The Australian Banking Association has released a consultation paper on the use of credit cards for gambling.

Banks have introduced a range of initiatives to help customers better manage their financial arrangements and mitigate harms related to problem gambling – technology solutions such as tools to help customers track their spending, customer directed blocks, trained customer support teams, referrals to support services.

The ABA is seeking views from the public on the place of a credit card and its use for gambling. Currently credit cards can be used when gambling online, however when in a gambling venue of a licenced venue or casino patrons cannot use credit cards or make ATM cash advance on their credit card.

CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said that banks had an important role to play in helping tackle the issue of problem gambling and were seeking feedback from the community.

“For many Australians gambling is a form of entertainment and recreation, however for some it can become a problem that potentially has devastating consequence for the individual and their family,” Ms Bligh said.

“As an industry we are currently assessing a number of options to help tackle problem gambling.

“We are seeking feedback across the community on a number of important questions, which will then help banks as they each consider further reform on this issue,” she said.