Thousands of dogs disappear from tracks every year, but where are they now?

Over 600 greyhounds have fallen during races in England this year alone. This is why Gamban are continuing to campaign for an end to greyhound racing in the UK. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greyhoundwatch.org.uk/">Greyhound Watch</a> has been created as a partnership between UK campaign organisations, Animal Aid and Shut Down Campaigns.Thanks to the dedicated work of 30+ volunteer race monitors, they have identified over 2,000 greyhounds who have raced this year but not been seen for over a month since their last race and not reported as adopted or otherwise ‘retired’ from racing. It poses the question, where are these dogs now?<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/357257a8-5124-4a31-9872-be94c6a9f286.png" />Screenshot from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greyhoundwatch.org.uk/">Greyhound Watch. </a>There are only 16 operating tracks left in England as of May 2026, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greyhoundwatch.org.uk/">Greyhound Watch </a>reveals that each one has a very dark practice of hurting dogs with dangerous races and discarding them from the industry at an alarming rate.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greyhoundwatch.org.uk/">Greyhound Watch</a> also allows viewers to see actual footage of the hundreds of falls that have been documented by volunteer race monitors.One such dog who has been identified through this process is Gothic Icon, who was knocked over during a race at Harlow Greyhound Stadium in January.The replay of the race was, unlike most others, not made available online, and Gothic Icon has not been seen since. He was only 4 years old – where is he now?Recent Falls captured on video:<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/281f76a4-ad80-4a68-aa4f-30b0984ef6c9.png" />Campaign Manager on Dog Racing at Animal Aid, Isobel McNally, says, “Greyhound racing is a barbaric pastime that chews up and spits out dogs at an alarming rate. Greyhound Watch shows evidence of that in a way that has never been seen before. It is time for the government to take notice and take decisive action to ban this horror show once and for all.”Founder of Shut Down Campaigns, Norb Gordon, says, “With more than 30 volunteers, we have worked tirelessly to document falls, injuries, and dogs going missing from this industry already this year. With 1 dog killed on UK tracks roughly every 3 days – 123 in total, in 2024 – we know many of these dogs will have already been killed. This is unacceptable to the public, which is why the industry hides these incidents behind missing race footage and vague ‘retirement’ data. We are calling on the Greyhound Board of Great Britain to release track-specific death and injury data, including the names of the dogs who are killed on and off the tracks”. Gamban is proud to be a part of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/why-gamban-has-joined-the-campaign-to-end-greyhound-racing">Greyhound Freedom UK coalition</a> that is calling for an end to greyhound racing.

Introducing Greyhound Watch

Introducing Greyhound Watch: Tracking missing racing dogs and exposing over 2,000 unexplained disappearances in the UK.

We run through the major UK banks and what services they provide.

