Banking tools: blocking casino transactions
Introduction
Even after self-exclusion and technical filters, funds can be debited from cards and accounts to gambling sites. Banking instruments allow you to set a "hard line" - all attempts to operate in categories of gambling will be automatically rejected.
1. MCC codes and their role
What is an MCC
Merchant Category Code (MCC) - a four-digit code assigned to retail outlets: casinos, bookmakers, sweepstakes.
Gambling codes
7932 - Lotteries and Sweepstakes
7995 - Casinos & Slot Machines
7800 - Entertainment and Recreation (sometimes includes bookmakers)
Locking mechanism
The bank at the processing level checks the MCC of the outlet and, if it coincides with "gambling," rejects the transaction.
2. How to submit a request to the bank
1. Contact a branch or chatbot
- Inform the operator: "Please block all transactions under MCC 7932 and 7995."
2. Via mobile application
Find Card Management → Transaction Restrictions.
Select the category "Gambling," "Lotteries" or "Casino" and turn on the lock.
3. Written statement
- If necessary, fill in the department: indicate the full name, card/account number, specific MCC codes.
3. Settings in Internet Banking and mobile applications
Category limit
- Set a daily and monthly transfer limit in the gambling category MCC = 0.
Push-notices
- Enable alerts for attempted write-offs in blocked categories.
Auto-confirm locks
- Many banks allow you to activate the flag "do not ask for confirmation, immediately reject."
4. Prepaid and virtual cards
1. Dedicated gaming card
- Open the second card and use it only for gambling sites; then lock it.
2. Virtual card
- Create a one-time virtual machine in a mobile bank and immediately block MCC 7932/7995.
3. Prepaid-cards
- Buy a prepaid card, spend your balance on the necessary payments, and then refuse top-ups.
5. Restrictions at the level of payment systems
PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
- In the security settings, disable the ability to replenish "Gaming" or add your account to the list of "trusted: block the rest."
Automatic Payment Feedback
- Set up the rule "reject all transactions related to MCC gambling" - in the interface of the payment provider.
6. Working with credit and debit cards
Debit cards
- Blocking operations protects only from spending, does not allow to go into minus.
Credit cards
- After blocking MCC, arrears on already made payments are paid according to the standard schedule, but new operations will not work.
Overdraft and overdraft line
- Ask to turn off card overdraft lines so a credit cushion doesn't work when you try to charge.
7. Control and confirmation
1. Test transaction
- Try to make a small transfer to the casino site: the transaction must be rejected.
2. Bank reports
- Once a month, review the history of rejected transactions using "excitement" MCC codes.
3. Push and SMS notifications
- Make sure you get an instant message about a write-off attempt - this is a signal to strengthen other measures.
8. Additional measures
Combine with BetStop
By registering in the national register, you will receive a lock from the operators, and the bank will receive an additional milestone.
Technical filters
Use extensions, DNS lock, and hosts file on devices.
Assign a "responsible person"
Trust your friend to check statements and alerts when trying to bypass.
Conclusion
Bank blocking of transactions is a key element of a multi-level system of responsible play. Submitting a request for MCC blocking, setting limits in the Internet bank, using virtual and prepaid cards along with technical filters creates an insurmountable wall between you and gambling sites. Set up all available tools and control reports - and you will ensure maximum protection of your budget.
Even after self-exclusion and technical filters, funds can be debited from cards and accounts to gambling sites. Banking instruments allow you to set a "hard line" - all attempts to operate in categories of gambling will be automatically rejected.
1. MCC codes and their role
What is an MCC
Merchant Category Code (MCC) - a four-digit code assigned to retail outlets: casinos, bookmakers, sweepstakes.
Gambling codes
7932 - Lotteries and Sweepstakes
7995 - Casinos & Slot Machines
7800 - Entertainment and Recreation (sometimes includes bookmakers)
Locking mechanism
The bank at the processing level checks the MCC of the outlet and, if it coincides with "gambling," rejects the transaction.
2. How to submit a request to the bank
1. Contact a branch or chatbot
- Inform the operator: "Please block all transactions under MCC 7932 and 7995."
2. Via mobile application
Find Card Management → Transaction Restrictions.
Select the category "Gambling," "Lotteries" or "Casino" and turn on the lock.
3. Written statement
- If necessary, fill in the department: indicate the full name, card/account number, specific MCC codes.
3. Settings in Internet Banking and mobile applications
Category limit
- Set a daily and monthly transfer limit in the gambling category MCC = 0.
Push-notices
- Enable alerts for attempted write-offs in blocked categories.
Auto-confirm locks
- Many banks allow you to activate the flag "do not ask for confirmation, immediately reject."
4. Prepaid and virtual cards
1. Dedicated gaming card
- Open the second card and use it only for gambling sites; then lock it.
2. Virtual card
- Create a one-time virtual machine in a mobile bank and immediately block MCC 7932/7995.
3. Prepaid-cards
- Buy a prepaid card, spend your balance on the necessary payments, and then refuse top-ups.
5. Restrictions at the level of payment systems
PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
- In the security settings, disable the ability to replenish "Gaming" or add your account to the list of "trusted: block the rest."
Automatic Payment Feedback
- Set up the rule "reject all transactions related to MCC gambling" - in the interface of the payment provider.
6. Working with credit and debit cards
Debit cards
- Blocking operations protects only from spending, does not allow to go into minus.
Credit cards
- After blocking MCC, arrears on already made payments are paid according to the standard schedule, but new operations will not work.
Overdraft and overdraft line
- Ask to turn off card overdraft lines so a credit cushion doesn't work when you try to charge.
7. Control and confirmation
1. Test transaction
- Try to make a small transfer to the casino site: the transaction must be rejected.
2. Bank reports
- Once a month, review the history of rejected transactions using "excitement" MCC codes.
3. Push and SMS notifications
- Make sure you get an instant message about a write-off attempt - this is a signal to strengthen other measures.
8. Additional measures
Combine with BetStop
By registering in the national register, you will receive a lock from the operators, and the bank will receive an additional milestone.
Technical filters
Use extensions, DNS lock, and hosts file on devices.
Assign a "responsible person"
Trust your friend to check statements and alerts when trying to bypass.
Conclusion
Bank blocking of transactions is a key element of a multi-level system of responsible play. Submitting a request for MCC blocking, setting limits in the Internet bank, using virtual and prepaid cards along with technical filters creates an insurmountable wall between you and gambling sites. Set up all available tools and control reports - and you will ensure maximum protection of your budget.
