Should Irish people worry?

The Irish Times have reported a form of censorship against online gamblers by banks, who are apparently rejecting mortgage applications if statements show signs of gambling - which includes those of us who like to enjoy the odd fun evening with our bingo buddies playing a few games of online bingo.

Read the full article here in our online bingo news section.

What exactly does this mean for Irish online bingo players, is this a serious threat and something to be worried about?

No Irish bank has yet admitted that this is a full-blown policy, however it does appear to be becoming the rule of thumb according to the IMAF (see bingo news article). Tell-tale signs on your monthly bank statement that lead to an internet bingo site could mean that you might not be able to buy a home - at least with that bank.

In any mortgage application, banks need to determine the applicant’s ability to repay the loan. But why should they be concerned if you enjoy a few games of bingo every now and again. Why has online gambling become such a weighted factor in this process?

With 98% of the gambling population able to gamble responsibly, this surely indicates a responsible approach to life in general too, including the ability to repay debt, ie., bank loans and mortgages.

So if I lived in Ireland and played internet bingo regularly and was thinking of buying a house, I might be worried. On the other hand, how stupid would your bank be to deny you a mortgage just because of your online bingo hobby?!!!

Seriously, I don’t think it’s anything to panic about. To put it into perspective,

This does seem to be a bit OTT, even for Irish banks, but if I lived in Ireland and played internet bingo regularly AND wanted to buy a house I might be worried, but I seriously don’t think this is anything to panic about. So keep playing bingo games online and stuff the banks!