5/13/2026
Can banks block gambling transactions?
Yes! We run through the major UK high street banks and outline what services they provide to their at-risk customers.
What is the Gambling Block?
A gambling block is a feature that allows you to block your bank account or debit card from being used for gambling transactions. Gambling operators are no longer allowed to accept any deposits by credit card. It’s important to know that enabling a gambling block through your bank does not impact your credit score and would not affect any future lending decisions.
Which banks offer Gambling Blocking Services?
Royal Bank of Scotland
Gambling control is a feature that allows you to block your card from being used for gambling transactions. Find out more about this here.
A customer can also do this by calling on 0345 724 2424 or visiting a branch. You can also use their chat service CORA and through either of these channels, the team can apply this for you.
If a customer mentions that they are concerned about their gambling and asks for help, they have steps in place to offer added support.
Learn more about the Royal Bank of Scotland's gambling support here.
Lloyds Bank
If you have a debit or credit card, you can use the mobile banking app to turn on a gambling freeze. This instantly blocks payments to gambling retailers. Find out more about that here.
For customers who don’t have access to a smartphone, gambling transactions can still be blocked without using the app. You can request support by contacting the team by phone on 0345 300 0000, and they can help put the block in place on your behalf, or guide you through managing this via desktop banking, where applicable.
If a customer prefers not to manage this themselves, you can also ask Lloyds to apply or keep the block in place.
Halifax
If you have a debit or credit card, you can use the mobile banking app to turn on a gambling freeze. This instantly blocks payments to gambling retailers.
However, if you want to remove the freeze, it will take 48 hours for the removal to take effect.
For customers who don’t have access to a smartphone, gambling transactions can still be blocked without using the app. You can request support by contacting the team by phone on 0345 720 3040, and they can help put the block in place on your behalf.
Bank of Scotland
Freeze specific transactions such as gambling through their app, learn more about this here.
If you do not have the mobile app, you can call 0345 721 3141 to arrange the gambling freeze. The team are opened 8 am-6 pm, 7 days a week.
mbna
You can freeze your gambling payments using the MBNA Mobile App. This will instantly block payments to gambling retailers. Find out more here.
If you do not have access to a smartphone, give the team a call on 0345 606 2062 and they can help you set this up manually.
HSBC
All customers can put a gambling restriction on their account by:
- Calling the team on 03457 404 404 Monday to Sunday 8am till 8pm.
- Popping into branch with valid ID.
- Using the mobile app, find steps to do so here.
Monzo
Allows customers to block gambling transactions on their Monzo account, straight from the app. If you don’t have access to your phone, you can reach out to the customer care team via email (help@monzo.com) or phone (0800 802 1281.)
To turn off the block, customers will need to talk to Monzo's customer support team. They'll ask questions to see whether their situation has changed since they first switched on the restrictions. Find out more and talk to one of the team here.
Starling Bank
Allows customers to easily block online payments, including gambling transactions, in their banking app. Learn more here.
Customers can also set up the Starling gambling block even without the app by contacting their customer support on 020 7930 4450. The block works by stopping card payments to recognised gambling merchants.
Natwest
Offers customers a card locking feature, which includes a gambling transactions blocker, within the banking app.
At the moment, the gambling block is something customers need to set up themselves through the NatWest mobile app, so access to the app is required to use that feature.
Barclays
You can block transactions to gambling retailers by following these steps.
Merchant controls can also be adjusted over the phone on 0345 734 5345 and in branch if customers don't use the app.
If you feel comfortable, the Barclays team can work with you to see how they can help. Anything you say is confidential, and they won’t use any of the information you give without your permission.
Santander
If you have a Santander debit Mastercard, you can block gambling transactions in the Mobile Banking app. If you don’t have access to the app, call the team on 0330 123 0209.
Santander also offers help for those who are struggling with their finances.
Danske Bank
Danske Bank have an optional gambling freeze or limit for your debit card. They also have a range of tools that may help you make changes to reduce the harm gambling causes.
If customers don't use the eBanking platform, they can call into any branch or call the contact centre on 0345 600 2882 and the team can put the block in place.
Sibstar
Sibstar is a card and app for adults who need help managing their everyday spending.
With Sibstar, you can make sure:
- Gambling payments are automatically blocked.
- Set daily & monthly spending limits.
- Invite a supporter to help you stay on track.
Find out more and sign up here.
Contact the customer service team on 01962 676 080.
Nationwide
If you’d like to stop your debit card from being used for most gambling payments, you can call on 0345 730 2011, visit the team in a branch, or turn on the gambling block in the app:
- Log in to the app and select your account.
- Choose Manage cards.
- Choose Gambling.
- Turn the gambling block on.
Or on the internet bank:
- Log in to our internet bank and select your account.
- Choose More options.
- Choose Set up gambling controls.
- Turn the gambling block on.
- Select Confirm.
If you're worried about how much you’re spending on gambling or if you’re struggling to make your payments, get in touch with the Nationwide team so they can talk through your options. They can also help if you have a joint account and want some support because of problem gambling.
Revolut
The gambling block is a feature of the Revolut app that, when enabled, will block card payments that are identified as gambling. This can include payments to bookmakers, online casinos, and sports betting apps. When you open a Revolut account, it is disabled by default. To enable it:
- Tap your profile icon (your profile pic or initials) in the top left corner
- Tap 'Security'
- Tap 'Payments'
- Turn 'Gambling block' on or off
- Tap 'Yes' to confirm
For more support, call the team on +442033228352.
Find out more here.
What else should I put in place?
If you are trying to quit gambling, we recommend putting as many blocks in place as possible to give you a better chance of abstaining.
That means layering gambling blocking software, self-exclusion from online gambling, and bank transaction blocks.
Reach out to a trained adviser on the National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential guidance and advice.
