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

How Casinos Enable Gambling Addicts

How Online Casinos Keep You Coming Back Again and Again.

Though many of the following concepts have been academically researched, the aim of this piece is to provide a personal narrative for the commonly experienced tricks and traps from over 10 years of experience as a compulsive gambler.<h4>Familiarity in gambling</h4>Regression with childish cartoons and familiar characters from our youth can encourage a level of irresponsibility among players. Whether it’s Jack and the Beanstalk or the Incredible Hulk, the outcome is the same for the player – increased engagement and distraction. Homer Simpson shouting “D’oh” trivialises a losing spin, using humour to numb the pain of loss. Equally, Spiderman defeating his enemies during a bonus is immensely exciting ‘under the influence’.<h4>Availability bias</h4>“25 million people didn’t win the lottery last week” is not a story. “Jennifer from Birmingham changed her life and won £156m” is a story. Technically “it could be you” but you don’t focus on the fact that it’s almost impossibly unlikely. Even the internal narrative playing out in your head can over-emphasise the possibility of an optimum outcome, potentially resulting in play.<h4>Reframing affordability</h4>You win, you play higher stakes. Won £50 on that last £1 spin? What could you have won if you were betting £3 a spin? How about £6? You can afford it because you won the last time.<h4>Near-misses</h4>“Nearly, nearly… DAMN!” Approximately 37% to 42% ‘near misses’ are programmed into slot machines and scratch-cards for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/improving-your-odds-at-slots-is-just-a-myth">psychological effect</a>. From an industry perspective, even if manufacturers don’t add them, players tend to create them their selves, turning clearly losing situations into near-wins.<h4>Reverse withdrawals</h4>Even at the point where you have decided to stop playing and cash out, your money may still be available for immediate play and reversal. A second chance to lose everything!<h4>Illogical limit-setting</h4>It was recently revealed by a large online casino that where deposit limits are set, the average spend is much higher. This illogical situation may be due to an erroneously perceived level of control.

Tricks and Traps to Keep You Hooked

A personal narrative for the commonly experienced tricks and traps from over 10 years of experience as a compulsive gambler.

How the Coronavirus is Affecting Online Gambling

Now's an important time to protect ourselves and those at risk from falling into bad online gambling habits.

As the outbreak of the Coronavirus continues to impact daily life across the globe, we're seeing more and more gambling-related public spaces closing, such as casinos, betting shops and bookies. That mixed with self-isolation, some of us may even be more inclined to spend this free time gambling online.This is a particularly difficult time for those of us who have a gambling addiction, who may need the distraction of their day to day life just to keep themselves from gambling their money away. In lockdown or isolation, players may find themselves more vulnerable to online gambling. Given the circumstances, people are more likely to present via remote treatment resources and through digital self-help tools, rather than face-to-face channels.<h3>Coronavirus and Gambling Stats</h3>Research by Savanta reports 25% of the population have stated that their mental health has been negatively affected over lockdown.Nearly seven out of ten (68%) increased the amount of time or money they spent on at least one gambling activity (including National Lottery). To compensate, they may have reduced spending on other products and activities, such as real event betting.Since the lockdown began, 18-34-year-old men and women who have gambled recently are nearly equally likely to have taken up new gambling activities. Younger people aged 18-34 are much more likely, than average, to report increases in time or money spent on at least one gambling activity or to have taken up new activities. If you or anyone you know needs that extra bit of help to avoid online gambling we offer a free trial of Gamban you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/">start today</a>, as well as other online gambling self-exclusion resources <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">here</a>.<h3>What Support Is out There?</h3>For added support, you can also call the National Gambling Helpline on <a href="tel:08088020133">0808 8020 133</a>, for more information visit their website <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/">here. </a>You can also read our blog on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/practical-tips-for-problem-gamblers">Practical Tips For Problem Gamblers</a> where we run through some of the ways you can remove gambling temptations.COVID-19 hasn't slowed us down, and as such, Gamban will be running as usual. For any technical or support questions, our support team is still available to help. We implore you to take some time to consider those who may be at risk of falling into bad gambling habits and support them during these trying times, as well as looking after yourself.

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Online Gambling

As the outbreak of the Coronavirus continues to impact daily life across the globe, we're seeing more and more gambling-related public spaces closing

It’s Important to Understand Gambling Before You Start.

