NatWest has added a new gambling block feature to their mobile banking services, giving customers the choice to trigger a 48-hour cool-off period. This will prevent any transactions from being completed in this time frame.
A tool for supporting recovery
The London-based commercial bank hopes that this gambling provision will help their customers to take better control of their spending. The block will automatically decline all payments during the 48-hour cool-off period unless the customer decides to disable it themselves.
“The introduction of a gambling block for debit card customers will help us to equip gamblers experiencing harm across the UK with more tools to support their recovery,” explained David Lindberg, the CEO of retail banking at NatWest.
“Excessive gambling and financial hardship go hand in hand, and over the last year, we have offered an increasing amount of help to those customers who need it most through our trained specialists and by donating branch space for treatment therapy to reduce barriers to access.”
Bringing an end to problem gambling
That’s not all NatWest has done to help problem gamblers and their loved ones. Last year, they partnered with GamCare, an independent UK charity which provides advice and support to those affected. Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, also commented on NatWest’s latest decision to bring problem gambling to an end.
“The ability to block gambling transactions through your bank card or app is an important tool for those struggling with their gambling and is ideally used together with other practical tools such as self-exclusion, blocking software, and specialist support around the issue.”
She continued: “GamCare is pleased to see NatWest take this positive step to support their customers and we hope more of the financial sector follows suit.”
