NEWS: Gambling on credit cards to be banned

wiseonesomeofthetime

BBC reports on what I, personally, think is a great move.

But then, I don't gamble. Not even on the lottery.

Starts 14 April 2020

Malkytheheed

Personally not a fan of govermental hand holding. If somebody is so stupid that they want to gamble on a credit card then they should be allowed to. I don't like pandering to rank idiocy.

I don't gamble other than buying the odd scratch card ( a few a year tops) and then only when I am feeling flush, not when I need money.

Gerry1

Malkytheheed wrote: »

Personally not a fan of govermental hand holding. If somebody is so stupid that they want to gamble on a credit card then they should be allowed to. I don't like pandering to rank idiocy.

I don't gamble other than buying the odd scratch card ( a few a year tops) and then only when I am feeling flush, not when I need money.

It must be absolutely wonderful when you wake up each morning, secure in the knowledge that you are so vastly superior to those all those stupid idiots out there, and that life will never deal you a bad card...

wiseonesomeofthetime

Malkytheheed wrote: »

Personally not a fan of govermental hand holding.

I agree, to an extent, however, I believe it is being dealt with like an addiction, which, to some, it can be.

Some people need support and the phrases, "When the fun stops, stop", and "gambleaware" are insufficient to those with addictive traits.

Similar hand holding has been provided for credit card repayments by increasing the amount people pay each month so those on minimum payments do not sink in deeper.

The card providers may not like this as it will reduce their income. No cash advance charges for using your credit card to gamble.

However, I have heard the term quasi-cash quoted when funded from debit cards, so perhaps the banks will still make some money.

Just not off me

Willing2Learn

Malkytheheed wrote: »

Personally not a fan of govermental hand holding. If somebody is so stupid that they want to gamble on a credit card then they should be allowed to. I don't like pandering to rank idiocy.

I don't gamble other than buying the odd scratch card ( a few a year tops) and then only when I am feeling flush, not when I need money.

We get so many threads starting all the time, where the OP has got themselves into loads of debt through using credit with which to gamble. I also don't gamble and don't use scratchcards or the Lotto. I also don't like a nanny state, but I agree with a block being put on the use of credit cards for gambling with. (I also agreed with the limits place on fixed odds betting terminals).

Malkytheheed

Gerry1 wrote: »

It must be absolutely wonderful when you wake up each morning, secure in the knowledge that you are so vastly superior to those all those stupid idiots out there, and that life will never deal you a bad card...

You see. You have missed the main point here. This is nothing to do with being dealt a bad hand, in which people have my fullest sympathy and assistance. This is about people who CHOOSE to gamble on credit. Nothing to do with being dealt a bad hand so no need to be pious.

Dealt a bad hand - Have my fully sympathy and support.
CHOOSE to gamble on a credit card?? - Zero sympathy.

You reap what you sow. Gambling on a credit card is akin to punching yourself in the face. repeatedely. Nothing at all to do with bad luck.

Willing2Learn

Malkytheheed wrote: »

This is about people who CHOOSE to gamble on credit.

It is sometimes nothing to do with free-will and choice. There is medical evidence to support the fact that gambling is a symptom of poor emotional and psychological health. Talking therapy is proven to be an effective treatment. My NHS Trust (CNWL) runs the National Problem Gambling Clinic and treats problem gamblers living in England and Wales aged 16 and over through the provision of psychotherapy.

Malkytheheed

So, (at the risk of going off topic) why isn't smoking banned?
There is no single good reason to "allow" the public to smoke. Everyone knows it's only bad for you.

Paully28

Malkytheheed wrote: »

So, (at the risk of going off topic) why isn't smoking banned?
There is no single good reason to "allow" the public to smoke. Everyone knows it's only bad for you.

But they are not banning gambling they are just making it harder to gamble, as they are doing with smoking.

jimbo26

Malkytheheed wrote: »

So, (at the risk of going off topic) why isn't smoking banned?
There is no single good reason to "allow" the public to smoke. Everyone knows it's only bad for you.

Neither smoking nor gambling are currently banned. The government is making it harder to do both because both present risks.

NaughtiusMaximus

Malkytheheed wrote: »

Personally not a fan of govermental hand holding. If somebody is so stupid that they want to gamble on a credit card then they should be allowed to. I don't like pandering to rank idiocy.

Gambling addiction doesn't just affects the gambler but their family too, then there's the fact then some gambling addicts fund their addiction through crime.

Malkytheheed wrote: »

So, (at the risk of going off topic) why isn't smoking banned?
There is no single good reason to "allow" the public to smoke. Everyone knows it's only bad for you.

As has already been said, no-one has mentioned banning gambling, this is about putting additional controls in place in the industry with the aim of reducing problem gambling.

Speaking more generally, I do believe smoking and gambling are comparable in that they are harmful, addictive and whilst neither should be banned they should be heavily regulated. A complete ban on gambling advertising in line with the ban on tobacco advertising would be a very positive step.