Guest Blog by Derek Webb

There is so much noise out there about “responsible“ gambling. It is spread by gambling operators and those acting in conjunction with them. But there is never any rational explanation of what exactly is meant by “responsible” gambling in practical terms. If “responsible” gambling means anything it must involve understanding and controlling gambling. This is an attempt to present this type of information.Gambling can be fun but it can also be <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/casino-tricks-and-traps">dangerous</a>. It’s important to understand gambling before you start. A real understanding of gambling means having to think in theoretical terms. The easiest way to think about it is by working out how much you can afford to lose.Of course, there are winners, but very few long-term winners and only at games there is a possible chance for the player to have an edge. For example, a strong poker player playing against weaker players.<h3>Financing Gambling</h3>Gambling losses should never be from normal savings, from borrowings, or funded by the proceeds of crime. This is precisely the route to gambling ruin. Gambling funds should be from income only, but not of course income needed for normal living. It should only come from disposable income, the discretionary spending on leisure. Poorer persons with lower incomes are likely to have less income and therefore less disposable income, so should allocate less to gambling losses. For example, if only 10% of income is disposable, then the maximum gambling loss should be say 10% of that amount, being 1% of the person’s total income.A wealthier person might have 20% of income at their disposal and could feel comfortable allocating a maximum of 20% of that to gambling losses, being 4% of their total income. The average amount between 1% and 4% is 2.5% which is a good balance to work from. If a person has a 40-hour working week then one hour is 2.5% of that time. It does not make sense to lose at gambling at a higher rate per hour than your hourly earnings rate. So, someone earning £400 per week at £10 per hour for 40 hours can afford to lose £10 per week in one hour of gambling.It doesn’t really matter whether the gambling activity is weekly or monthly or annually. The principle is to just apply the maximum time and loss over a longer period. In a 28 day-month, this would be a loss of £40 over 4 hours. If it’s an annual gambling trip the allocated amount would be say £500 over 50 hours.<h3>Understanding Casino Games</h3>Looking at casino table games there are differences in the pace of the games and in the house advantages in each game. If you were playing a game where there were 100 hands per hour and the house advantage is 1% then your loss per hour is 100% of your bet amount, assuming it is the same each hand. Therefore, the bet size should be £10 per hand to result in an average one hour loss of £10.This is close to a blackjack experience if playing basic strategy with decent rules at a table with limited players. A poor strategy and / or poor rules could increase the advantage above 1%, but a full table would reduce the speed of the game.Although the expected loss is £10, the turnover in the hour is £1,000, this means the cash funds required will very probably be somewhere between these two amounts. A common measure of loss as a percentage of funds used is known as the hold percentage. With typical hold percentage being around 20% then funds required are likely to be at least £50.This £50 is of course only an average, so it makes sense to have a gambling bankroll far greater than the average amount needed in one session. Also, the bankroll needs to cover consecutive negative sessions. A useful guide would be to start with a gambling bankroll of £500. The way to build the bankroll is to set aside £10 per week for a year from disposable income before you ever start gambling. If you are unable to do that then maybe you are not ready to start gambling.The type of bets placed makes a difference. Betting on red or black at odds of 1 to 1 on roulette will not be as volatile as betting on only one number per spin at 35 to 1 odds on roulette. Whilst the £500 bankroll could easily be comfortable enough for the 1 to 1 to bets it would be unlikely to be enough for the 35 to 1 bet.In order to be able to continue gambling, you will have needed to continue to always set aside the same £10 on a weekly basis. Gambling winnings should not be spent on other items but should be added to the gambling bankroll. This is the only way to ensure that the gambling bankroll could stay intact. Remember it doesn’t matter what the actual result is in a week. It is the theoretical loss of the £10 which needs to be replaced.Comparison of actual games makes the theory easier to understand. The numbers are rounded estimates for simplicity. Playing baccarat or punto banco at 75 hands per hour and wagering £13 per hand for a turnover of £975 at a house advantage of 1% results in an expected loss of £9.75.The casino table game roulette with a single zero has a 2.7% house advantage on the number bets. Playing at a full table of around 37 hands per hour, at a stake of £10 per spin will generate a turnover of £370, resulting in an expected loss of £10 per hour.Compare this with an electronic roulette game at 180 spins per hour with the same 2.7% house advantage. Now a stake per hand of £2 per spin will generate a turnover of £360, resulting in an expected loss of £9.72 per hour.<h3>Long Term Gambling</h3>Long term gambling losses are like death by a thousand cuts. If the game speed is increased then death comes sooner. Technology in most areas helps consumers by reducing costs or improving products. For losing gamblers, technology increases the cost of gambling losses by speeding the games up. The only way to <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/improving-your-odds-at-slots-is-just-a-myth">counter</a> this is to reduce your gambling stake.Even where it is a remote gambling using alive dealer, the overall game pace will be quicker, meaning that stake size should be reduced. Keeping the same stake per spin or per hand might seem boring, but it is an important control method. Doubling the stake on one spin requires halving the stake on two spins to get back on balance.All of this information is of course theory. In any one session, you may come out well ahead or badly down. But these are not reasons or excuses to change the way you control your gambling behaviour. When gambling you are already choosing to lose cash and time. It’s not sensible to lose control as well.Students, the unemployed, persons on benefits, persons in part-time work and persons with similar limitations on disposable income generally cannot afford gambling losses and should avoid gambling. Persons under age 25 may have difficulties with gambling as our adolescent brain development is not fully mature until that age. The risk-reward analysis needed in gambling is an area that is one of the last to develop. So, it’s not a good idea to start gambling before age 25.In general summary:<ul><li>Do not spend more than the equivalent of one hour per week (on an annualised basis) at all forms of gambling</li><li>Plan to gamble at a level that your expected loss per hour will not be more than you earn in an hour as a full-time employee</li><li>Save up a dedicated gambling bankroll before you start gambling and replenish that bankroll regularly regardless of actual results</li><li>Avoid gambling at casino games that have been speeded up technologically unless you are willing to trade down your wager appropriately</li></ul> If you are unable to comply with this type of advice, then is gambling right for you? For the majority of people there really is only one “responsible” gambling message that makes any sense, which is “<a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">DON’T GAMBLE!</a>”

