Protecting Ourselves from Gambling Advertisements

Limiting Gambling Ads Online

One question we’re often asked is, “Does Gamban block gambling adverts online?”. Currently, we do not. However, there are many options out there to help limit or block gambling ads. With how aggressive gambling advertising has become in the last few years, not just on television or billboards but online and on social media too, it’s become more and more difficult to avoid these potential triggers. Between 2014 to 2017 online marketing spend in the UK alone increased from £376m to £725m - almost doubling in just 3 years. Constant exposure to these advertisements is known to have an adverse effect on those who are at-risk or in recovery.Over lockdown, all retail gambling venues closed. This meant that activities that generated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Covid-19-research/Covid-19-updated-July-2020/Covid-19-and-its-impact-on-gambling-%E2%80%93-what-we-know-so-far-July-2020.aspx">50%</a> of the total money made from gambling (excluding lotteries) paused. To cover the cost of these physical locations closing, much of their marketing spend would be used to promote their online casinos - with around<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2020-03-19a.1247.0"> 80% </a>of gambling advertising budgets now being spent online.This increase in advertising is even affecting those too young to gamble. According to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/651381/england-and-wales-social-media-gambling-advertising-awareness-of-youths/">2020 survey conducted</a> among youths aged 11 to 16 in the United Kingdom, 31% of respondents stated that they had seen gambling advertisements on social media websites more than once a week, and 16% said they had seen gambling ads on social media once a week.My work often involves looking at or being exposed to online gambling to some degree. So advertising platforms see me as someone with some interest in gambling and, therefore, will show me more gambling ads. We've all done similarly; clicked on a pair of trainers you liked the look of, not purchased them, then been stalked around the internet by an advert trying to entice you to buy. However, this type of advertising applies to any device connected to a single wifi router. So, any device on my wifi (many that aren't even my own!) will be served gambling ads. If you live with someone impacted by gambling, trying to avoid all possible triggers, depending on the household's internet habits, can be an almost impossible task. So we have outlined some of the measures you can take.<h2>Facebook</h2>Although you cannot completely opt-out of or block seeing advertisements, you can influence the types of advertisements you see by providing feedback or hiding ads and advertisers that you do not want to see.<h5>To hide an ad:</h5><ul><li>Click more in the top right-hand corner of the ad.</li><li>Choose Hide ad.</li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions.</li></ul> <h5>To hide ads from an advertiser:</h5><ul><li>Click more in the top right-hand corner of the ad and choose Why am I seeing this ad?</li><li>Next to Hide all ads from this advertiser, click Hide.</li></ul> In addition, you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/help/247395082112892/?ref=u2u">adjust your ads preferences</a>. Your settings can be found <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/?entry_product=ad_settings_screen">here</a>.<h2>X (Twitter)</h2>Similarly to Facebook, X (Twitter) doesn’t allow you to opt-out of all advertising. Some ways to help cut down on gambling advertising, or gambling-related content are:<ul><li>Blocking tweets from individual gambling companies. Click the down arrow and look for the option to "Block @..."</li><li>If the tweet is an advert, you can in the same menu select "Not interested in this ad"</li></ul> You can also select "Why am I seeing this ad", and access these two pages using the links provided <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/settings/account/personalization">here</a>. On this page, you can deselect interests that could lead to more gambling-related content, one of which is potentially "gambling," but un-ticking sport-related interests like "Football" could also help.You can also choose to mute specific words, phrases, usernames, or hashtags to prevent you from seeing content you wish to avoid. You can find out more about how to do this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/advanced-twitter-mute-options">here.</a><h2>Google</h2>Google has provided the following information: See Google's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support.google.com/ads/answer/2662922?hl=en&amp;visit_id=1-636649087480150859-1435553078&amp;rd=1">remove unwanted ads</a> external page.<h5>Users can:</h5><ul><li>Block specific advertisers</li></ul>This feature exists on Google Search, Maps, YouTube and Gmail when you are signed in to your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/2662856#everywhere">Google account</a>. This will allow users to block advertisers such as Unibet, PaddyPower, 32Red, etc. To block individual advertisers with Google, click the small downwards arrow to the right of a search ad, select "About the advertiser", then change the "Show ads from ..." toggle to off.<ul><li>Mute This Ad</li></ul>"Mute This Ad" is a small overlay that appears in the top right corner of an advertisement. This lets Google know you no longer want to see this or related ads. Much of this is not an exact science, and amending the settings above will not guarantee you are protected from seeing gambling-related content and adverts, but it may help reduce the volume. <h2>Ad-blocking software</h2>For an added layer of protection, there is software and plugins designed to block all online advertising.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ublockorigin.com/">https://ublockorigin.com/</a>If gambling ads are proving too much of a potential trigger, block gambling at the source with Gamban. If willpower slips, Gamban doesn't. <a class="btn btn-primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=CTA&amp;utm_campaign=Blocking%20Ads%20Blog" role="button">Get Gamban Today</a>

