Gamblers will soon be unable to use credit cards to place a bet in an attempt to prevent a gambling problem.

The Gambling Commission has revealed that bets can no longer be made starting on April 14.

The ban will apply to all online and offline gambling services, except for non-remote lotteries, in hope to prevent consumers from gambling money which they may not have.

Neil McArthur, the Gambling Commission chief executive, revealed that 22 per cent of online gamblers who use credit cards are “problem gamblers”.

Mr McArthur also explained: "There are examples of consumers who have accumulated tens of thousands of pounds of debt through gambling because of credit card availability."

Sir Mike Penning, Hemel Hempstead MP, has welcomed the announcement after previously campaigning for restrictions with gambling and credit cards in an Early Day Motion tabled on April 2018.

He now said: “This is something I have long campaigned for and I am absolutely delighted.

“It always seemed completely irresponsible that people have been able to gamble with money they do not have.

“I’m not a killjoy, I enjoy an occasional flutter on the Grand National as much as anyone else, but gambling addiction is a serious matter and devastates the lives of those affected and their families.

“I have had constituents contact me who are at their wits end and facing substantial losses and even financial ruin. It is very distressing and frightening for those involved.”

Sir Penning added that he would like to see the Government “go further” with gambling restrictions.

He added: I am very concerned about excessive advertising on TV during sport, the advertising of ‘free bets’ and the accessibility of ATM machines in casinos.”