Alongside reaching out to one of our team for specialist support, there are also lots of practical tools and resources that you may want to consider when looking at reducing gambling related harm.
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There are various blocking softwares available which can be installed onto your device so that you will be unable to access gambling websites. Some of these will be available for free, some might ask you to pay a fee.
You can ask businesses to exclude you from gambling with them which will usually last between six months and 5 years. This is a service each gambling must offer by law.
If you feel that it can help you in your journey, there are lots of options that are available to you.
GAMSTOP helps you control your online gambling.
Once registered you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
Alternatively, you can exclude yourself at a venue with a passport sized photo of yourself. Don’t take any money or bank cards with you, and if possible, ask a family member or friend to support you.
Many UK banks offer the option to block your bank card for gambling transactions. Once activated, if you try to gamble, your transaction should be declined.
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Many people experience financial difficulties because of their own gambling or someone else’s gambling.
If you’re trying to keep track of spending, or need support with managing finances, debt or spending limits, our advice can help.
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To help manage and keep track of your finances there are several things you can do, including:
You might find it helpful to set a spending limit to remind you not to spend more than you can afford. This could be a weekly or monthly spending limit and should be realistic.
Some people prefer to set a limit and keep track of it themselves. But there are tools that you can use to guide you, including:
If you’re having financial difficulties because of your own, or someone else’s gambling, know that there’s help available for you. There are many charities and organisations that support people with their finances.
Money struggles can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
If you’re having trouble paying your essential expenses, or if you have debts you cannot repay because of your own, or someone else’s gambling, you can:
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If you’d like to get a full report of how much gambling debt you have taken out, or how much has been taken out in your name, you can request a full credit score and detailed report.
Find out your credit score with Checkmyfile
Check what to do if someone has borrowed money in your name
If you or someone else owes money to loan sharks you should contact the police as soon as possible. These are illegal lenders.
PayPlan have been offering free debt advice for 30 years and currently help over 100,000 people every year to get their finances under control. Your Breakeven counsellor can help you access their advice and support with your debts and can even support you in completing a referral form if you need it.
If you're trying to quit gambling, the amount of gambling advertising you see could make it more difficult.
To make your journey to reducing or stopping gambling as successful as possible, you can also try to limit the gambling ads that you see on social media channels and the websites you visit.
Depending on the platform, there are several things you can do to try and limit the number of ads and posts you see.
We've outlined some procedures for you to limit gambling ads online, including on social media pages