Understanding and Controlling Gambling

There is so much noise out there about “responsible“ gambling. It is spread by gambling operators and those acting in conjunction with them.

How Does Blocking Software Work? And How Can It Help Me?

We Break down What It Means to Be a Blocking Software

<h2>What is blocking software?</h2>Blocking software is a computer programme which restricts internet access to websites, applications or other services.There are two kinds of blocking software available:<ul><li>Gambling-specific blocking software, which is designed to only block gambling websites and apps, being as unintrusive as possible.</li><li>General blocking software, which is designed to block any sites you want and set access permissions or parental controls.</li></ul><h3>Do I need Blocking Software?</h3>Blocking software blocks access at the device level, so even if you wanted to create a new account, with a new email address and credentials, you would be unable to access the website on any device with the software installed on. If nothing else, then when you have impulses, it will give you time to think.<h3>Where can I find blocking software?</h3>If you search online you can find a number to choose from, all of varying degrees of quality. You can also search the App Store or the Android Market to find software available for smartphones and tablets. Whether you are using iOS, iPhone or iPad, you can use the built-in parental blocker that prevents gambling-related content from being accessed. You'd need someone else to set your password.<img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/91fb729e-1586-463e-8a7f-2a618034196e.jpg" alt="gamban what is gambling blocking software" /><h3> </h3><h3>Gamban - Gambling Blocking Software</h3>Gamban provides you with a secure, effective and inexpensive alternative to stay away from gambling websites and apps, helping those with a gambling addiction battle the temptation. Our software for blocking gambling has been evaluated independently with great results. A recent survey was conducted by independent charity GambleAware where six different software products were compared. Gamban emerged as the most effective solution to block access to legal and illegal online gambling sites in this measure, achieving as much as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1813/blocking-software-evaluation-findings-report.pdf">99% success</a>.Find out more information about Gamban <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/what-is-gamban">here.</a>Or start your free trial below<a class="btn btn-primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/register/account?trial" role="button">Start Your Free Trial</a><h3>Will this stop me from gambling?</h3>Adding blocking software is a great start, but you may find that you need additional support. If you are concerned about your gambling, Read our article on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-exclusion, advice and support services, as well as self-help resources</a>.<h3>What if I don’t want to add blocking software, what else can I do?</h3>If you haven’t done so already, you should think about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-excluding</a> from all your accounts. We would also advise you to change your bank card from a debit card to a basic bank card, or using a card from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/app/uploads/2020/02/Which-banks-offer-gambling-blocks-Feb-2020.pdf">banks which allow you to block gambling transactions</a>.Another option is contacting your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.broadband.co.uk/broadband/help/isp-web-blocking-filters">Internet Service Provider (ISP)</a> to see if they offer an option to opt-out of all Adult sites. If you want to stop receiving email or text message marketing from gambling companies, more detail can be found <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">here</a>.You can also talk to a Gamcare Adviser on <a href="tel:0808 8020 133">0808 8020 133</a>, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is Gambling Blocking software?

