Changing your relationship with gambling
What to do if you’re worried about how much you gamble.
When does gambling become a problem?
Gambling can take many forms, such as buying lottery tickets, betting on your favourite football team or using online casinos. While it can be enjoyable when done in moderation, it may be difficult to recognise when to stop. If you're concerned about your gambling or someone else's, there are many support options available. Opening up about the issue and seeking professional debt or financial advice are important first steps to regaining control.
Signs your gambling might be a problem
Increased anxiety
You’re stressed about the impact gambling is having on your finances, relationships or health.
Money worries
You’re in debt or worried about money and you find yourself trying to win back your losses.
Struggling to stop
Not being able to gamble fills you with fear or you want to stop gambling but can’t.
Difficulty borrowing
You’re worried about lenders declining applications for credit cards, loans or a mortgage.
Ways to get back on track
Make a budget
A budget can show where your money’s going and help you take back control of your finances. Take a look at the government’s free budget planner that suggests ways to improve your finances.
Get support
Gambling can affect your mental health as well as your finances. If spending feels hard to control, you’re not alone, there are practical steps and professional support that can help.
Let someone manage your money for you
It may help for someone you trust – like your partner, a close friend or a family member – to handle your finances while you seek specialist support for your gambling.
Seek financial guidance
The government’s Money and Pensions Service offers free and impartial debt advice as well as financial guidance. Use their Debt Advice Locator to find a free adviser near you.
How the Nova Bank app can help
There are a number of ways your app(1) can help you control your spending – go to 'Manage your cards' or 'Your cards' to explore your options and choose your settings.
Block debit card payments
You can block debit card payments to gambling providers we can detect, but you’ll still be responsible for any transactions we weren’t able to stop.
Set limits on spending and withdrawals
Set limits for in-store, online and contactless payments. You can also change the amount of money you can take out of cash machines each day or switch off cash withdrawals altogether.
Temporarily freeze your card
If your spending feels hard to manage, or you want to take a break from using your card, you can freeze it in the app. This stops new payments until you’re ready to use it again.
Organisations that offer tools and support
GamCare
Gamcare operates the National Gambling Helpline to support anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends. You'll find their free 24/7 helpline and Live Chat on their website.
Gamban
Gamban provides gambling blocking to tens of thousands of gambling websites and apps worldwide, as well as a series of tools to help you quit online gambling.
Gamstop
Take control of your gambling by blocking your access to accounts on gambling websites and apps – it’s free, quick, and easy.
Mental health and wellbeing
Samaritans
Samaritans will listen and chat through whatever you need to talk about, without judgment. Call them for free on 116 123 or visit their website.
Mind
Mind provides advice and support for anyone experiencing problems with their mental health, plus access to a range of resources and services.
Think you might miss a payment?
Overdrafts and Barclayloan
Call 0333 202 7412(2). We’re here from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm, Fridays 8am to 7pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm.
Self-employed or have a business?
Get help with managing your money, dealing with changes in income, and finding support if you’re self-employed or run a business.
Already missed a payment?
If you’ve missed a payment on your mortgage, Barclayloan, overdraft or Nova Card, you might still be able to make it using the Nova Bank app(1), or give us a call.
Overdrafts and Barclayloan
Call 0345 703 4034(2). We’re here from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm, Fridays 8am to 7pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm.
Self-employed or have a business?
Get help with managing your money, dealing with changes in income, and finding support if you’re self-employed or run a business.
Extra help and advice
The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to constitute financial advice. Please seek independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances. Nova Bank does not accept any liability for any losses as a result of relying on the information contained in this article. The accuracy or completeness of any information herein which is stated to have been obtained from or is based upon any third-party sources is not guaranteed by Nova Bank. All opinions and estimates are given as of the date of publishing.
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