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.<h2>What is the Gambling Block?</h2>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.<h3>Which banks offer Gambling Blocking Services?</h3><h4>Royal Bank of Scotland </h4>Gambling control is a feature that allows you to block your card from being used for gambling transactions.  Find out more about this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rbs.co.uk/support-centre/banking-from-home/how-to-use-the-mobile-app/what-is-the-gambling-control-feature.html">here</a>. A customer can also do this by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rbs.co.uk/support-centre/contact-us.html">calling</a> on 0345 724 2424 or visiting a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rbs.co.uk/search-results/locator.html">branch</a>. You can also use their chat service <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rbs.co.uk/support-centre/cora.html">CORA</a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rbs.co.uk/life-moments/Struggling-financially/manage-your-gambling.html">here</a>. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/428b8190-1909-46b7-baa8-1aef3b25a264.png" /><h4>Lloyds Bank</h4>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/support-and-wellbeing/help-with-gambling.html">here</a>.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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/call-us.html">phone</a> 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.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/8fd683bb-c2d0-4687-aa4b-51bf91d21a45.png" /> <h4>Halifax</h4>If you have a debit or credit card, you can use the mobile banking app to turn on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/support-and-wellbeing/help-with-gambling.html">gambling freeze.</a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/call-us.html#:~:text=Account%20queries,and%20closed%20on%20bank%20holidays.">team by phone</a> on 0345 720 3040, and they can help put the block in place on your behalf.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/63d7623d-6aba-43c4-bf42-b09ca6e2afa8.png" /><h4>Bank of Scotland </h4>Freeze specific transactions such as gambling through their app, learn more about this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/helpcentre/everyday-banking/card-and-pin-services/card-freezes.html">here</a>. 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. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/fdb87985-9560-42c7-a14b-da6b2acd52fb.png" /><h4>mbna</h4>You can freeze your gambling payments using the MBNA Mobile App. This will instantly block payments to gambling retailers. Find out more <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mbna.co.uk/support/gambling.html">here</a>. If you do not have access to a smartphone, give the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mbna.co.uk/support/call-us.html">team a call </a>on 0345 606 2062 and they can help you set this up manually. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/06a70713-5d8b-4e60-a90a-9d6f851ce048.png" /><h4>HSBC</h4>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hsbc.co.uk/branch-finder/">branch</a> with valid ID.- Using the mobile app, find steps to do so <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/card-support/gambling-restrictions/">here</a>. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/c492fb87-4459-4f1a-a0b7-ec74403cd570.png" /><h4>Monzo</h4>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://monzo.com/help/app-help/contacting-support">customer care team</a> via email (<a href="mailto:help@monzo.com">help@monzo.com</a>) 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://monzo.com/gambling-block">here</a>. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/8f69b7d9-b634-4aca-956a-f4f1e310aa8b.png" /><h4>Starling Bank</h4>Allows customers to easily block online payments, including gambling transactions, in their banking app. Learn more <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://help.starlingbank.com/business/topics/debit-card-queries/how-do-i-block-gambling-payments/">here</a>. Customers can also set up the Starling gambling block even without the app by contacting their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.starlingbank.com/contact/">customer support</a> on 020 7930 4450. The block works by stopping card payments to recognised gambling merchants.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/ac988775-6f8f-4460-9213-61bd63aca6df.png" /><h4>Natwest </h4>Offers customers a card locking feature, which includes a gambling <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.natwest.com/life-moments/Struggling-financially/managing-your-gambling.html">transactions blocker</a>, 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.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/c73faee3-4c8b-41ab-ae3d-51fc6a2278a6.png" /><h4>Barclays </h4>You can block transactions to gambling retailers by following these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.barclays.co.uk/money-worries/gambling-support/">steps</a>. Merchant controls can also be adjusted over the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.barclays.co.uk/help/contact-us/">phone</a> on 0345 734 5345 and in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.barclays.co.uk/branch-finder/">branch</a> 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.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/1b84c5f5-a922-4fe2-b513-a8c7a542012a.png" /><h4>Santander</h4>If you have a Santander debit Mastercard, you can block gambling transactions in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/support/help-with-managing-my-money/gambling-help">Mobile Banking app.</a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/support/if-finances-are-a-struggle">finances. </a><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/d3e50661-ecc3-45f4-8bb0-7cc60c332d27.png" /><h4>Danske Bank</h4>Danske Bank have an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://danskebank.co.uk/personal/help/payments/block-gambling-payments">optional gambling freeze</a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://danskebank.co.uk/personal/search">branch</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://danskebank.co.uk/personal/help/useful-numbers#:~:text=For%20all%20general%20Danske%20Bank,please%20use%20the%20sections%20below.">call the contact centre</a> on 0345 600 2882 and the team can put the block in place.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/ff5fcefc-1be8-4696-81ad-685cf78963f5.png" /><h3>Sibstar</h3>Sibstar is a card and app for adults who need help managing their everyday spending.With Sibstar, you can make sure: <ul><li>Gambling payments are automatically blocked.</li><li>Set daily &amp; monthly spending limits.</li><li>Invite a supporter to help you stay on track.</li></ul>Find out more and sign up <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sibstar.co.uk/quitgambling">here</a>. Contact the customer service team on 01962 676 080. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/aa29c29e-4dd9-4cad-81d3-86c8c21a2064.png" /><h3>Nationwide </h3>If you’d like to stop your debit card from being used for most gambling payments, you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nationwide.co.uk/help/challenging-times/gambling-support/#contactus">call</a> on 0345 730 2011, visit the team in a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nationwide.co.uk/branches/search">branch</a>, or turn on the gambling block in the app:<ol><li>Log in to the app and select your account.</li><li>Choose Manage cards.</li><li>Choose Gambling.</li><li>Turn the gambling block on.</li></ol>Or on the internet bank:<ol><li>Log in to our internet bank and select your account.</li><li>Choose More options.</li><li>Choose Set up gambling controls.</li><li>Turn the gambling block on.</li><li>Select Confirm.</li></ol>If you're worried about how much you’re spending on gambling or if you’re struggling to make your payments, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nationwide.co.uk/help/challenging-times/gambling-support/#contactus">get in touch with the Nationwide team</a> 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.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/6a2d206b-c68b-4bf7-bd82-682fe1460263.png" /><h3>Revolut</h3>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:<ol><li>Tap your profile icon (your profile pic or initials) in the top left corner</li><li>Tap 'Security'</li><li>Tap 'Payments'</li><li>Turn 'Gambling block' on or off</li><li>Tap 'Yes' to confirm</li></ol>For more support, call the team on +442033228352.Find out more <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://help.revolut.com/help/profile-and-plan/security-and-personal-data/gambling-block/what-is-gambling-block/">here</a>. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/f02cd75d-3f27-445f-bf6f-f8336adff738.png" />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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/apps">gambling blocking software</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">self-exclusion from online gambling</a>, and bank transaction blocks.  Reach out to a trained adviser on the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/"> National Gambling Helpline</a> for free, confidential guidance and advice.

