If you or someone you know is having trouble with gambling, we’re here to help. 

1. What is gambling?

Gambling is when a person bets money or something of value against an outcome that isn’t within their control – in hopes of winning money or some kind of reward.  

There are many different types of online or in-person gambling, such as: 

• Playing instant win games or buying a lottery ticket

• Betting on sports, horse racing and other events 

• Betting at a casino, playing slots or using an electronic gambling machine

• Games designed for gambling, such as bingo, blackjack or poker

2. Signs of harmful gambling

Harmful gambling is a serious issue that can cause people to lose control and bring harm to themselves or others around them. It can affect anyone – whatever their background or circumstance – and it can develop over time or overnight. 

It may not affect everyone in the same way, with symptoms often varying from person to person and to differing degrees. 

These are some of the most common signs to look out for: 

You’re isolating from friends and family

• It’s taking a toll on your relationships 

• You miss social and family events

• You skip school, college, university or work 

You’re finding it difficult to manage your money

• You’re struggling to afford your essential living expenses 

• Your gambling spend is out of control and you’re spending a lot on it

• Losses are leading to debt (and you’re chasing losses)

• You borrow or steal to fund your gambling 

You’re getting overwhelmed by it  

• You’re always stressed or worried about the impact of gambling on your life 

• You feel like you can’t stop gambling and you can’t stop thinking about it

• The thought of not being able to gamble fills you with fear 

You’re hiding things

• You lie or hide the extent of your gambling 

• You’re ashamed to tell friends or family about it

3. How we can help 

If you’re worried about gambling, there are a number of ways we can help. 

Block payments to gambling merchants 

Our gambling block is exactly what it sounds like. Once you turn it on, you won’t be able to make payments with your card to most gambling merchants – online or in person. And if you want to reactivate it, there’s a 48-hour delay, making gambling or betting on impulse more difficult. 

How to block and unblock gambling payments

Remember: If you have more than one account with us, you’ll need to apply the block to each card. 

Manage your money better with our Budget Planner

We designed and built our free Budget Planner to help bring your money into focus. It can help you see where your money is going so you can set realistic budgets that can help you stay in control. 

Keep an eye on your spending with Spending Insights

Spending Insights breaks down your spending by category and merchants, giving you a snapshot view of areas where you might be spending too much money, such as gambling. 

Speak to us about any money worries 

If you’re struggling to repay your overdraft or you’re worried about going into arrears, our collections team can help. Call them on 020 3841 4955 from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm or email [email protected]. 

4. How to get in touch with us 

Our customer service team is here to help, with complete confidentiality and sensitivity.
You can contact us in the app by tapping on your account menu in the top right corner, then tapping Help then Talk to Starling. Or you can call us directly on 0207 930 4450 or email us at [email protected]. 

If you need additional support, ask our customer service team to refer you to our Welfare Support Team, and they’ll get in touch with you.

5. More support and information 

If you’re struggling with gambling or have been affected by someone else’s gambling, remember that you’re not alone. There are many dedicated organisations that can help and offer you practical advice.