How to Block Gambling Adverts Online

We outline some of the ways you can block or limit gambling advertisement online.

Do You Think You May Have a Gambling Problem? 

We go over some of the common signs that point to gambling addiction

Gambling can take many forms, from betting on racing to playing the National Lottery. While gambling can be entertaining, there are some obvious (and less obvious) downsides. You could run up debt, endangering your chances to borrow money in the future, and even strain your mental health and personal relationships.Estimates for how many people are affected by gambling addiction range from <a href="https://www.begambleaware.org/news/new-gambling-prevalence-methodology-review-published?s=09">0.7% to 2.4% of the UK's population</a>. Gambling, like drugs or alcohol, can stimulate the brain's reward system, leading to addiction. People who are addicted to gambling often continue to do so despite experiencing negative consequences financially, professionally, or personally.<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/ffe8b476-ff16-4061-805f-c45a6645af44.jpg" alt="6 signs you might be have a gambling problem" /></figure>Some common signs of gambling addiction include:<h4>Making Larger, Riskier Bets</h4>A casual gambler may spend some of their disposable income on gambling activities. When their losses exceed what they are willing to spend, they stop. Gambling addiction is often characterised by the inability to control or stop gambling, carrying on even after losing more than you can afford usually to chase losses.<h4>Feeling Guilt After Gambling</h4>Beyond the initial feelings of sadness from losing, when someone has a gambling problem they may feel depressed and perhaps experience feelings of shame and guilt.<h4>Using Gambling To Distract From Other Problems</h4>Like other forms of addiction, compulsive gambling is sometimes used as a coping mechanism used to mask negative emotions and distract and escape life’s stressors and problems. Even if someone uses gambling to avoid dealing with negative feelings, the adverse effects of gambling include emotional side effects. <h4>Hiding Gambling Habits</h4>Lying to hide an addiction and its related behaviour is a core symptom of substance abuse, but gambling addiction is no exception. The obsession and compulsion to gamble can be so strong that the person will go to any lengths to place the next bet, and this usually includes lying to cover up where they are, what they are doing and what happened to their money. <h4>Social Isolation</h4>Gambling addiction often takes up a tremendous amount of time, missing out on events and other important obligations. Gambling while at work, when you should be sleeping or spending time with your family are also signs of addiction.<h4>Feeling Strong Urges To Gamble</h4>Addiction causes people to ruminate about their previous gambling experiences, and to think of little else than the next time they can place a bet. Even when there is a need to concentrate on everyday life activities, it can be difficult to think of anything else.<h2>Problem Gambling Self-Assessment</h2>If you're not sure whether gambling is a problem for you, GamCare offers a short test where you answer nine questions to understand more about your relationship with gambling. It's completely confidential and won't ask you for any personal information. <a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/understanding-gambling-problems/self-assessment-tool/" role="button">Start Your Test</a>Once complete, you'll be given information about the extent to which gambling may be causing a problem for you, as well as steps you can take to stay safe. If you’re in the UK, Gamban is free through the <a href="https://www.talkbanstop.com/">TalkBanStop pilot</a>, which includes support from GamCare, and self-exclusion provided by GAMSTOP.

6 Signs You Might Be Addicted To Gambling

Do you think you may have a gambling problem? We go over some of the common signs that point to gambling addiction.

How To Remove Gamban 

A frequently asked question: "Can I uninstall Gamban before my subscription has ended?"