Block Gambling Through Your Bank Account 2026

Find UK banks offering gambling transaction blocks, card freezes and tools for safer money management.

“I was carrying a burden I hadn’t chosen to take on.”

My name is Mavia, and I’m a co-founder and Technical Business Manager at Gamban. I have lived experience as an “affected other.”Today, an estimated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publications/out-of-luck-an-exploration-of-the-causes-and-impacts-of-problem-gambling/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">4.3 million people in Great Britain</a> are classified as "affected others," people harmed not by their own choices but by someone else's. They are invisible in the data, and they don't show up in the headlines. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/gambling">The World Health Organisation</a> estimates that for every one person experiencing serious gambling harm, an average of six others are affected. This is for the others.My father was a senior banker in Pakistan. Respected in his profession, well regarded by those around him. At home, he was far from the man people knew professionally.  When he arrived home from work, he would make excuses and leave the house. Sometimes he wouldn't come home at all. I'd ask my mum where he was, and she didn't always have an answer.When I think back, I feel a sense of fear and emptiness, but at the time, I couldn’t put into words what I was experiencing. I remember the empty chair at dinner and the muffled arguments after bedtime. I was experiencing what psychologists have termed “pervasive loss”; it wasn’t just the financial instability, it was the loss of trust and safety.I was carrying a burden I hadn't chosen to take on.When I was nine years old, my parents had a serious falling out. My mother took us to my grandparents' house on the other side of the city, and we stayed there for five months.The change was overwhelming, and I felt torn apart.I missed months of school, I couldn’t see my father, and I didn’t know exactly what was happening, but I was aware this had something to do with my father’s gambling.Looking back, I remember feeling envious of the other children going to school and coming home to both parents.After five months, things went back to normal for a while, and the family was reunited at home, but I was still trying to make sense of what had been happening. What was my father up to? Where was he going? My father wasn’t a smoker, but whenever he came back, he would smell of tobacco. What was more important than spending time with his family?I followed my father to a nondescript building just off a residential street. I couldn’t make out what was going on inside this building, but I got a glimpse of people playing cards with piles of cash on the tables. I saw him go through that door many times.It transpired that places like this existed openly because of who protected them, people in positions of power who ensured they were never touched.When I was eleven, I confronted my father, and he told me this was somewhere he went to “see his friends.” I didn’t believe him. I knew deep inside he wasn’t just seeing friends.I didn’t want my father to leave, so I used to stand in front of the door to stop him from going, but eventually he found he could get his way by giving me money to play at the gaming shops, where I would sometimes play into the early morning.My father’s addiction had quietly begun to create an addiction in me. My grades dropped, and I was disappearing into screens the same way he disappeared behind that door.At eighteen years old, my parents divorced. My mother, one of my greatest role models, held the family together. At twenty years old, I found valuable mentorship while working at the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation. This helped to fill a space my father had left. I watched how they worked, how they led and how they carried themselves under pressure. I discovered the qualities I wanted as a man. When I was twenty-one, I started a design agency called 4Slash.I was determined to channel my energy and the skills I had developed from my mentors at the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation. Growing my business, helping clients and offering employment energised me as a person and a professional.At its apex, 4Slash had a total of 27 employees and supported more than 200 clients.One of these clients was <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/jack-symons-story">Jack</a>. He had a prototype for a basic hosts file MacOS app that restricted access to gambling and needed help in turning it into a product that other people could access. Other products existed for Windows computers, but nothing worked on MacOS. I didn’t quite understand the scale of what he was looking to achieve with Gamban, but I did understand the need for it – both the person struggling with addiction and the child in the next room.I’ve always believed that if Gamban helps just one relationship between parent and child, then I’ve achieved something that I can feel proud of. I found my purpose, but I never found my father. We never properly reconciled. To this day, our conversations, when they happen, are purely superficial. We share no references or family memories.I have two children, aged six and seven, and there is nothing in this world I want more than to be part of their lives. That feeling, that pull towards your own child, is what makes my father's absence so hard to reconcile. He had the choice. I understand now, more than ever, what it costs a child when that choice goes the wrong way. If You're Reading This, Dad…This isn't about blame or shame.I know addiction is not a simple choice. I know there was a version of you that wanted things to be different. What I want you to know is that I took everything I carried growing up and turned it into something. The missing years, the distance, the weight; all of it became the reason I do this work.Every family Gamban supports is where your story and mine meet.I don't hate you; I never did.And to anyone reading this who recognises their own life in mine: the weight you are carrying is not yours to keep forever.If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, visit<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com"> </a>gamban.com

Mavia Siddiqui | Co-Founder Story

A personal story from Gamban co-founder Mavia on growing up as an “affected other” - and how gambling harm impacts families, not just individuals.