Blocking software is a computer programme which restricts internet access to websites, applications or other services.

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.<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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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.

Can You Block Gambling Transactions From Your Bank Account?

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

When Did Problem Gambling Start?

We Go Through the Gambling Timeline, from the First Dice to Slot Machines  

For when that was, here is Wikipedia: “Gambling dates back to the Palaeolithic period, before written history. The earliest six-sided dice date to about 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. However, they were based on astragali dating back thousands of years earlier. In China, gambling houses were widespread in the first millennium BC where betting on fighting animals was common. Lotto games and dominoes appeared in China as early as the 10th century. Playing cards appeared in the 9th century in China. Poker, the most popular U.S. card game associated with gambling, was based on the Persian game As-Nas, dating back to the 17th century. The first known casino was the Ridotto, established in Venice, Italy in 1638.”Those of us who have had our problems with gambling addiction will know how and why one or more of the people will have become addicted. So many reasons but, usually, there’s some underlying mental problem like depression. Certainly, if a person wasn’t depressed before they started gambling compulsively then they would have been afterwards. This brings me to an old joke which might just identify the first problem gambler:<h2>Gambling in History</h2>An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel and came upon a casket containing a mummy. After examining it, he called the curator of the Israel museum in Jerusalem.“I’ve just discovered a 3,000-year-old mummy of a man who died of heart failure!” the excited scientist exclaimed. The curator replied, “Bring him in. We’ll check it out.”A week later, the amazed curator called the archaeologist. “You were right about both the mummy’s age and cause of death. How on earth did you know?” “Easy. There was a piece of paper in his hand. It said, ‘10,000 Shekels Goliath to win’.”Was this backer of Goliath a gambling addict or was he merely the first person to lump everything he had on “a sure thing”?We’ve all done that, haven’t we? Convinced ourselves that a certain horse, dog, team, the system can’t lose and then discovered, to our mortification, that it definitely could.Damon Runyon is instructive on this subject. “One of these days in your travels,” Sky Masterson recalls his father telling him, “a guy is going to come up to you and show you a nice brand-new deck of cards on which the seal is not yet broken, and this guy is going to offer to bet you that he can make the Jack of Spades jump out of the deck and squirt cider in your ear. But, son, do not bet this man, for as sure as you are standing there, you are going to end up with an earful of cider.”Another Damon Runyon character, Sam The Gonoph, points out why gamblers will eventually always lose. “I long ago came to the conclusion that all life is six-to-five against.”Or, in the words of another sage, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/improving-your-odds-at-slots-is-just-a-myth">“gambling is a sure way of getting nothing for something”.</a>Gerolamo Cardano (or Jérôme Cardano) was a 16th century Italian doctor, mathematician, physicist, chemist, astrologer, philosopher, writer, and gambler. He was one of the most influential mathematicians of the Renaissance and was one of the key figures in the foundation of probability. In his autobiography, he laid bare his addiction to gambling. “As I was inordinately addicted to the chessboard, and the dicing table, I know I must be deserving of the severest censure. I gambled at both for many years: at chess for about forty, and at dice for twenty-five”Cardano features in Mike Atherton’s brilliant book <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2006/oct/08/sportandleisure.features">Gambling: A Story of Triumph and Disaster</a>, in which the former England cricket captain describes how gambling came to be the massive industry it is today. Along the way, he tells of how people won and lost fortunes on the turn of a card or the roll of a die. Nothing has really changed: only how the cards are turned or the dice are rolled.Atherton also tells us about the aristocracy who won and lost whole estates in an evening’s gambling. Perversely, it was the fact that gambling debts weren’t legally enforceable that led to such high stakes gambling as it allowed the aristocrats to display their sang-froid when they lost.The emerging stock markets of the 18th century also gave plenty of scope to what was not investing but gambling. Sir Isaac Newton mistimed his purchases and sales in the South Sea Bubble and ended up losing £20,000. Atherton quotes Newton as saying that he could “calculate the motions of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people”. Meanwhile, as if to further demonstrate that this form of gambling wasn’t the sole province of the stupid, the writer Daniel Defoe lost £17,000 gambling on stocks and was declared bankrupt.<h2>For a Small Stake</h2>Most early gambling – especially in Britain – revolved around lotteries. And then they disappeared until the National Lottery arrived in 1994. Lotteries have always flourished in countries where there are few legalised forms of gambling. In Britain, we already had bingo, horse-racing, the dogs and casinos. For a small stake, you had an evening’s entertainment and the chance of winning some money. It was called having a flutter. For those who wanted a bigger upside there were the football pools where, for a few bob, you might win a small fortune or the wonderful Premium Bonds where, even if you didn’t win, you could cash in your entire stake. That was the uniquely British way of doing things. Then along came the National Lottery and its scratch card offspring to root out our baser instincts and then appeal to them. It wasn’t enough to win a few quid – even a few hundred – now it was time to start thinking in millions – it could be you.Inevitably, it