Abstaining from gambling can be challenging, especially when you consider how accessible online gambling has become over the last few years. It has certainly become more difficult to avoid. With this in mind, we developed Gamban – gambling blocking software, stopping you from accessing online gambling. Our goal has always been to put as much friction between you and online gambling as possible. A part of that friction is making Gamban as difficult to remove as different devices will enable. We will not uninstall Gamban from your device(s) until your subscription has come to an end; doing so would defeat Gamban's purpose. We owe a level of care and due diligence to our users as it's not always clear whether someone has genuinely beaten their addiction or is attempting to bypass Gamban and gamble online again. <h2>I'm No Longer Addicted to Gambling, Can You Uninstall Gamban Then?</h2>We're always happy to hear that you're doing well. We are always grateful when people contact us to let us know that they have overcome their gambling addiction. However, as previously stated, there's no way for us to know for sure.Should you feel your willpower slipping, we recommend visiting our <a href="https://gamban.com/help">Get Help</a> pages for further support and advice on beating addiction. The truth is you may need more than blocking software to stop gambling online. <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/belts-and-braces-why-more-than-one-tool-can-be-helpful">We always recommend</a> using Gamban alongside other tools to give yourself the best chance at recovery. The three levels of protection we recommend are:<ul><li>Device - Gamban or other blocking software</li><li>Personal - Self-Exclusion schemes such as <a href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">GamStop</a> in the UK, and advice and support through <a href="https://www.talkbanstop.com/">GamCare</a></li><li>Money - Any <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/block-gambling-transactions">banks</a> that offer gambling transaction blocking</li></ul>If you haven't already, you should consider <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-excluding</a> from all of your active gambling accounts. We would also recommend switching from a debit card to a basic bank card or using a card from a bank that allows you to <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/block-gambling-transactions">block gambling transactions.</a>Another option is contacting your <a href="https://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/features/guide-isp-web-filters">Internet Service Provider (ISP)</a> to see if they will allow you to opt-out of gambling sites. If you want to stop receiving emails or text message marketing from gambling companies, more details can be found<a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling"> here</a>.

How to Uninstall Gamban

Can I close my Gamban account before my subscription has ended?

Do You Know the Signs to Look For?

Are You Worried Your Partner May Have a Gambling Problem?

