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What Is a Bank Gambling Block? 

A bank gambling block is a setting on your bank account that stops gambling transactions from going through. When it's switched on, payments to gambling companies are declined at the point of sale. It covers debit card payments and, with some banks, direct debits too. 

Most major UK banks now offer a gambling block. It's free to set up, and with many banks you can do it yourself through the mobile app in a few minutes. Some banks also let you set it up by calling their customer service team or visiting a branch. 

Once a block is in place, it creates a barrier between you and gambling products. It won't stop every type of transaction (more on that below), but it removes one of the easiest ways to deposit money into a gambling account. 

One thing worth knowing: some banks let you remove the block straight away, while others build in a cooling-off period of 24 to 72 hours. That cooling-off period is there for a reason. It gives you time to reconsider before the block is lifted, which can make a real difference in a moment of pressure. 

Setting up a gambling block is one of the simplest protective steps you can take. The next section walks through how to do it with each major UK bank. 

 How to Set Up a Gambling Block on Your Bank Account 

Below is a guide to setting up a gambling block with each major UK bank. For every bank, we've covered how to set it up, what it blocks, and how long you need to wait if you decide to remove it. 

A note before you start: bank features can change. This information was accurate at the time of writing, but it's worth checking your bank's app or website for the latest process. If something has changed, let us know and we'll update this page. 

Monzo Open the Monzo app and go to your Account section. Scroll to "Limits & Controls" and switch on the gambling block. Monzo will ask you to choose a cooling-off period, which can be anything from 2 days to 12 months. If you decide to remove the block, you'll need to wait out that full period before gambling transactions are allowed again. You can also write a personal note to remind yourself why you switched it on, which Monzo will show you if you try to turn it off. The block covers card payments to gambling merchants. If a payment slips through because the merchant isn't on Monzo's list, you can report it and they'll add it. 

Starling Open the Starling app and go to "Card and Currency Controls" under the Security section. Toggle the gambling block on. It takes effect straight away. If you choose to remove it, there's a 48-hour cooling-off period before gambling transactions are allowed again. This delay can't be overridden by contacting customer services. The block covers card payments to any merchant with a gambling licence. 

Barclays Open the Barclays app and go to "Your Cards". Select your debit card, then tap "Merchant Control". From here, you can toggle off payments to gambling merchants. If you decide to remove the block, there's a 72-hour cooling-off period. You'll need to repeat the steps for each debit card you hold with Barclays. 

Lloyds Open the Lloyds app and tap "Manage card" at the bottom of the screen. Choose "Card freezes and limits", then scroll to the card you want and toggle on "Freeze Gambling". It takes effect straight away. If you choose to remove it, there's a 48-hour cooling-off period. Lloyds also offers the option to set a monthly spending limit for gambling transactions on your debit card, if you'd prefer a limit rather than a full block. You can also set it up by phone or in branch. 

NatWest Open the NatWest app and select your account. Go to "Manage my card", then "Card payment controls", and select "Gambling" to turn the block on. It covers card payments including contactless and digital wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you decide to remove it, there's a 48-hour cooling-off period. You can also set it up by phone or in branch. 

HSBC Open the HSBC app and tap on the account linked to your debit card. Go to "View more", then "Manage cards", and select "Gambling restrictions". Toggle it on. If you choose to remove it, there's a 72-hour cooling-off period. You can also set up the block by phone or in branch, which makes HSBC one of the banks with the widest range of setup options. HSBC also lets you limit ATM cash withdrawals as an additional protective step. 

Nationwide Open the Nationwide app and go to "Manage Cards". From there, you can activate the gambling block. It covers card payments to merchants with a gambling merchant category code. If you decide to remove it, there's a 72-hour cooling-off period. 

Halifax Open the Halifax app and use the card freeze feature to block gambling transactions. As part of the Lloyds Banking Group, the process is similar to Lloyds. The block covers both debit and credit card transactions. If you decide to remove it, there's a 48-hour cooling-off period. Halifax also offers three months' free access to Gamban, a tool that blocks gambling sites across all your devices. 

Revolut Open the Revolut app and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. From there, you can find and enable the gambling block. It's switched off by default. Once activated, it blocks card payments to gambling merchants straight away. If you decide to remove it, there's a 48-hour cooling-off period. Note that the block covers card payments only. It doesn't affect bank transfers or payments made through third-party apps. 

Santander Open the Santander app and go to "Card Control". Toggle on the block for gambling transactions. It takes effect straight away. If you decide to remove it, there's a 48-hour cooling-off period. The block is available for Mastercard holders through the app or Secure Chat. 

If your bank isn't listed here, it's still worth checking. Most UK banks now offer some form of gambling block. Contact your bank's customer service team to ask what's available. 

What Do Bank Blocks Cover? 

Bank gambling blocks are a useful protective tool, but they don't cover everything. Knowing what they do and don't block helps you decide whether you need additional steps. 

What most bank blocks will stop: 

Card payments to gambling merchants are the main thing bank blocks cover. This includes debit card payments made online, in betting shops, and through contactless or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payments are identified using merchant category codes, which tell your bank what type of business you're paying. 

