Citigroup decided to block the use of their credit cards for online gambling transactions in the UK. This company already applies the same policy in the US for some years.

Transactions with most credit card companies are coded to indicate the nature of the product or service that is sold. This allows services with a specific code, such as for gambling transactions, to be blocked.

Both Mastercard and American Express confirmed to the IFHA that it also has a worldwide coded system in place to allow the blocking of gambling transactions. However, these cards leave it up to the national issuer of the card to decide whether blocking is necessary to comply with national laws.

UK consumer groups have welcomed the step by Citigroup, whereas the online betting sector is outraged.