Gambling addiction is more common than you might have previously thought.You may take part in gambling socially, or perhaps you’re even planning a trip to  Las Vegas with some friends. For many people, it may be a fun, controlled activity. But for some, these situations can get out of hand, especially for someone struggling with a gambling addiction.In 2016, <a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2016.pdf">the Gambling Commission reported</a> that there are 350,000 problem gamblers in the UK with two million considered ‘at-risk’. According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/19/uk-gambling-addiction-yougov-research">a YouGov survey</a> last year, there could be as many as 1.4 million ‘problem gamblers’ and 7% of adults, or 3.6 million people, reported having been negatively affected by someone else’s gambling. Anecdotal evidence suggests that each problem gambler affects five to 12 other individuals. Gambling addiction can devastate relationships, destroying the sense of trust between partners, which is often a result of the secrecy or lies the addiction leads to.Do you know the signs to look for if your friend or loved one is among the many people who suffer from an addiction to gambling?<h2>What are the signs your partner is a gambler?</h2>Unlike substance misuse or sex addiction, it can be much easier to hide the signs of problem gambling from others. More so than ever now, given the recent increase in accessibility and prevalence of online gambling in recent years.<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/a67bd76c-6198-4de7-a041-3b587f3b1fa6.jpg" alt="husband gambling on mobile" /></figure> <ul><li>Spending lots of time away. Being away from the home and being vague or secretive. Some gamblers will try to gamble discreetly and may get up early in the morning to do so while their spouse or family are asleep.</li><li>Emotional highs and lows. Gambling can affect mood. Does this person sometimes seem incredibly excitable and positive but then very low, frustrated or even angry at times?</li><li>A change in behaviour over time. You may feel like your partner’s behaviour has changed gradually, becoming increasingly difficult or secretive.</li><li>Secretive around finances. Does your partner become cagey or defensive on the topic of money? Have they taken steps to conceal bank statements?</li><li>Money going out of accounts without explanation. If you are spending large amounts of cash, it’s not always possible to hide it. Have you noticed any unexplained payments coming out of your bank accounts?</li><li>Secretive around internet use. Does your spouse regularly delete their internet history, or if questioned about their use of the internet, are they ambiguous and evasive?</li></ul> <h2>What Can I Do?</h2>If you suspect someone you know of having a gambling problem, there are many support organisations out there. Encouraging them to get help from a professional is the most effective support you can give them.However, it is important to remember that although you have been affected by a person's gambling to the point where you are ready for them to change, they may not be ready yet. You can seek professional help and offer support, but change requires the other person to be willing to engage with this support.<h2>Talking to Someone With Gambling Problems</h2>Many gamblers may not know they have a problem, and some may deny how excessive it has become. As a result, it can be a huge step to accept that their gambling is a problem.<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/720a8c1e-e472-4855-ac8b-cad4eb17f85c.jpg" alt="spouse gambling support" /></figure> <ul><li>Talk it through. Although confronting someone about a gambling issue can be challenging, the best thing you can do is start by asking someone if the issue exists. Admitting to the problem is often the hardest part.</li><li>Explain how you feel. How does their gambling impact you and make you feel? It is important to discuss this and process your own feelings.</li><li>Be supportive. Show them that you are willing to be there and support them. Stay calm, be discreet and learn about what they're experiencing, so that you can be there when they need you.</li><li>Be patient. You may feel like you need to make appointments for them or go with them to therapy sessions, and encouragement is good, but constantly pushing may cause them to become stressed and turn back to gambling. Gambling recovery takes time and relapse is part of the process of recovery.</li><li>Avoid confrontation. Do not lose control, if you try to speak to the person and they become confrontational, take a deep breath and avoid arguing.</li><li>Don’t be quick to judge. Rather than condemn their actions, be supportive and ask questions. Asking questions shows a willingness to understand their problem and help.</li><li>Support groups. There are many problem gambling support groups and organisations out there, whether that be: contacting a GP, counsellor or charity who can provide them with advice and support. There are also many support groups dedicated to helping those who are affected by others' problem gambling. Find a list of support organisations below.</li></ul> <h4>National Gambling Helpline</h4><a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/">The National Gambling Helpline</a> (0808 8020 133) operates 24/7, 365 days a year. . The service is delivered by gambling treatment provider Gamcare and will give you advice on what your next steps should be. Their advisors are trained to deliver both emotional support and accurate information to aid those in need.<h4>Gamblers Anonymous</h4><a href="https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/">Gamblers Anonymous</a> is a support group for those who are struggling with gambling problems. GA is made up of men and women who share their experiences in the hopes of overcoming their common problem and assisting others in recovering from a gambling addiction.<h4>Gam-Anon</h4>Gam-Anon is a support group for people who are husbands, wives, partners, relatives or close friends of someone with a gambling problem and who have been affected by this. Gam-Anon work to provide practical advice and assistance to affected others whilst also creating more awareness and understanding of gambling-related harm.<h4>GamFam</h4><a href="https://gamfam.co.uk/">GamFam</a> is a recovery and support group designed specifically for families of the disordered gambler. It offers a strong support network so others can understand the full extent of the problem and speak with those who can relate to their situation. It provides advice on how families can help themselves, along with practical tips for the day-to-day.   <h4>StepChange</h4>Citizens Advice has joined forces with GambleAware to provide assistance to gamblers, and those affected by gambling who are struggling with debt through <a href="https://www.stepchange.org/">StepChange</a>. The StepChange Debt Charity offers free and confidential debt advice over the telephone and online to those in need of support.

Does My Partner Have a Gambling Problem?

Do you know the signs to look for? We run through some practical tips for anyone who thinks their partner may be addicted to gambling.

We Dispel Some of the Myths Surrounding Gambling Addiction

Gambling Addiction Is a Complex Issue and We've Broken down Some Common Misconceptions. 