What most bank blocks won't stop: 

Bank transfers sent directly to a gambling company's bank account will usually still go through, because they aren't processed in the same way as card payments. Payments made through e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller may also bypass the block, depending on how the transaction is coded. Cryptocurrency purchases used for gambling are another gap. Some banks, like Revolut, offer a separate crypto block, but most don't. 

No block is perfect, and some transactions may still get through. If that happens, contact your bank so they can improve their systems. 

What this means in practice: 

A bank block removes one of the easiest and most common ways to deposit money into a gambling account. That matters. But it works best as one layer of protection, not the only one. Combining a bank block with tools like GamBan and GAMSTOP, device-level blocking software, and self-exclusion from individual gambling sites gives you a stronger set of barriers. 

The next section covers how to block gambling on your phone and devices. 

Blocking Gambling on Your Phone and Devices 

A bank block stops card payments, but it doesn't stop you from accessing gambling websites or apps on your phone, tablet, or computer. Blocking access on your devices adds another layer of protection. 

iPhone You can use Screen Time to block gambling websites through Safari. Go to Settings, then Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. Under Web Content, you can choose to limit adult websites or add specific gambling sites to a blocked list. You can also delete gambling apps and use Screen Time to prevent new ones from being downloaded. 

Android Android's Digital Wellbeing settings let you set app timers and restrict access to specific apps. You can also use the Google Family Link app to block gambling websites through Chrome. For a broader block, restricting app installations through the Google Play Store settings can help prevent gambling apps from being downloaded. 

DNS-level blockers Tools like CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS can block gambling websites across all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi. This is done by changing the DNS settings on your router. It won't block mobile data connections, but it adds a useful barrier at home. 

Dedicated gambling blocking software 

Gamban is a tool built to block access to gambling websites and apps across your devices. It covers phones, tablets, and computers, and is designed to be difficult to remove once installed, which makes it more effective in moments of pressure. Some banks, including Halifax, offer free access to Gamban for a limited period when you set up a gambling block. 

These tools work best when used alongside a bank block and self-exclusion through GAMSTOP. The more barriers you put in place, the more space you create between yourself and harmful gambling products. 

Using Bank Blocks Alongside Other Self-Exclusion Tools 

A bank block is one of the easiest protective steps you can take, but it's most effective when it's part of a wider set of barriers. No single tool covers everything, so combining several creates stronger protection. 

Here are the main tools you can use alongside a bank block: 

GAMSTOP is a free service that lets you self-exclude from all online gambling sites licensed in the UK. Once registered, gambling websites and apps will block your account for a period you choose: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It covers online gambling only, not physical betting shops or casinos. Find out more about GAMSTOP. 

SENSE is a self-exclusion scheme for physical venues. It covers betting shops, casinos, and adult gaming centres across the UK. You can register at any participating venue and the exclusion will apply across all venues in the scheme in your area. Find out more about SENSE. 

Gamban is dedicated gambling blocking software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps across your phone, tablet, and computer. It's designed to be difficult to remove once installed, which makes it effective when the urge to gamble is strongest. 

How these tools work together: 

A bank block stops your money from reaching gambling companies. GAMSTOP stops gambling sites from letting you in. Blocking software stops you from reaching those sites in the first place. SENSE covers physical venues that none of the digital tools can reach. 

Each tool closes a different door. Used together, they create a set of barriers that gives you real space to step away from gambling and focus on recovery. 

Can Someone Else Set Up a Block for Me? 

If you're worried about someone else's gambling, you may want to know whether you can set up a bank block on their behalf. The short answer is: it depends on the type of account. 

Joint accounts If you share a joint account, you can set up a gambling block on your own card linked to that account. However, most banks require each account holder to set up their own block. You can't activate a block on someone else's card without their involvement. This applies even on joint accounts. 

Personal accounts You can't set up a gambling block on someone else's personal bank account. Banks won't accept a request from a third party to restrict another person's account, unless you hold power of attorney. If you do hold power of attorney and apply a block, it will also apply to your own card on the account. 

What you can do If someone close to you is being harmed by gambling, there are still steps you can take. You can share information about bank blocks with them and let them know how simple the process is. You can suggest they set it up together with you, if that feels right. And you can protect shared finances by setting up a block on your own card and by reviewing joint account access. 

It's also important to look after yourself. Supporting someone through gambling harms can take a toll on your own mental health and wellbeing. You don't have to manage this alone. 

Visit our How and Where to Get Help page for guidance for you and your family. 

Taking the Next Step 

Setting up a bank gambling block is a positive step. It takes a few minutes, it's free, and it puts a real barrier between you and harmful gambling products. That matters, and it's worth recognising. 

If you've set up a block, you've already done something that many people find difficult. Whatever prompted you to do it, the fact that you've taken action is a sign of strength. 

From here, there are more steps you can take when you're ready: 

Chapter One can help you understand what's happening, explore your options, and find the right support. Visit our How and Where to Get Help page. 

You don't have to do everything at once. A bank block is a strong first step, and the rest can come at your own pace.