If you are finding that your gambling has increased in the present circumstances, or you are concerned that it may increase when lockdown ends, there are measures you can take to protect yourself. Gambling blocks, barriers or self-exclusions can help if you want to stop gambling.

1. Online gambling

A customer adviser for Lloyds bank sold customers' account details to her friend who was a gambling addict. Jaspreet Marwaha, from Birmingham, gave the information of more than 80 accounts to. When your freeze is turned on, we’ll block any transaction attempted with those who identify themselves as gambling merchants. If the transaction doesn’t appear to have been made at a gambling merchant, or a merchant hasn’t authorised it with us first, then we won’t be able to stop it - even if you believe it to be gambling related.

Since then the likes of Halifax, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, MBNA, NatWest and HSBC have also introduced gambling blocking features. So far, all the evidence points to these being a much-needed tool. Frean says about 25% of Starling Bank customers have turned on the gambling block.

Lloyds Bank Stop Gambling Blocked

GAMSTOP – helps you to self-exclude from UK licensed gambling sites. To find a list of websites that are included, click here.

Sign up at www.gamstop.co.uk

Tel: 0800 138 6518

Email: helpdesk@gamstop.co.uk

The following are paid for blocking softwares:

GAMBAN – is software that lets you block access to thousands of gambling websites and applications from your device. It is available on desktop and mobile. Find out more here.

OTHER SOFTWARE:

www.gamblock.com

www.betfilter.com

https://betblocker.org/

www.netnanny.com – Netnanny is a general blocking software.

Lloyds Bank Stop Gambling Blocking

Your Internet service provider may be able to enable you to opt out of all adult sites or provide you with anti-virus software which can block gambling.

If you would want to stop receiving email or text message marketing from gambling operators, you can find more information here.

2. Betting shops, casinos, bingo and amusement venues

MOSES (Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme) – allows you to self-exclude centrally from specific betting shops in your area.

Tel: 0800 294 2060

SENSE – helps you to self-exclude from land-based casinos in the UK.

Email: sense@nationalcasinoforum.co.uk

THE BINGO ASSOCIATION – self-exclude from bingo club operators.

Tel: call free on 0808 8020 133

BACTA – self-exclude from amusement arcades.

Tel: 020 7730 6444

3. Block through your bank

As of 14th April 2020 The Gambling Commission banned the use of credit cards for any form of gambling in Great Britain. This means that UK consumers will no longer be able to use credit cards to gamble, whether that be online or at land-based gambling premises.

STARLING BANK – was the first UK bank to introduce a gambling block, letting their customers block all payments to gambling companies through the app. Starling have recently added a 48 hour delay for if customers want to remove the gambling block, giving them a chance to think about their decision and make sure it is really what they want. Find out more here.

MONZO – offera block on any transactions that youtry to make to gambling companies from your account, both online and in land based venues. They also have a delay of 48 hours if you wish to remove the block. Click here to read about it.

LLOYDS BANK – offer a gambling freeze – accessed through their app – which stops you from making any payments to gambling companies. Lloyds Banking Group are also working with GamBan to offer their customers a free 3 month licence to the Gamban software.

They also offer specialised help for those who are struggling financially due to gambling spend. Read more here.

MORE HELP FROM BANKS:

Lloyds Bank Stop Gambling Block Software

If you’re struggling to control your gambling and feel like you need to talk someone, at krysallis GamCare we have a range of free, confidential services and expert advisors and therapists on hand to help you. Due to COVID-19 we are currently offering online and telephone therapy. This remote support is exactly the same specialist, therapeutic support as face to face. Click here to contact us, or call us on 01423 857939.

OTHER AVAILABLE HELP:

National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 24/7

GamCare forum: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/gamcare-forum/

GamCare group chatroom: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/group-chatroom/