And how you can help

If you’re following Gamban across socials, you may have noticed our ongoing support for the campaign to end greyhound racing in England.We see the harm which gambling causes every day, and not just to humans. Greyhounds are abused to the benefit of the gambling industry, and many people don't know what happens behind closed doors. Public pressure can help change policy and save thousands of greyhounds. That’s why we have joined the Greyhound Freedom UK coalition alongside animal welfare groups. Last week, an event in Parliament <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.league.org.uk/news-and-resources/news/new-report-calls-for-a-ban-on-greyhound-racing-in-england/">launched a joint report</a> by GREY2K and the League Against Cruel Sports. The event was attended by Gamban co-founder Matt Zarb-Cousin and Hannah Spencer MP, who <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/18/green-mp-hannah-spencer-labour-caricatures-working-class-people-over-greyhounds-ban">spoke to The Guardian</a> about the campaign.<figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/678a0d5e-f76b-4282-90b1-313f19bd29f3.jpg" /></figure><h3>What you need to know</h3><ul><li>Since 2017, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain has reported an average of 4,400 injuries and 169 deaths per year on UK tracks.</li><li>Most racing greyhounds spend up to 95% of their time in cages, with substandard kennel conditions common.</li><li>An additional 3,278 greyhounds have been killed for economic reasons or because they were deemed unsuitable for homing.</li><li>The Greyhound Board of Great Britain contributes less than half the funding required to treat and place retired greyhounds. Adopters bear the cost.</li></ul>Dogs are beloved pets across thousands of homes, so why should greyhounds be any different? <h3>Henry’s Story</h3>"My name is Henry, I am an 8-month-old Greyhound boy with 3 legs. I was looking for a forever home after being taken to be put to sleep when my leg was smashed.”Henry's former owner was a GBGB-licensed greyhound trainer, who appeared to lash out in temper at one of her other dogs at a British greyhound track whilst in full view of the cameras and spectators. This gives an indication to the kind of treatment they endure behind closed doors. Henry is now in his forever home with Lorraine, who said:“A veterinary nurse who worked at the surgery had asked for Henry's life to be spared on condition that she would find him a space at a rescue centre. We were just strangers to Henry, but he put his full trust in us to help him recover from his trauma.”Due to the extent of the damage to his leg, he needed a 2nd operation, which would shorten the stump even further. He’s 9 years old now, and his disability has not held him back. He continues to love life and lives it to the full.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sighthoundwelfare.org/henry-s-story">Source: Sight Hound Welfare</a><h3>What happens after their racing career?</h3>Greyhounds typically race until they are 4 to 6 years old. Every year <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.aagr.org.uk/2020/09/07/injuries-death/#:~:text=Excluding%20the%20severe%20and%20fatal,insufficient%20number%20of%20available%20homes.">hundreds of greyhounds</a> with treatable injuries are ‘euthanised’ or put to sleep by the greyhound racing industry. Andrew Knight, a Veterinary Professor at Winchester University, points out the misleading use of the word ‘euthanasia’ by the racing industry. By definition, euthanasia refers to killing that is not only humanely conducted, but also in the animal’s best interests – typically due to very severe injury or illness when the prognosis for recovery is poor. However, greyhounds in the racing industry are killed not only for treatable injuries but also due to an insufficient number of available homes.<h3>What does the public think about Greyhound racing?</h3>Many people in the UK see greyhound racing as a ‘bit of fun’ until they see what the dogs actually endure. <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/Md7NzgYKTtY"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Md7NzgYKTtY" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div></figure>Many people do not know the scale of overbreeding, injury and killing. Public pressure can change policy.<blockquote>Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, said: “The gambling industry is propping up a sector that is responsible for the systematic abuse of greyhounds. As well as being a voice for our users and their experiences, we want to raise awareness of the harms that are occurring to these dogs as a result of the gambling industry’s practices. Nothing should be made to suffer in the pursuit of profit.”</blockquote><h3>How can we make a change?</h3>The Welsh and Scottish governments voted last month to phase out the practice. Animal <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/apr/03/keir-starmer-urged-ban-greyhound-racing-england-dogs">welfare groups say thousands of dogs in the UK</a> have died in recent years owing to racing in the “inherently dangerous” sport. If you live in England, you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamban4greyhounds.com/#write-to-mp">write to your MP.</a> Simply add your details to the form, and a letter will be generated which you can send. Together, we can end greyhound racing.

Why Gamban Has Joined The Campaign To End Greyhound Racing

Gamban supports the campaign to end greyhound racing in England, exposing harm, abuse, and industry practices while urging public action to protect dogs.

Find out how we’re reducing our environmental impact.