Is gambling negatively affecting your life and the lives of those around you? Are you looking for help with gambling addiction? Or information on how to stop online gambling? Whether you're looking to quit gambling altogether, or just cut down the time you spend playing, there are organisations out there to help you. <h2>Understanding Gambling Addiction</h2>We break down some of the myths surrounding gambling addiction.<ul><li>Myth: “Problem gamblers gamble every day.” </li></ul>It's not how much someone gambles that determines addiction; some problem gamblers may only gamble once a month. Rather it is the mental, physical, and relational effects that suggest an addiction.<ul><li>Myth: “Gambling is only a problem when the money is all gone.”</li></ul>The amount won or lost does not determine the addiction. Some gamblers may incur enough debt that the financial consequences begin to impact on their lives, but this is not always the case. Some gamblers could win big, and then lose all of it next week.<ul><li>Myth: “You can’t become addicted to something like gambling.”</li></ul>The "rush" the gamblers get, the feeling of euphoria that motivates the gambler to keep on with it, involves the same changes in brain chemistry experienced by alcoholics and drug addict. If the compulsion to continue becomes overwhelming, the individual becomes addicted, even though they may deny that they're having a problem.<ul><li>Myth: “Problem gambling is just a financial issue.”</li></ul>Compulsive gambling is an emotional problem with financial consequences. Even if they pay off the gambler’s debts, they will still be a person with an uncontrolled compulsion.<ul><li>Myth: “Only irresponsible people have a problem with gambling.”</li></ul>Gambling problems impact people of all intelligence levels, from all backgrounds. Previously responsible and strong-willed individuals are just as likely as anyone else to develop a gambling addiction.Although it may feel like you’re powerless to stop gambling, there are many services and programmes out there to help you overcome the problem, repair your relationships and finances, and finally regain control of your life.<h2>Help for Problem Gamblers:</h2>Whether you're looking for anything from therapy to simply cooling off gambling for awhile there is a service available to you. <a href="https://gamban.com/help">Find more helpful services on our Help page</a>.For anyone in the UK, the NHS offers <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/">Cognitive behavioural therapy</a>, evidence suggests that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions.<h2>Treatment Services and Support Groups:</h2><a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/">GamCare:</a> offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. GamCare also runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling. <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/">Click here to find out more about GamCare.</a>National Problem Gambling Clinic: If you live in England or Wales, are 16 years of age or older and have gambling-related complex issues, you can refer to this NHS specialist clinic for problem gamblers. See if you meet the <a href="https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/addictions-and-substance-misuse/national-problem-gambling-clinic">criteria for this service</a>.<a href="https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/">Gordon Moody Association:</a> The <a href="https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/">Gordon Moody Association</a> offers residential courses for men and women who have problems with gambling – email help@gordonmoody.org.uk or call 01384 241292 to find out more. They also runs the <a href="https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/">Gambling Therapy website</a>, offering online support to problem gamblers and their friends and family. <a href="https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/">Click here to find out more about Gordon Moody Association.</a><a href="https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/">Gamblers Anonymous UK:</a> <a href="https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/">Gamblers Anonymous UK</a> runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. <a href="https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/">Click here to find out more about Gamblers Anonymous UK</a><a href="https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/">.</a>GamAnon: GamAnon runs local support groups for family members and friends of people suffering from gambling addiction. Click here to find out more about GamAnon.<h2>Device Blocking and Self-exclusion:</h2><a href="https://gamban.com/">Gamban:</a> Gamban is recognised as the most effective gambling-blocking software for online gambling self-exclusion, according to <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/gambleaware-chooses-gamban-gambling-blocking-software">GambleAware-commissioned research</a>, blocking access to over 50,000 gambling sites &amp; apps. Gamban is a digital recovery tool that is used to aid people who are vulnerable to online gambling-related harm. <a href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">GAMSTOP:</a> One of the most well-known multi-operator schemes is GAMSTOP, which is currently available as a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme to UK and NI residents. However, It only covers gambling sites based in the UK.Self-exclusion, aligned with device blocking, is a powerful tool to refrain from gambling. As long as it’s done right, and comprehensively. <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">For a complete list of self-exclusion services click here.</a><h2>Other Options:</h2>Individual Self-exclusion: All UK licensed casinos MUST offer some form of independent self-exclusion, where user can choose for how long they would like to barred from that casino, online and offline. Setting Limits: Most casinos will offer some form of setting spending limits. This is a great way to stay within your means. Both of these options require a large amount will power to remain effective. For the best protection, we recommend a multi-layered solution, such as pairing with gambling blocking software.

