GamCare, which operates the U.K.’s National Gambling Helpline, wants banks to block transactions between business cards and gaming companies, Yogonet reported June 14.
GamCare made the recommendation after more reports of cards being used to finance gaming, and resultant financial losses by the card holders.
The hotline operator recently highlighted the case of a business owner whose son used the company’s debit card to finance his gambling. The bank and the company’s accountant didn’t flag the many gambling transactions. The business eventually closed due to the losses.
Raminta Diliso, financial harm manager at GamCare, told Yogonet: “Gambling harm can be a very hidden issue and it is worrying to hear that some people are financing their gambling through business funds,” who added, “Following our event, we have made some practical recommendations so banks can prevent British businesses and people from gambling harm.”
Besides blocking gambling transactions on business accounts, GamCare recommends staff training and awareness programs, monitoring of transactions and intervention and support initiatives.
GamCare previously called for more workplace support for employees with gaming addiction issues. It cites studies showing that less than 10 percent of companies have policies that address gambling issues. It has proposed a five-step plan for employees to address gambling addiction among its employees.