Gamban are proud to announce that we are Positive Planet Certified! This means we’ve taken steps to understand and reduce our environmental impact. <h3>What is Positive Planet? </h3>Positive Planet is an organisation that helps businesses become more sustainable through simple, practical steps you can implement across day-to-day operations and compliance.<h3>Why Positive Planet?</h3>Gamban strives to make a positive impact with the work we do, and we also want to ensure this runs through every element of our business. This is why we take things like employee happiness and sustainability seriously. <h3>What do Gamban already do for the planet?</h3>As a business, we already have measures in place which have helped reduce our carbon footprint. <ul><li>Our employees are all remote, removing the need to commute. </li><li>Use of video calls instead of constant travel. </li><li>Laptops over desktops for lower energy consumption.</li><li>Using e-signatures instead of printed contracts.</li><li>Running digital documentation.</li><li>The Gamban app itself is also energy efficient and low-resource.</li></ul><h3>What does Positive Planet certified mean?</h3>To achieve the bronze certification, we have worked with the lovely team at Positive Planet to:<ul><li>Measure our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.</li><li>Improve the quality of our environmental data.</li><li>Commit to ongoing emissions reductions year-on-year.</li></ul>All of this has been independently reviewed and verified by Positive Planet.We’ve also committed to continuous improvement and have signed off on a carbon reduction plan that sets clear steps to help us improve in the next few years.Huge thanks to the team at Positive Planet for supporting us through the process.

Gamban Is Now Positive Planet Certified

Gamban is now Positive Planet Certified. Discover how we’re reducing our environmental impact, improving sustainability, and committing to ongoing carbon reduction across our business.

What the closure means for you, and how to keep your gambling blocks in place.

TalkBanStop comes to an end on 31st March 2026, meaning that Gamban will move to a subscription service in England and Scotland. Gamban will still be available for free in Wales.Other support is still available across the UK. You can continue to protect yourself with tools like Gamban and access a range of support services, many of which are signposted in our app and at the end of this post.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/register/account">Start your Gamban 7-day free trial.</a><h3>What was TalkBanStop?</h3>TalkBanStop was a partnership between <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/">GamCare</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/">Gamban</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">Gamstop</a>, which combined three recovery tools to help you stop gambling.  <ul><li>Gamban blocks access to gambling apps and websites on devices, including the black market</li><li>If you register with GAMSTOP, you exclude yourself from all UK gambling sites for a minimum of 6 months</li><li>GamCare offers free, confidential sessions with a trained advisor</li></ul>We created this partnership because the more layers of protection you put in place to stop you from gambling, the better your chances of recovery.The project has been running since December 2020, and during that time over 100,000 free Gamban licenses have been distributed.<h3>Why has TalkBanStop ended?</h3>Gamban was previously free in the UK through TalkBanStop, which was funded by GambleAware, a charity that has now ceased operations. This year, the UK government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) oversaw the distribution of funding and decided to exclude Gamban on the basis of its entity being a limited company.This was not a reasonable basis to omit the best available gambling blocking software from the commissioning process, and it has forced us to take steps to ensure we can maintain the quality of service our users need.<h3>Will Gamban still be free in the UK?</h3>As a result of OHID’s decision, Gamban can no longer be provided for free in England and Scotland. Gamban will still be free for residents of Wales.Those in England or Scotland can get a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/register/account">7-day free trial of Gamban here. </a>Gamban is £4.99 a month or £29.99 a year. You can protect all your devices with a single Gamban license, including phones, laptops, and tablets. Installing Gamban is easy, quick, and we offer support to guide you through it if required.Gamban blocks nearly half a million betting websites and apps, and we are adding to the blocklist every day. This means both licensed and unlicensed sites are blocked with Gamban installed. The protection is designed to be as difficult to remove as possible in order to help prevent relapse.<h3>What this means for you</h3>If you already use Gamban through TalkBanStopIf you signed up to get Gamban free through TalkBanStop, Gamban’s blocking will last until the end of your selected duration. If you are in England or Scotland and wish to continue using Gamban, you will need a subscription. In Wales, Gamban will remain free.If your TalkBanStop licence is coming to an endTo carry on using Gamban, you will need to sign up for a subscription. If you’ve paid for a Gamban subscriptionThis won’t affect your subscription, and you can continue to use your devices as normal while Gamban blocks betting apps and websites in the background. <h3>Is Gamban still available in the UK?</h3>Yes, Gamban is still available throughout the UK.Gamban will still be free in Wales, and if you’re in England or Scotland you can get <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/register/account">a 7-day free trial here. </a><h3>How to switch from a free TalkBanStop license to a subscription</h3>When your license is nearing expiration, you’ll get a prompt to add your billing details to move to a paid plan. <h3>What other resources are out there?</h3><ul><li>If you have gambling debt, there are organisations that can help. Find out more <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/struggling-with-gambling-debt">here</a>.</li><li>Self-exclude from all the betting shops in your area <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://self-exclusion.co.uk/">here</a>.</li><li>Self-exclude from all UK casinos <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.senseselfexclusion.com/">here</a>.</li><li>There is support for affected others at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamfam.org.uk/">GamFam</a>.</li><li>There is peer support, and support with the criminal justice system, available at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamlearn.org.uk/">GamLEARN</a>.</li><li>Gamblers Anonymous isn’t for everyone, but it's available worldwide and is a free, anonymous way to talk to others suffering from gambling harm. </li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://discord.gg/mYJYCEN2ch">The Gamban Discord </a>is another free, anonymous platform where you can get together with others to chat, play games, or just read what others have to say.</li><li>Encourage them to listen to podcasts and videos from others who have recovered. This can be a source of inspiration.</li></ul>

Why Is TalkBanStop Ending?