Gambling Addiction Myths 

Are Young Gamers Being Primed for Gambling?

Game Quitters’ Cam Adair Joins Us to Discuss the Links Between Gaming and Gambling

Game Quitters' Cam Adair joins us to discuss the links between gaming and gambling, loot boxes, black market skins gambling and more.<figure><div><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eN_rbP-arA0" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div></figure><blockquote>"Covid-19 has accelerated the convergence between gaming and gambling and the impact on individuals is felt across the globe. It's never been more important for professionals to understand the risks associated with loot boxes, skin gambling and esports betting." - Cam Adair, GameQuiters</blockquote>With younger audiences growing increasingly tech-savvy and gambling being offered in variously more complex ways, growing better understanding and awareness is crucial to protecting those who are at risk; whether that be a concerned parent or a therapy professional.Skins gambling, esports betting and loot boxes. Learn the latest trends on the convergence of gaming and gambling by watching the replay of our webinar.

The Links Between Gaming and Gambling

Game Quitters' Cam Adair joins us to discuss the links between gaming and gambling, loot boxes, black market skins gambling and more.

Danny Speaks about His Journey of Gambling Addiction.

Watch Danny's story and see how Gamban helped him with his fight against addiction.  

<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQpC-jiTBUk"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JQpC-jiTBUk" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div></figure>From as young as 18, Danny would find himself gambling every paycheck he had away. This would become a repeated cycle every month of being paid, waking up at 4 am and gambling it all away by 6 am. Danny would then have to find a payday lender, or any other way to borrow money, just to be able to afford a bus pass for the month to get into work.Danny recounts his lowest memory is when he was sat next to his ill mother in hospital, finding himself placing bets on his phone. He came to realised he was more concerned about the bets he placed than his ill mother.  Danny had always wanted to stop his gambling habit, but only started trying to stop in his late 20s, realising he had missed out on so much in his life.<blockquote>"I would still be gambling if it wasn't for the Gamban App and others, because I would have all the temptations there to gamble, constantly.Life now is good. I don't worry about money, I don't have to tell lies to my friends, I've set myself targets and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Whereas when I was gambling I used to dread waking up each day."</blockquote>Danny is just one of the many problem gamblers who have been helped, not only by Gamban, but by the number of gambling support organisations that are available.For more information on Gamban's Gambling blocking <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/apps">click here</a>.For more resources on how to self-exclude from online gambling <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">click here</a>.

Blocking Online Gambling - Danny's Story

Danny speaks about his journey of gambling addiction, to receiving the help he needed to break the habit.

What Tools Do Banks Provide Their Users?

If you’re worried about how much you're spending on gambling, then there is lots of support out there to help you. Including banks.

