What is it with banks and lottery sites?

Hominu

I thought I'd have another go with the Health Lottery this weekend as I've not played for months and maybe I'll get lucky.

They don't accept CCs, so I tried to purchase £5 of credit with my FD Debit card - Declined. So I tried my Barclays card - Declined, and then they wouldn't let me attempt another payment without waiting an undisclosed amount of time, so I logged out and forgot about it.

I've since used my FD card at another (non-lottery) website and it was approved, so card is OK.

What gives?

Plxply

I imagine the banks determined that the payment could be fraudulent and declined the payment. It could also be that the card processing system was down and was returning declined for all purchases for a period of time.

Essex22011

As 'responsible lenders' I don't think banks should allow anyone to use a credit card to gamble!

dzug1

At one time (possibly no longer true) gambling debts were not enforceable through the courts.

So many CCs will not allow gambling transactions at all and those that do may treat it as a cash advance (with a fee) rather than a purchase

Doesn't explain why your debit cards were no good though

dalesrider

Lottery sites won't let you use a CC.
Given that you have had issues with more than 1 card provider. That would point to a issue with the retailer or the link between them and the banks.
If you FD card has since worked elsewhere, then it did not hit a security check. Or it would still have been blocked till you had spoken to someone.
Given FD are open 24/7 simply call up and see if the trans is showing on their systems.

webclinician

Lotteries don't allow credit cards and at times wont allow business cards.
Debit payment is generally better but sometimes too many gambling transactions gets blocked.

Hominu

Well, I rang up FD and asked and they said they declined the transaction as they were unsure about the authenticity of it. They suggested I applied for "3D Secure", which I've done. Come to think of it, the Lottery site did ask for some personal information, but as I was not 100% sure its was legitimate, I didn't provide any details.

Moneymash

The minimum spend on the Health lottery online is £10 and always has been.