TalkBanStop is ending on 31 March 2026. Learn why the service is closing, what it means for existing users, and how you can still access Gamban and other support to stay in control of your gambling.

Feeling nervous about your first GA meeting? You’re definitely not alone.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an online or in-person meeting where those experiencing gambling harm can get together, talk, share or just listen. If you’ve decided you want to try a GA meeting, it might feel a bit daunting. But remember, everyone there will be in the same situation as you. You may have a picture in your mind of a stereotypical attendee of a GA meeting, but the truth is, they are for everyone of all genders, ages and backgrounds. You will likely find a good mix of people in every meeting, so you’ll find someone who you can relate to. There is no need to make an appointment for a meeting, just turn up either virtually or in person whenever you feel ready. If you want to join and just listen, that's okay too. <h3>Why Should I Attend Gamblers Anonymous?</h3>Only you can decide if and when you are ready to attend your first GA. If you feel that your gambling has become harmful, talking to other like-minded people can be helpful.<h3>How do I know if my gambling has become harmful?</h3><ul><li>You are gambling more than you can afford to lose.</li><li>Gambling is often the only thing you think about, and you have little interest in other things.</li><li>It’s negatively affecting relationships with your partner, family and friends.</li><li>It is affecting your work.</li><li>You have done or considered doing something illegal to keep up with your gambling. </li><li>Lying to others to conceal your gambling.</li><li>Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and losing sleep over gambling.</li></ul><h3>Where is Gamblers Anonymous held?</h3>GA meetings can be held both online and in person. <h3>In Person</h3>Most towns and cities will have a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamblersanonymous.org.uk/meeting/">local GA meeting</a>, which you can attend; these are often held at local church halls or community centres. For some, it's easier to open up in person, and it means you don’t need to worry about being overheard at home. <h3>Online</h3>There are also <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamblersanonymous.org.uk/online-meetings/">online meetings</a> running throughout the day, which you can log into. These are usually run via Teams or Google Meet. These often have a location attached, but you don’t need to be from the town or even the country that's in the meeting name. There are often participants from different locations. Online meetings can be really helpful if you don’t feel comfortable showing your face and would just like to listen. This can give you more power and confidence to share in the future. <h3>What to expect at your first Gamblers Anonymous meeting?</h3>There are misconceptions about the session being stuffy and uncomfortable. The reality is that most sessions have plenty of laughs amidst the emotional moments, and a lot of people build a really strong rapport with their group. A Gamblers Anonymous meeting can take several forms, but at any meeting you’ll find:<ul><li>Participants talking about gambling</li><li>How they took action to deal with this</li><li>Other struggles in their life</li><li>Triggers and challenges</li><li>Strategies they find helpful</li><li>How they are living their lives today</li></ul>There may also be readings from GA literature. It doesn’t matter if you are a year clean of gambling or an hour, everyone is welcome. <h3>Is Gamblers Anonymous an ongoing commitment?</h3>Not at all. If you attend a GA meeting and it isn’t for you, that's totally fine. <h3>How much does Gamblers Anonymous Cost?</h3>GA is completely free to attend. <h3>How can Gamblers Anonymous help me?</h3>Addiction can be a very lonely place, and GA is somewhere you can get together and share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Everyone attending the meetings can relate to each other and are there to listen and support you.Many people attending find that they make friends and connections for life, and build a support system of people that they can also speak to outside of meetings.<h3>Do I have to be religious to attend Gamblers Anonymous? </h3>GA is not a religious organisation.<h3>Different types of meetings in the UK</h3>There are different kinds of meetings, and some meetings are run differently from others. You may find that a topic is chosen that everybody speaks on, but there’s no pressure to stick to it. The meeting is a place to share whatever you need to. Examples of meeting types:Main Meetings <ul><li>Chat and share with other like-minded people. There are no counsellors or professionals, just those experiencing gambling harm.</li></ul>Mixed Meetings <ul><li>These meetings are the same as the main meetings, but family members and friends are welcome to join. </li></ul>Newcomers Meetings <ul><li>These meetings are ideal if you are new to stopping gambling. They are the same as main meetings, but more focused towards newcomers.</li></ul>Step Meetings<ul><li>These meetings are better-suited for those who have abstained from gambling for some time. They are focused on the Twelve Steps of Recovery.</li></ul>Women-preferred Meetings <ul><li>Any compulsive gambler may attend these meetings, but they are more suitable for women.</li></ul>LGBTQ+ Meetings<ul><li>Any compulsive gambler may attend these meetings, but they are more suitable for the LGBTQ+ community.</li></ul>Open Meetings<ul><li>Most Groups hold at least one open meeting each year. These are where compulsive gamblers gather with their friends and families to receive recognition for abstaining from gambling for a number of years.</li></ul><h3>Finding your group</h3>Don’t feel disheartened if the first group you attend doesn’t feel like it fits. It can take a bit of time to find the right group for you. Dan at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery">Addicted Recovery</a> shares more about his journey finding the right group: I went into recovery assuming all self-help groups were basically the same — that once you’d been to one, you’d seen them all. I was wrong. I committed to 90 meetings in 90 days after coming out of a 20-year gambling addiction that had wrecked my life and hurt the people around me. At first, the meetings simply helped me stay stopped, but they felt mechanical and distant; I didn’t feel particularly seen or understood, and I didn’t connect with most of the people there. Then a few meetings changed everything. Hearing someone share openly and vulnerably about their experience made me realise how powerful the right room can be. The energy, the honesty, even the banter created a sense of safety and belonging I hadn’t felt before. Over time, I found three meetings that truly resonated with me, and those became more than just weekly check-ins - they became a community. We talk every day, support each other through life’s challenges, and understand each other in ways few others can, because we’ve lived the same experiences. What started as a desperate attempt to stop gambling turned into something much bigger: a tribe, a support system, and a place where I genuinely belong. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S62lsfzRwg">Watch the full video here</a>Another long-term female member of GA said: Four years ago, I joined my first Gamblers Anonymous meeting online, terrified. I had an idea of what it would be like — and I was completely wrong.Today, there are more women and more diverse voices in the room than ever. It feels less like a meeting and more like a family.I now even run a group. Recovery gave me community, confidence, and purpose.If you’re nervous about joining your first meeting, you’re not alone. That scary first step might just change everything. <h3>How long should I attend Gamblers Anonymous? </h3>How long someone should attend is totally personal to them. Some may only want to attend a few, whilst others continue to attend long after they last gambled. Some find they have a regular meeting they attend, but also jump into other meetings if they are going through a challenging time and need someone to talk to. One thing remains the same throughout all meetings. This is an open and welcoming space where you can share without feeling judged. You will find people attending warm, inspiring and welcoming. Everyone wants the same goal. No single activity is a quick fix to stop gambling, but GA provides a place where you can connect with others and learn to live without gambling, one day at a time.

