Nationwide could freeze members’ accounts for 72 hours in a bid to protect customers.
The opt-in feature follows growing concerns that the ongoing cost of living crisis is exacerbating gambling problems for countless individuals across the UK.
Nationwide is rolling out measures to address the issue by giving customers access to a gambling block feature.
Once switched on, the block cannot be lifted for a minimum of 72 hours, preventing users from placing any bets for three full days following any attempt to turn it off.
According to Nationwide, this window provides sufficient protection to cover a typical weekend of sport, for instance.
Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, previously said: “People need to know support is available, without judgement, should they need it.
“We made a conscious decision to offer a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off period to support customers making decisions that are right for them.”
The building society confirmed it has the ability to block card payments, online transactions and in-store purchases at gambling operators, with this restriction remaining in place even when card details have been stored on gambling websites.
The ban also extends to digital wallet services, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Nationwide is unable to block purchases of certain scratch cards and lottery tickets, however, as this is dependent on how individual shop tills are set up.
The building society also lacks the ability to prevent bank transfers or payments made through internet banking, banking apps, open banking, or in-game purchases within video games, reports the Mirror.
Nationwide recommends that customers cancel any existing recurring payments to gambling companies at the same time as activating the block.
