# The credit card ban in s.165 and what it means for wallets

> Section 165 bars credit cards and methods funded by them in Irish betting. What that means for Apple Pay and Google Pay, and what this site does not claim.

Source: https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/credit-card-ban-and-mobile-payments/
Updated: 2026-11-07

Section 165 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 bars credit cards, and electronic methods that can be topped up from a credit card, for licensed betting operators. It has been in force since 5 February 2026. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not named in our source. What counts is the card behind the wallet, so we make no ruling on a wallet without a source.

## What section 165 says

- Credit cards are barred.
- Electronic payment methods funded from a credit card are barred too.
- In force since 5 February 2026, through S.I. 31/2026.

This is a summary from our notes. The exact wording is to be re-read in the [Act](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/35/enacted/en/html) and the [order](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2026/si/31/made/en/print).

**In short:** the ban is about the funding source, not the brand of the method.

## Where wallets fit

A wallet presents a card or account that you added to it. Our notes say the source of the funds matters.

Apple's and Google's own help pages on which cards a wallet accepts have not been read for this page. Until they are, no ruling is made on any wallet.

**In short:** a wallet is not exempt or banned by name; its funding decides.

## Method by method

**Section 165 and common methods. Source: Act s.165, S.I. 31/2026; operators' payment pages · checked 7 November 2026**

| Method | Position in our notes | Operator documents it | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Barred (s.165, per our notes) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Debit card | Not named in the ban | Not checked | Not checked |
| Apple Pay, debit card added | No ruling without a source | Not checked | Not checked |
| Apple Pay, credit card added | No ruling without a source | Not checked | Not checked |
| Google Pay, debit card added | No ruling without a source | Not checked | Not checked |
| Google Pay, credit card added | No ruling without a source | Not checked | Not checked |
| PayPal | Depends on its funding source; no ruling | Not checked | Not checked |

**In short:** one row is settled; the rest need a named source.

## How to check in the app

1. Open the deposit screen and read the list of accepted methods.
2. Read the operator's payment page for rules on cards and wallets.
3. If a credit-card-funded method is offered, tell the operator first. See [how to complain](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/complain-about-a-betting-app/).

Method pages: [Apple Pay](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/apple-pay-betting-apps-ireland/), [Google Pay](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/google-pay-betting-apps-ireland/), [PayPal](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/paypal-betting-apps-ireland/).

**In short:** the deposit screen and the payment page are the two places to read.

## What this site does not claim

- That any named wallet is allowed or barred.
- That any operator accepts or refuses a method: Not checked.
- Any fee, limit or withdrawal time: the operator does not publish them here and we have not read them.

More on the topic: [payments in apps](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/payments/).

**In short:** no ruling on a wallet, and no operator claims yet.

## Related questions

**Can I use a credit card in an Irish betting app?**

No. Section 165 bars credit cards for licensed operators. It has been in force since 5 February 2026.

**Is a debit card inside Apple Pay or Google Pay allowed?**

The ban named in our notes concerns credit cards and methods funded by them. Whether an operator accepts a wallet is on its payment page, which we have not read yet.

**Does the ban cover PayPal?**

No conclusion is drawn here. The funding source behind the account decides it, and we have no source that rules on PayPal.

**In short:** credit cards are barred; for wallets, look at the card inside.

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: Gambling Awareness Trust helpline 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie.

## FAQ

**Can I use a credit card in an Irish betting app?**

No. Section 165 bars credit cards for licensed operators. It has been in force since 5 February 2026.

**Is a debit card inside Apple Pay or Google Pay allowed?**

The ban named in our notes concerns credit cards and methods funded by them. Whether an operator accepts a wallet is on its payment page, which we have not read yet.

**Does the ban cover PayPal?**

No conclusion is drawn here. The funding source behind the account decides it, and we have no source that rules on PayPal.