How to ask your bank to block gambling transactions

A block on gambling payments adds a gap between the urge and the bet. Some providers offer it as a setting, some through customer support, and some not at all. This guide is general, because options differ by country and provider.

Before you contact them

1. Find your options. Look in your banking app settings for gambling or merchant category blocks. Search the help pages for the words gambling block.
2. Check every payment route. Cards, bank transfers, wallets and prepaid cards can each be used. Note which ones you use for betting.
3. Plan for the urge to cancel. Ask whether the block can be undone straight away or only after a waiting period. A waiting period puts time between deciding and undoing.

What to say

1. Be direct. Say: "I would like to block gambling transactions on my accounts and cards." You do not need to explain more.
2. Ask what it covers. Ask whether it covers online betting, casino, lotteries and payment processors, and how long it takes to switch on.
3. Ask how to remove it. Find out the steps and any delay, so you know what the exit looks like.

If they cannot help

1. Use other layers. Self exclusion and blocker apps work alongside a bank block.
2. Ask someone you trust for help. A trusted person can hold a spare card or be a second set of eyes on statements.

Pause before the next bet

Hold The Bet is free with no account. It shows your own number and reason and holds a 30 second pause before you bet.