was the poorest who latched on to it but, beyond the brief thrill of the draw, there was nothing in it for them – save the knowledge that wealthy non-lottery players would have their opera tickets subsidised through the 28 percent deducted for “good causes”. Sure, there were winners – multi-million-pound winners – but they were so rare that they became news stories. Everyone else was a loser; in many instances, a frustrated, resentful loser terrified of stopping just in case their numbers came up; the ultimate monkey on the back. Camelot, with its cheesy Arthurian motifs that made it look like the worst kind of theme pub, was canny. Through its advertising, it pandered to the greed that it had nurtured while keeping the supine media onside with a drip-feed of “exclusives”. To its eternal shame, the BBC went native and not only became a cheerleader but actually paid for the privilege. More important, Camelot had done its maths. It knew that to maximise publicity it needed massive jackpots. To subsidise these it had to trim the payouts in the few areas where people stood a realistic chance of winning. So for getting three balls, it paid £10 when the true odds were 56-1. For four balls they paid an average of about £60 instead of the £1,000 indicated by odds of 1,032-1. To achieve anything more – eg. five balls – you would need to overcome odds of 55,491-1 while the jackpot itself was a one-in-13,983,816 proposition. Almost one in 14 million. To put that in perspective you have less chance of winning the jackpot than you have of being struck by lightning (one in 10 million), being killed by a bee sting (one in six million), hitting two holes-in-one during the same round of golf (one in eight million) or Elvis turning out to be alive and extraterrestrial beings officially sighted on Earth (less than one in 10 million according to one bookmaker’s odds). That’s all right, people said, we’ll just buy more tickets. And so they did. In some cases, they bought hundreds more using money they could ill afford. One ticket costing one pound was enough to buy the dream but desperate people told themselves that they’d have 10 times more chance with 10 tickets. If only Camelot – or the media – had explained the probability to them. If the odds are (as they were before they became 45,057,474 to 1 ) 14,000,000-1 and you buy one ticket, then there are 13,999,999 chances of not winning. If instead, you buy 10 tickets, it means that there are now 13,999,990 chances of not winning. The difference is meaningless. Jackpots of millions of pounds change lives and not always for the better. Perhaps people who want their lives changed should ask themselves whether money is actually the answer. For a few dreadful years, the country was entranced by a truly alien concept. Fortunately, the people have come to their senses. They’ve voted with their wallets and deserted the lottery to such an extent that jackpots have plummeted and Camelot was forced to change the name of its game to Lotto. <h2>What more can a gambler lose than his or her life?</h2>No, we’re not talking about all the suicides that so many addicted gamblers are driven to. Meet DR WILLIAM PALMER (aka ‘THE RUGELEY POISONER’) Palmer is one of the most prolific British serial murderers of all time. He poisoned between twelve and fifteen members of his family to inherit money to pay his gambling debts but he was eventually caught when he murdered a gambling companion, John Cook, whom Palmer poisoned after Cook won at the Shrewsbury races in November 1855. Palmer was hanged outside Stafford Gaol in June 1856 in front of a 30,000 crowd. Of course, some people really do gamble with their lives – literally. As you probably know, Russian roulette is the most terrifying gambling game ever invented – even more dangerous than playing blackjack in an illegal spieler in Soho’s Chinatown. It appears to have originated in the 19th century among Russian officers. The revolver with its revolving cylinder had just been introduced. Officers who had drunk one too many straight vodkas would spin the cylinder and pull the trigger. They believed in fatalism; that it didn’t matter what you did, the outcome had already been pre-destined by a greater power. Interestingly, the odds were one in seven rather than one in six because the early Russian revolvers had seven chambers instead of six. The peerless British novelist, Graham Greene, played Russian Roulette – on his own with a single bullet in a revolver with six chambers – on five occasions. He then decided to give up but only after playing one last game to even up the odds (as he saw it).Fortunately, for all the subsequent fans of his books, he won.Greene is not the only famous person to be affected by gambling (was his bipolarity a possible cause?). So many more people are affected by relatives’ gambling.<h3>Here are some quotes from famous people:</h3>“Mum used to say about Dad, ‘I wish he was a drinker rather than a gambler because there is only so much you can drink before you fall down’, but with gambling, he brought nothing into the house” (Michael Barrymore, whose father was buried in a pauper’s grave, having left when Michael was 11“My father had no direction in life and he was a compulsive gambler who was a failure at it. He gambled with the rent and the gas bill.” (Sir Michael Caine)“My mother was consumed with her own interest which was gambling. She was really very self-centred’ (Michael Winner whose mother gambled away the family fortune)“One of the healthiest ways to gamble is with a spade and a package of garden seeds” (Dan Bennett)Over the past two decades, the gambling landscape has continued to evolve with eSports, using skins-as-currency, as the most popular gambling product among younger players. Having seen a shift from ‘green felt’ to gambling in a more virtual environment, we are now seeing a transition once again to a more ‘integrated’ form of gambling – where gambling is merged so closely into the fabric of video gaming that it is normalising younger players (11-15yrs old), from the moment they pick up a gaming controller.This ‘dice to mice’ transition suggests gambling is as much about identity and status, as it is about escapism, distraction, winning (and losing) money. Nothing has really changed: only now it’s not just cards and dice; it’s crates and skins.