What To Expect At Your First Gamblers Anonymous Meeting

Attend your first Gamblers Anonymous meeting with confidence. Learn what to expect, how GA works, meeting types in the UK, and how peer support can help you overcome harmful gambling—online or in person, free and judgement-free.

Clean up your social feeds

If you've made a decision to stop or take a break from gambling, seeing ads splashed across social media can be incredibly frustrating and triggering. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can limit gambling apps across social platforms. On most social apps, if you see a gambling ad, click the three dots and click “not interested” or “report,” which will stop the algorithm showing anything similar to you. A lot of social apps also allow you to mute words, so you can filter unwanted content: Examples<ul><li>gambling</li><li>bet</li><li>betting</li><li>casino</li><li>sportsbook</li><li>bookmaker</li><li>odds</li><li>wager</li><li>slots</li><li>jackpot</li></ul><h3>Facebook</h3>Limit Ads: Navigate to Settings &amp; Privacy &gt; Settings &gt; Meta Accounts Centre&gt; Ad Preferences &gt; Ad Topics &gt; Special Topics, and Deselect "Gambling".<h3>X</h3>Limit Ads: Go to Your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/settings/your_twitter_data/ads">Privacy Settings</a> &gt; Interests From X &gt; Toggle Off ‘Sports Betting.'Mute Words and Phrases: Settings and Privacy &gt; Privacy and Safety &gt; Mute and Block &gt; Muted Words.<h3>Instagram</h3>Limit Ads: Navigate to Settings and Activity &gt; Accounts Centre &gt; Ad Preferences &gt; Ad Topics &gt; Special Topic &gt; Deselect “gambling.”Mute Words and Phrases: Settings and Activity &gt; Hidden Words.<h3>TikTok</h3>Limit Ads: Navigate to Your Profile &gt; Click the Three Lines in the Right Corner &gt; Settings and Privacy &gt; Ads &gt; Manage Ad Topics &gt; Other &gt; Toggle ‘Real Money Gaming’ off.Mute words and phrases: Settings and Privacy &gt; Content preferences &gt; Filter video keywords.<h3>Bluesky</h3>Unfortunately, Bluesky doesn’t have a specific way to turn off gambling ads.  However, if you see a gambling ad, click the three dots and click “not interested” or “report,” which will stop the algorithm showing similar ads to you. <h3>YouTube</h3>Limit Ads: Go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://myadcenter.google.com/home">My Ad Centre</a>  &gt; Make Sure Personalised Ads Are Turned on &gt; Customise Ads &gt; Sensitive, Then Toggle "Gambling" to "See Fewer."<h3>Snapchat</h3>Snapchat does not provide a category-level block (e.g., gambling, alcohol, etc.). The only control available is reducing how much data is used to target ads.Instead, if you see a gambling ad, press down to report it, and you will start to see less content like this. <h3>Additional Help</h3>Limiting gambling ads on socials is just one way of reducing temptation. We always recommend a multi-layered approach to help you in recovery.<ul><li>Block access to online gambling with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/apps">Gamban</a>. </li><li>Self-exclude from all the betting shops in your area <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://self-exclusion.co.uk/">here</a>.</li><li>Self-exclude from all UK casinos <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.senseselfexclusion.com/">here</a>.</li><li>There is support for affected others at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamfam.org.uk/">GamFam</a>.</li><li>There is peer support, and support with the criminal justice system, available at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamlearn.org.uk/">GamLEARN</a>.</li><li>Gamblers Anonymous isn’t for everyone, but it's available worldwide and is a free, anonymous way to talk to others suffering from gambling harm. </li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://discord.gg/mYJYCEN2ch">The Gamban Discord </a>is another free, anonymous platform where you can get together with others to chat, play games, or just read what others have to say.</li></ul>

