Blockages and restrictions by banks
Introduction
Prepaid cards are a popular tool for replenishing accounts in online casinos, thanks to anonymity and cost control. However, banks acting as card issuers can impose their own locks and restrictions. This is due to both compliance with Australian law and financial institutions' risk management policies.
Reasons for interlocks
1. Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Compliance
The law restricts access to gambling for Australian citizens on certain platforms. Banks are required to control transactions to prevent circumvention of the rules.
2. AML/CTF политика (Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorism Financing)
Gambling-related payments are subject to special supervision. Prepaid cards, as a tool, do not always allow you to track the source of funds.
Banks block transactions that appear suspicious or violate transparency principles.
3. Merchant Category Code Restrictions
Transactions in casinos and bookmakers are marked with special codes.
If the issuing bank blocks the MCC, payment via a prepaid card is not possible, even if the casino accepts this method.
Types of restrictions by banks
Total ban on gambling transactions: Some Australian banks block any transfers to gambling operators' accounts.
Amount limit: a limit is often set for a deposit from a prepaid card - for example, no more than 500-1000 AUD per transaction.
Geographic blocking: Transactions to offshore casinos can be rejected if the bank identifies them as "high risk."
Temporary blocking: with multiple attempts to replenish the account, the bank can temporarily freeze the card until the identity of the owner is confirmed.
Difference between banks
Large banks (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) usually regulate gambling transactions more tightly, blocking most MCC codes.
Smaller banks and fintech issuers may be more loyal but are also required to follow AUSTRAC rules.
What players do
1. Use international prepaid cards (Visa/Mastercard Prepaid, Neosurf, Flexepin) issued outside Australia.
2. Alternative methods are used - electronic wallets or cryptocurrency, which bypass bank filters.
3. The conditions of the bank are regularly checked: the policy can change without warning, and what worked a month ago can be blocked today.
Result
Blockages and restrictions by banks are one of the main reasons why the use of prepaid cards for gambling does not always work in Australia. Main risks:
Players should consider that the bank always reserves the right to reject the transaction. Therefore, it is important to have backup replenishment methods and check in advance whether the card issuer supports online casino transactions.
Prepaid cards are a popular tool for replenishing accounts in online casinos, thanks to anonymity and cost control. However, banks acting as card issuers can impose their own locks and restrictions. This is due to both compliance with Australian law and financial institutions' risk management policies.
Reasons for interlocks
1. Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Compliance
The law restricts access to gambling for Australian citizens on certain platforms. Banks are required to control transactions to prevent circumvention of the rules.
2. AML/CTF политика (Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorism Financing)
Gambling-related payments are subject to special supervision. Prepaid cards, as a tool, do not always allow you to track the source of funds.
Banks block transactions that appear suspicious or violate transparency principles.
3. Merchant Category Code Restrictions
Transactions in casinos and bookmakers are marked with special codes.
If the issuing bank blocks the MCC, payment via a prepaid card is not possible, even if the casino accepts this method.
Types of restrictions by banks
Total ban on gambling transactions: Some Australian banks block any transfers to gambling operators' accounts.
Amount limit: a limit is often set for a deposit from a prepaid card - for example, no more than 500-1000 AUD per transaction.
Geographic blocking: Transactions to offshore casinos can be rejected if the bank identifies them as "high risk."
Temporary blocking: with multiple attempts to replenish the account, the bank can temporarily freeze the card until the identity of the owner is confirmed.
Difference between banks
Large banks (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) usually regulate gambling transactions more tightly, blocking most MCC codes.
Smaller banks and fintech issuers may be more loyal but are also required to follow AUSTRAC rules.
What players do
1. Use international prepaid cards (Visa/Mastercard Prepaid, Neosurf, Flexepin) issued outside Australia.
2. Alternative methods are used - electronic wallets or cryptocurrency, which bypass bank filters.
3. The conditions of the bank are regularly checked: the policy can change without warning, and what worked a month ago can be blocked today.
Result
Blockages and restrictions by banks are one of the main reasons why the use of prepaid cards for gambling does not always work in Australia. Main risks:
- complete prohibition of transactions by MCC codes;
- limits on the amount and frequency of transfers;
- locks on suspected AML/CTF violation;
- limitations on geography.
Players should consider that the bank always reserves the right to reject the transaction. Therefore, it is important to have backup replenishment methods and check in advance whether the card issuer supports online casino transactions.
