Which banks offer a gambling block?
The Commission's list, last updated on 25 February 2025, describes these services:
| Bank | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Barclays | Block debit card payments to gambling websites and apps in its app |
| Bank of Scotland, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland | A card lock for gambling transactions |
| Halifax | Spending tools, support and access to Gamban licences |
| HSBC | Gambling restrictions on debit cards and Pay by Bank, with a cool-off period when lifted |
| Lloyds Bank | Freeze and unfreeze of transaction types, plus access to Gamban |
| Monzo | A block in the app; switching it off means talking to customer support |
| Santander | Blocks on specific transaction types without freezing the card |
| Starling | Blocks on online payments, including gambling, in the app |
Each bank sets its own rules for switching the block off, so read how yours works before relying on it. Credit cards need no block: gambling on them is banned.
How does blocking software differ from GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP works through the operators: every company licensed in Great Britain must check its register and turn you away. Blocking software works on your device, stopping it from opening a large number of gambling sites worldwide. The Commission describes two types: gambling-specific software such as Gamban, and general blocking software with permissions or parental controls. Two banks on the list, Halifax and Lloyds, offer customers access to Gamban. How GAMSTOP periods and removal work is set out on what is GAMSTOP.
What can I switch on at the casino itself?
Licensed operators must offer their own tools:
- a deposit limit, which since 30 September 2026 means the gross amount paid in;
- a time-out of up to six weeks;
- blocking a specific casino game while keeping the account;
- full account history, and self-exclusion from that operator alone.
These work only at the one company. If gambling has stopped being a choice, the free National Gambling Helpline is open around the clock on 0808 8020 133, or 0808 2819 265 in Wales; more help is listed on our responsible gambling page.