How To Limit Gambling Ads On Social Media 2026

How to block or reduce gambling ads on social media. Step-by-step settings for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube and more.

“I started gambling at 16 and lost £20k by 20”

My name is Matt Zarb-Cousin. I’m a co-founder of Gamban and now a director focused on external affairs.My introduction to Gamban actually started with a cold message on LinkedIn. A young man called Jack Symons got in touch and said he thought he’d worked out a way to block gambling on Mac devices, which was very difficult to do at the time. I was in recovery from addiction myself at the time, so the idea immediately interested me.We met in a pub in Farringdon, and Jack showed me an early prototype. This is my story. <h3>Matts Story</h3>Gambling addiction nearly destroyed my life. There is no other addiction where the person affected believes that by continuing to engage in the activity they’re addicted to, it can solve all the problems that the addiction has created.My story begins at age 16, when I fell victim to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. By the time I reached 20, my debts soared to £20,000, and I reached a point of desperation and despair. I really wanted to take my own life. It's difficult to explain, but looking back, I don’t think it was about the money. It was about where the addiction had led me to. All of the things that had happened, the things that I'd missed out on. Gambling had distracted me from my life for so long. The distraction of the gambling addiction helped me escape from the depression caused by its consequences. I could pretend I was normal, I was fine, and that there was nothing wrong with me while I was gambling. But one particular gambling session in 2009 that spanned several hours and resulted in losses of £2,500 led me to the point of wanting to take my own life.Thankfully, my parents intervened before it got to that point, and I was able to receive support and cognitive behavioural therapy, which helped me to eventually quit gambling on my 20th birthday after several relapses. However, years later, I still take medication for my mental health conditions, which I firmly believe were caused by the gambling addiction.I was so affected by my gambling addiction and the impact on my mental health that I wanted to do something to help others who might be in a similar situation.The paradox of this, 15 years on, is that I am now in the privileged position of being able to say that I am actually glad it happened. In the years after quitting, I campaigned for a £2 stake limit on fixed odds betting terminals and in the course of doing so, I spoke publicly in the media countless times about my addiction and the impact these machines had on my life.I was so pleased that the campaign to reduce the stake to £2 on FOBTs was successful, and that government policy is now much more reflective of the impact similar online products can have on rates of gambling harm.I am also privileged to work with a fantastic team at Gamban. Over the past decade, we’ve gradually expanded the product's reach and the team, and the app has now surpassed 1 million downloads. My personal mission is to help as many people who want to quit gambling as possible, whether that’s through technological solutions or policy changes.

Matt Zarb-Cousin | Co-Founder Story

Matt Zarb-Cousin shares his personal journey from gambling addiction and £20,000 in debt to recovery, campaigning for safer gambling laws, and co-founding Gamban to help others quit gambling.

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Mavia Siddiqui | Co-Founder Story

Why Gamban Has Joined The Campaign To End Greyhound Racing

Gamban Is Now Positive Planet Certified

Why Is TalkBanStop Ending?

What To Expect At Your First Gamblers Anonymous Meeting

Matt Zarb-Cousin | Co-Founder Story

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

News & Articles

List of Articles

Introducing Greyhound Watch

Block Gambling Through Your Bank Account 2026

Mavia Siddiqui | Co-Founder Story

Why Gamban Has Joined The Campaign To End Greyhound Racing

Gamban Is Now Positive Planet Certified

Why Is TalkBanStop Ending?

What To Expect At Your First Gamblers Anonymous Meeting

How To Limit Gambling Ads On Social Media 2026

Matt Zarb-Cousin | Co-Founder Story

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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