that stopping credit card bets does not go far enough

A BISHOP has warned that stopping gamblers from using credit cards to place bets is “no more than a tweak” and “fundamental reform” is needed.

Firms face enforcement action from the Gambling Commission once the ban is introduced on April 14, as the Government seeks to address the issue of problem gambling.

Campaigners have welcomed the move, which will affect all gambling except lotteries where payment is made face-to-face, but warned it is only the first step.

The Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, who put forward a motion on reducing the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals at the Church of England’s General Synod in 2017, said it was a significant step. But he added: “This is no more than a tweak to gambling legislation and regulation.

“Fundamental reform is needed if we are to ever make significant progress for the hundreds of thousands affected by gamblingrelated harm.”

The regulator said the ban would form part of firms’ licence conditions, meaning that any breach could be met with a warning, suspension or revocation of that permit, or an unlimited fine.

It said it would be disproportionate to expect non-gambling retail premises to prevent credit card payments for lottery tickets while accepting credit cards for groceries.

The Government has come under pressure to introduce a ban on using credit cards, with the regulator’s own data showing more than 165,000 customers made £46m worth of credit card deposits in February last year.

Culture minister Helen Whately said: “There is clear evidence of harm from consumers betting with money they do not have, so it is absolutely right that we act decisively to protect them.”

The announcement comes amid a period of increased scrutiny on the gambling sector, which has seen criticism in recent weeks over its close relationship with professional sport.

Last week, ministers were told that the Football Association will not renew a controversial deal allowing gambling websites to screen live football matches.

The FA faced pressure over its deal with Bet365 which allows people to watch live matches if they create accounts with the gambling firm.