A History of Problem Gambling

Gambling Addiction Misdiagnosis or Incomplete Diagnosis

Gambling Addiction Is a Serious Challenge under the Best of Circumstances. What Makes It Even More Difficult to Face? A Gambling Addiction misdiagnosis.

A gambling addiction can’t be diagnosed by taking a blood test or a scan. Most patients may show signs of depression, but unless they are open about it, there is no way the doctor will know the reason why. There is no physical evidence that someone’s depression is due to an uncontrollable urge to gamble and the family and financial problems that such addiction has created. If the stigma alone wasn’t enough to make it difficult, in countries where gambling is illegal, addicts will be even less likely to admit they have a problem. More often than not, the diagnosis is “depression” which, although true – gambling addicts often suffer from depression – is also incomplete, as the root causes remain unidentified.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6691482">One study</a> from the US National Institutes of Health showed that 76% of gamblers surveyed also suffered from depression. The suicide rate among self-identified gamblers is four times higher than among non-gamblers. This may lead to a confusion of correlation and causation, and contributing to a gambling addiction misdiagnosis, or incomplete diagnosis. We need to ask “which comes first: the clinical diagnosis, or the gambling behaviour?”<h2>Correlation Vs. Causation</h2>For some people, an addiction to gambling may be a product of depression or another underlying condition. For most though, that depression is a result of their gambling addiction. The stress of losing money, plus the strain this puts on the victims’ personal lives, on their families, on their jobs, create the ideal circumstances for depression and other mental health issues to flourish. This isn’t unique to gambling addiction. In fact, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-cant-i-stop/201607/misdiagnosis-behavioral-addiction">many individuals with behavioural addictions</a> are misdiagnosed with problems like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can happen with any number of addictions, but there are unique factors at play with compulsive  gambling , though, such as inconsistent social acceptability or legal status, that makes it especially tricky to identify as the cause of suffering.<h2>When Gambling is Illegal</h2>Making something illegal, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easier to deal with. Some scholarly evidence suggests drug prohibition for example, does little to actually reduce drug addiction, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1837&amp;context=facpub">may even make addiction worse</a>. The reason is simple – while it may help authorities act against those who “operate the market”, the illegal status also acts as a barrier between the victims and the treatment. The US is a good example of this dilemma: although gambling is only legal in a select number of states, the rate of gambling addiction is higher there compared to the UK.The problem of recognising an addiction to gambling is complicated by the rise of online betting. In countries or regions where betting is illegal, health professionals may be less inclined to consider gambling behaviour when looking at a patient. Gambling Disorder was <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4019046/">included in the latest edition of the DSM</a> in 2014, but it’s still a recent change. If the patient is uncomfortable with disclosing their gambling habits – because it is an illegal activity, and/or because the insurance policy wouldn’t cover it – the job of the doctor or therapist becomes a lot more difficult.<h2>The Problem is The Gambling</h2>Gambling addiction is rarely a self-evident issue. Here are a few common signs that something is wrong:<ul><li>Remorse: Those with an addiction typically aren’t having fun when satisfying their urge. It’s a compulsion, not a leisure activity, and feelings of remorse are a common side-effect.</li><li>Need: Addicted individuals often see gambling as a way to resolve other problems like debts, or even to recover previous betting losses. They feel the need to keep playing to try and solve these issues.