Recovery Toolkit
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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Blocking Software
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.
See how to sign up to GAMSTOP here.
Self-exclusion
You can ask businesses to exclude you from gambling with them which willusually 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.
Self exclusion from online gambling
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.
Self exclusion from one website
- Go to the company's website or app
- Find a page called ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Safer Gambling’
- Follow the instructions for self-exclusion
- If you cannot see how to self-exclude, contact the company’s customer services
Self exclusion from betting shops, casino or arcades
- SENSE allows you to self-exclude from all land-based UK Casinos. You can enroll in person at any participating casino, where a manager will help you complete a digital application form. Alternatively, you can complete an application form and send it to: info@sensescheme.com.
- Moses allows you to self-exclude from multiple betting shops with just one call to 0800 294 2060.
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.
Banking Blocks
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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Money Management
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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Keeping track of your money
To help manage and keep track of your finances there are several things you can do, including:
- calculating expenses
- setting financial goals
- setting spending limits
Set spending limits
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:
- Our spend calculator
- Our "Access, Time and Money" worksheet
- Savings pots
- Budgeting apps and planners
- Income and expenses trackers
Help if your finances are affected by gambling
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.
Debt Management
Help with gambling debt
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:
- get financial advice from Citizens Advice
- get gambling debt advice from MoneyHelper
- speak to a debt advisor at Pay Plan (see below)
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Find out your debt
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
PayPlan & Breakeven – working together to help you
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.
What PayPlan can help you with
- If you have debts, and are worried about keeping up with your payments, they can help you to get them under control
- Advise you on the range of options available to you
- They can help with advice on bailiffs, legal action, benefits and more
- Their expert advice is completely FREE and confidential
Limit Gambling Ads Online
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
TalkBanStop
TalkBanStop is a partnership that combines practical tools and support to help you stop gambling and maintain it.
