Guides › Gambling and Betting › Block Gambling Payments With Your Bank
Block Gambling Payments with Your Bank
Many UK banks and card providers let you block gambling transactions on your debit card or account, usually in their app. Some only block gambling; others restrict wider payment types. Some make you wait before a block can be removed, which helps if you are tempted to switch it off.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Blocking Payments
How Bank Blocks Work
Banks can block your account or debit card so it cannot be used for gambling transactions. Some block only gambling payments; others restrict wider card types. HSBC has a "Cool Off Period": after you lift a restriction, transactions are still declined until it ends. Monzo blocks in the app and you must contact support to remove the block. The Commission lists banks including Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, MBNA, Monzo, NatWest, RBS, Santander and Starling; Halifax and Lloyds also offer Gamban to block gambling websites. source
Other Tools
Self-exclusion
You can self-exclude from all online gambling businesses with one request through GAMSTOP; all gambling businesses must take part. When you self-exclude, the business must close your account, return the money in it and remove you from marketing. source
No credit cards
Gambling businesses have not been allowed to accept credit cards since 14 April 2020, online or in person. E-wallet payments must not be funded from a credit card. Lottery tickets and scratchcards can still be bought by credit card in shops alongside other goods. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awaySwitch the block onIn your banking app or by contacting your bank
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Look in your banking app for a gambling block or card controls.
Step 2 of 5
If you cannot find it, call your bank and ask.
Step 3 of 5
Ask whether there is a waiting period before it can be removed.
Step 4 of 5
Self-exclude from online gambling through GAMSTOP.
Step 5 of 5
Get free support if gambling is causing harm.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Bank
Switch on a gambling block.
Gambling Commission Guide
Which banks offer blocks.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Blocks work best alongside self-exclusion and blocking software.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions Checked 13 October 2026
- gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/self-exclusion Checked 13 October 2026
- gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/gambling-using-a-credit-card Checked 13 October 2026