</li><li>Mismatch of Priorities: Because gambling is a compulsion, it feels natural to place it higher on a list of priorities than is appropriate. It can overshadow family and friends, work, and paying bills.</li><li>Sense of Inevitability: Some problem gamblers see their habit as an inevitable part of life, about which nothing can be done. The problem may rise to the point that “gambling money” becomes a regular monthly expense, and often one that takes priority, as mentioned above.</li><li>Inability to Stop: Problem gamblers may keep placing bets until all their money is gone. Gambling may also take up large shares of their time, as they have absolute confidence they are working on getting their money back.</li><li>Compulsive Response: Problem gamblers don’t just gamble when the mood strikes them. Like any addict, they feel compelled to place a bet. It can be an all-encompassing urge that overrides other interests or responsibilities.</li><li>Escapism: Betting is a means of escape for many addicts. As a result, sources of stress, arguments, or everyday disappointments and frustrations can trigger the urge to gamble.</li></ul> Early identification is essential for effective treatment of gambling addiction. However, that will require society as a whole to see beyond the shame, challenging our own experiences, and staying away from prejudice. That will help those with the problem to open up about it, and it will help those with the treatment resources to use them without reservations. Ultimately, it will drive the growth of those resources, backed by statistics that truly reflect the reality.<h2>Helping Gamblers Help Themselves</h2>Gambling addiction is highly stigmatised. It’s seen as a personal failure or weakness, rather than a real condition which demands treatment. We need to stop this and foster an environment in which people can speak honestly about their problem. For example, we can start by dispelling many of the myths about gambling addiction:<ul><li>Addiction only happens to certain groups of people.</li><li>You have to gamble every day to be addicted.</li><li>It's due to personal weakness and irresponsibility.</li><li>Problem gamblers are motivated solely by the allure of money.</li><li>Problem gambling only affects the gambler.</li><li>These are all misconceptions. Every single one of them.</li><li>An addiction to gambling can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any point in time.</li></ul> People can feel more comfortable <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">seeking help</a> once we all have a more honest conversation about problem gambling. Until that happens though, gambling addiction misdiagnosis will continue to damage people’s chance of recovery.Worried that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/are-you-at-risk-from-online-gambling">you, or someone you know</a>, might be suffering from an addiction to gambling? The first step to deal with it is to put as many obstacles as possible between the player and the game:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/product">Gamban blocks access to 40k+ gambling websites.</a> It blocks the device itself from accessing those sites and is available for computers, phones and tablets and stop gambling. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/pricing">Click here to get started.</a></li><li>For those in the UK, we also recommend signing up to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">GamStop</a>. This voluntary scheme self-excludes players from a large number of UK based gambling websites, in one go.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/">Gamcare</a> offers The National Gambling HelpLine, providing confidential information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. - 0808 8020 133</li><li>Another important roadblock is money. Monzo and Starling banks have developed features that block gambling related transactions. We recommend taking a look at those.</li><li>There are a number of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-exclusion schemes</a> out there, as well as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/help">support groups</a>.</li></ul>

