Loading page content
Multi-award-winning mobile casino. UKGC + MGA licensed.
Several UK banks let you block gambling transactions directly from your bank account. We explain which banks offer this feature, how to enable it, and why it's a powerful responsible gambling tool.
Several UK banks let you block gambling transactions directly from your bank account. These blocks work across all gambling operators and add an extra layer of player protection.
This guide covers which UK banks offer gambling blocks, how to enable them, and why they're a powerful responsible gambling tool.
Bank gambling blocks prevent your debit card or bank account from being used for gambling transactions. When enabled:
• Gambling transactions are declined at the merchant level
• The block works across all gambling operators
• You can't override the block from the casino side
• The block is enforced at the bank, not the casino
Bank gambling blocks are an additional layer of protection on top of casino-level tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion, GAMSTOP).
Monzo was one of the first UK banks to offer a gambling block:
• Block gambling transactions via the Monzo app
• Free for all Monzo customers
• Toggle on/off in app settings
• Also offers a "gambling limit" that allows small transactions
Starling offers a gambling block:
• Block gambling transactions via the Starling app
• Free for all Starling customers
• Toggle on/off in app settings
• Affects all gambling merchants
Barclays offers a gambling block:
• Available in Barclays app settings
• Free for all Barclays customers
• Blocks gambling transactions on debit cards
• Can be set up in the "Card control" or "Manage cards" section
HSBC offers gambling controls:
• Available in HSBC app or by calling customer service
• Free for all HSBC customers
• Blocks gambling transactions
• Affects all HSBC debit cards
Lloyds offers gambling controls:
• Available in Lloyds app or by calling customer service
• Free for all Lloyds customers
• Blocks gambling transactions
• Affects all Lloyds debit cards
NatWest offers gambling controls:
• Available in NatWest app or by calling customer service
• Free for all NatWest customers
• Blocks gambling transactions
• Affects all NatWest debit cards
Revolut offers a gambling block:
• Available in Revolut app settings
• Free for all Revolut customers
• Blocks gambling transactions
• Also offers disposable virtual cards with single-use limits
The process varies by bank but generally:
• Open the Monzo app
• Tap on the "Account" tab
• Tap "Gambling block" or "Manage card"
• Toggle "Block gambling transactions" on
• Confirm
• Open the Starling app
• Tap on the "Card" section
• Tap "Card management" or "Spending controls"
• Enable "Gambling block"
• Confirm
• Open the Barclays app
• Tap on "Cards" or "Card management"
• Find the gambling block option
• Enable for the relevant cards
• Confirm
Check the bank's app or call customer service. Most major UK banks have added gambling blocks in response to the UKGC's encouragement.
When enabled, the bank block:
Any attempt to use the card for gambling (online casinos, sports betting, etc.) is declined. The transaction is rejected before it reaches the casino.
The block only applies to gambling merchants. Other transactions (groceries, bills, transport) work normally.
The block isn't specific to one operator. It works for any gambling merchant that the bank has identified as gambling.
The casino can't override the block. Even if the casino is willing to accept the deposit, the bank's transaction decline prevents it.
Bank blocks have limitations:
Some gambling operators may not be flagged as gambling merchants. Smaller or newer operators may slip through.
Bank blocks apply to debit card transactions. If you use e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill) or crypto, the bank block doesn't apply.
Bank blocks only apply to card transactions. Cash transactions at land-based casinos aren't blocked.
Pay by mobile services (Boku) charge your phone bill, not your bank account. Bank blocks don't apply.
If you want to disable the bank block, you can. The block is a voluntary tool, not a binding restriction.
Bank blocks complement, not replace, casino-level tools:
• Cap deposits at one casino
• Don't apply to other casinos
• Reversible (with 24-hour cooling-off)
• Blocks all gambling transactions
• Works across all casinos
• Reversible (toggle off in app)
For comprehensive protection, use both. Set casino-level limits for granular control, and use the bank block as a backstop.
• Blocks gambling transactions from your bank
• Doesn't prevent account opening
• Voluntary
• Quick to enable/disable
• Blocks account opening at UKGC-licensed operators
• Prevents new accounts entirely
• Binding for the chosen period (6 months to 5 years)
• Permanent decision
For quick, easy protection, use a bank block. For comprehensive, long-term exclusion, use GAMSTOP.
If you're struggling with gambling, GAMSTOP is the more powerful tool. The bank block is a useful complement.
Bank blocks are useful for several reasons:
The casino can't bypass a bank block. Even if the casino wants your deposit, the bank declines it.
Most bank blocks are toggle on/off in the mobile app. No need to contact customer service or register with a scheme.
All UK bank gambling blocks are free. There's no cost to using the tool.
The block works across all gambling operators, not just one. You don't need to remember to set it at every casino.
The bank block makes your commitment to limit gambling concrete. It removes the temptation at the transaction level.
Bank blocks are useful for:
Even if you don't have a problem, a bank block is a sensible precaution. It limits the worst-case scenario of impulsive gambling.
If you're struggling to control your gambling, a bank block removes the easy option. You have to actively disable the block to gamble.
If you have accounts at multiple casinos, the bank block works across all of them. Setting deposit limits at every casino is tedious; a bank block is one setting.
If you've self-excluded at one casino but find yourself gambling at another, a bank block stops the pattern. Combine with GAMSTOP for stronger protection.
If you consistently gamble more than you intend, a bank block is a structural solution. The block prevents the over-deposit before it happens.
Bank blocks have limitations:
If you're committed to stopping gambling, a bank block is a useful but ultimately reversible measure. Combine with GAMSTOP for stronger commitment.
E-wallets, crypto, pay by mobile, and other non-card methods aren't blocked. Use multiple methods or restrict access to those methods.
A bank block is a tool, not a solution. The underlying reasons for problem gambling still need to be addressed through support services.
For comprehensive protection:
Set conservative limits at every casino you use. The deposit limit is the first line of defence.
Enable the bank block for your debit card. The block prevents over-limit deposits and transactions at other casinos.
Register with GAMSTOP for nationwide self-exclusion. GAMSTOP prevents new account opening at all UKGC-licensed operators.
Engage with GamCare, NHS gambling clinics, or other support services. Address the underlying reasons for problem gambling.
Each layer adds protection. The combination is more effective than any single tool.
If you're considering a bank gambling block, free confidential help is available:
• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamCare: gamcare.org.uk (live chat, counselling, online forums)
• BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org
• GAMSTOP: gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion registration)
Bank blocks are useful tools but not a substitute for support services if gambling is a problem.