Can banks block gambling transactions? We run through the major UK high street banks and outline what services they provide to their at-risk customers.Many banks are now working on plans to help customers restrict their spending on gambling, offering gambling blocking solutions, with some banks allowing customers to 'turn off' payments to certain types of retailer, including gambling services.<h2>What is the Gambling Block?</h2>While each scheme operates in their own way, fundamentally they all work the same. The gambling block is a feature that allows you to block your bank account/bank card/credit card from being used for gambling transactions. 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.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/36fdc972-6d46-4b47-bbae-089c28397609.jpg" alt="gamban bank gambling block" /> <h3>Which banks offer a Gambling Blocking Services?</h3><h4>Royal Bank of Scotland </h4>Offers a card locking feature to customers which include a blocker specifically for gambling transactions.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/51a5dd4b-4d73-4877-b638-b46403053823.jpg" />Learn more about the Royal Bank of Scotland's services below. <a href="https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/life-moments/Struggling-financially/manage-your-gambling.html">Learn More</a> <h4>Lloyds Bank</h4>A feature within their banking app, which lets customers quickly freeze and unfreeze different types of transactions on their debit or credit cards. As well as offering their customers access to Gamban.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/e66d5dc3-1605-4fae-a6ac-7b7ae0413146.jpg" />Learn more about Lloyds Bank's services below.  <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/online-banking/mobile-banking/card-freezes.html">Learn More</a> <h4>Halifax</h4>Offers customers various useful tools and support such as; financial tracking, personal support and advice and access to Gamban licences to block online gambling. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/52d725f5-0a51-4872-83ff-5a72377fe503.jpg" />Learn more about Halifax's services below. <a href="https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling/">Learn More</a> <h4>Bank of Scotland </h4>Offers a card freezing feature, which, include a blocker specifically for gambling transactions.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/75f2b5d9-1261-4c62-84b6-11ac75a271e3.jpg" />Learn more about the Bank of Scotland's services below. <a href="https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/aboutonline/mobile-banking/card-freezes.html">Learn More</a><h3> </h3><h4>mbna</h4>Allows customers to keep track of their bills and spending by using their Online Card Services.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/53990d0b-af78-49ac-bf00-35987f79e142.jpg" />Learn more about mbna's services below. <a href="https://www.mbna.co.uk/support/extra-help-with-your-finances/gambling.html">Learn More</a> <h4>HSBC</h4>Allows customers to voluntarily add or remove gambling restrictions on their debit cards or credit cards (including Pay by Bank app). HSBC also offers a "Cool Off Period", this means that customers can opt to lift the gambling restriction, but transactions will still be declined until the "Cool Off Period" has completed.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/c679c5f9-ea85-4030-973e-84cff07e063f.jpg" />Learn more about HSBC's services below. <a href="https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/card-support/gambling-restrictions/">Learn More</a> <h4>Monzo</h4>Allows customers to block gambling transactions on their Monzo account, straight from the app. To turn off the block, customers will need to talk to Monzo's customer support team. Where they'll ask questions to see if their situation has changed since first switching on the restrictions.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/176c267a-79c4-4e7b-8a2a-b03450865938.jpg" />Learn more about Monzo's services below. <a href="https://monzo.com/gambling-block/">Learn More</a><h3> </h3><h4>Starling Bank</h4>Allows customers to block online payments, including gambling transactions, easily from their banking app.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/3568215d-da71-4fc8-9441-09a2be492bc6.jpg" />Learn more about Starling Bank's services below. <a href="https://www.starlingbank.com/features/card-controls/">Learn More</a> <h4>Natwest </h4>Offers customers a card locking feature, which includes a gambling transactions blocker, within the banking app. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/adfb2c99-2d5e-49d6-8c9d-d69be139bdfe.jpg" />Learn more about Natwest's services below. <a href="https://personal.natwest.com/personal/life-moments/Struggling-financially/managing-your-gambling.html">Learn More</a> <h4>Barclays </h4>Allows customers to block debit card payments to certain types of merchants, including gambling websites and apps, within their banking app.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/32be8127-36a7-4f29-9505-4c44ad17aaf0.jpg" />Learn more about Barclays' services below. <a href="https://www.barclays.co.uk/help/mobile-banking/spending/merchant-control/">Learn More</a> <h4>Santander</h4>Allows customers to block specific transaction types without freezing their Mastercard entirely.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/e82a6903-1b53-49bf-b31e-60f2f928bf0b.jpg" />Learn more about Santander's services below. <a href="https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/support/ways-to-bank/on-your-mobile">Learn More</a> <h4>Danske Bank</h4>Allows users to block transactions to licenced gambling merchants from their card. It takes at least 72 hours to lift the block.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/b78f9b39-09f3-43ad-82f4-cb60eaad3a80.jpg" />Learn more about Danske Bank's services below. <a href="https://danskebank.co.uk/personal/help/payments/block-gambling-payments">Learn More</a> <h3>Why are banks doing this?</h3>People who have gambling problems and decide to stop can choose to self-exclude from gambling, use software to block online gambling sites and self-exclude physically from betting shops and casinos. While these are all helpful ways for people to get support, many banks believe they can do more to support self-exclusion too. Your journey with gambling recovery can be challenging, and having multiple tools at your disposal can increase your chances of overcoming the habit. Several options are available, including gambling blocking software, self-exclusion from online gambling, and bank transaction blocking.  For all UK residents, <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/">TalkBanStop</a> provides practical tools and support for every step of your recovery journey. Reach out to a trained adviser on the National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential guidance and advice. Additionally, you can receive a free Gamban licence and will guide you through the benefits of self-excluding with GAMSTOP if you haven’t already.

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Many banks are now working on plans to help customers restrict their spending on gambling, offering gambling blocking solutions

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