Diagnosing Gambling Addiction – or Not

When the Money Runs Out

Problem Gamblers Can Easily Find Themselves in Vicious Cycles of Borrowing to Pay Gambling Tabs 

In theory, payday loans exist to help consumers make ends meet when they need temporary help in a short amount of time. In practice, this type of fast and easy-to-get credit products are the only option – apart from loan sharks – for thousands of individuals and families, up and down the country, who need money “now”, and are unable to obtain a loan from the bank.With strict terms and extremely high interest rates, payday loans can easily spiral out of control. For many borrowers, the payday loan is simultaneously the lifeline that keeps their heating on, and the chain that will keep them, prisoners, to an endless and growing debt nightmare.<h3>Adding gambling to the equation</h3>In <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.finder.com/uk/payday-loan-statistics">2017, 53% of UK payday loan customers borrowed money to pay for living expenses</a>, including groceries and utility bills. When we add gambling addiction to this very unbalanced equation, the end result is nothing short of a personal catastrophe. And no, it cannot simply be chalked up to misspending or poor planning of personal finances. The real causes go much deeper.Individuals living with gambling addiction don’t place a bet because they enjoy the game, or because they’re having a laugh with their mates at the pub. In fact, they usually feel quite isolated, and do it because they’re compelled to satisfy an uncontrollable urge – they just have to do it. In this process, anyone can get desperate enough to turn to payday loans as the solution to fund their sports bets, their online poker, their slot machines, or any other form of gambling.Problem gamblers can easily find themselves in vicious cycles of borrowing to pay gambling tabs, forcing them to borrow more to cover newer debts. This is extremely dangerous, and can quickly lead to an unmanageable vicious cycle of debt and financial loss. The problem can be life-threatening, as troubling stories <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3457058/Gambling-addict-27-hanged-owing-thousands-pounds-getting-messages-offering-free-bets-died.html">l</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/15/ryan-myers-bereaved-parents-taking-on-the-gambling-industry">ike that of Ryan Myers</a> highlight. Mr Myers took his life in 2016, after falling into thousands of pounds of gambling debt and turning to payday loans as a last resort.There’s no set character trait or signal precipitating this toxic situation. It can happen to anyone irrespective of their socioeconomic standing, from a low income part-time worker to affluent professionals like doctors or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/24648539">professional footballers</a>.“It’s not uncommon to have a player in a cycle of payday loans and gambling,” says Sporting Chance Clinic CEO Colin Bland, referencing patients at the athlete-focused recovery centre. 70% of Sporting Chance Clinic’s admissions are for gambling addiction, and many find themselves trapped between payday lenders and gambling before finally seeking help.<h3>Out of gambling, out of debt</h3>A person suffering from addiction turns to payday loans as a source of quick cash, confident he or she will win the money back. The plan rarely works out, and the individual is saddled with the added burden of debts that can multiply exponentially within a year due to the unfair interest rates.Those at risk of slipping into this cycle need to seek help, as do those already inside the trap. While this is easier said than done, especially due to the level of isolation many players believe to be in, there are people, organisations and technology products out there that can help.Protecting oneself from a dangerous payday loan trap is essential. But, the most important part of that process is confronting the addiction itself. Until victims overcome that obstacle, every day remains a new risk.

Should I Use Payday Loans to Pay Gambling Debt?

When the money runs out a person suffering from a gambling addiction can turn to payday loans as a source of quick cash

News & Articles

Gambling Addiction Myths

Tricks and Traps to Keep You Hooked

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Online Gambling

Understanding and Controlling Gambling

What is Gambling Blocking software?

Can You Block Gambling Transactions From Your Bank Account?

A History of Problem Gambling

Diagnosing Gambling Addiction – or Not

Should I Use Payday Loans to Pay Gambling Debt?

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

News & Articles

List of Articles

Gambling Addiction Myths

Tricks and Traps to Keep You Hooked

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Online Gambling

Understanding and Controlling Gambling

What is Gambling Blocking software?

Can You Block Gambling Transactions From Your Bank Account?

A History of Problem Gambling

Diagnosing Gambling Addiction – or Not

Should I Use Payday Loans to Pay Gambling Debt?

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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