Matched BetsHelp with gambling
If gambling is costing you more money, time or peace of mind than you want, you're not alone, and free help is available today. This page lists the support services and the tools that block gambling, starting with the quickest.
Talk to someone now
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, every day. It's run by the charity GamCare, which also offers live chat on its website. You can call about your own gambling or someone else's.
If you're thinking about harming yourself, call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7, UK and Ireland) or 999 in an emergency.
Is gambling becoming a problem?
Some common signs: betting more than you can afford to lose, needing to bet more to get the same feeling, chasing losses, borrowing or selling things to gamble, hiding it, or feeling guilty afterwards. The NHS has a short self-check, and GambleAware's 7-question assessment gives tailored advice. You don't need a particular score to ask for help.
Block gambling: four steps
Blocks work best layered together. Each one is free unless noted, and most take a few minutes.
- Turn on your bank's gambling block so gambling payments are declined.
- Sign up to GAMSTOP to exclude yourself from every gambling website and app licensed in Great Britain, for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
- Install blocking software on your phone, tablet and computer: BetBlocker is free; Gamban is paid, but some banks and support services give free licences.
- Exclude yourself from venues: GAMSTOP Betting Shops (formerly MOSES) covers betting shops near you, and SENSE covers casinos in Great Britain.
Also delete betting apps, unsubscribe from gambling marketing, and ask any gambling company you have an account with to close it.
Block gambling payments with your bank
Most UK banks can block card payments to gambling companies. Look in your banking app under card controls, card freezes or gambling block, or ask your bank by phone or in a branch. Once it's on, most banks make you wait through a cooling-off period before it can be turned off again, which gives you time to think if an urge comes back. Gambling with a credit card has been banned in Great Britain since April 2020.
| Bank or wallet | Switch it on | Wait to turn it off |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Scotland | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| Barclays | App, phone, branch | 72 hours |
| Chase UK | App (Card controls → Gambling) | 48 hours |
| Danske Bank | Phone, branch | 72 hours |
| first direct | App | 72 hours |
| Halifax | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| HSBC | App, phone, branch | 72 hours |
| Lloyds Bank | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| Monzo | App, phone, chat | You choose, from 2 days to 1 year |
| Nationwide | App, internet bank, phone, branch | 72 hours |
| NatWest | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| PayPal | App, website | 72 hours |
| Revolut | App | 48 hours |
| Royal Bank of Scotland | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| Santander | App, secure chat (Mastercard) | 48 hours |
| Starling | App | 48 hours |
| TSB | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| Ulster Bank | App, phone, branch | 48 hours |
| Zempler Bank | App, phone | 48 hours |
Sources: GamCare's bank gambling block guide and the Gambling Commission, checked on the date at the top of this page. Banks change these features, so confirm the details in your banking app. Blocks apply card by card: set one on every card you hold. Many banks can also limit cash withdrawals or let you exclude yourself from borrowing; ask yours.
Free support and treatment
- GamCare: the charity that runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), with live chat, counselling and support for families.
- NHS gambling clinics (England): specialist treatment from psychiatrists and psychologists. You can refer yourself, or ask your GP.
- Primary Care Gambling Service: a national service for anyone experiencing gambling harm.
- GambleAware: advice, a local service finder and blocking guides. The charity closed in March 2026 when the government took over responsibility for gambling support, but its advice site and the helpline remain available.
- Gamblers Anonymous: free local and online peer support meetings.
In Scotland and Wales, the National Gambling Helpline can connect you with local services.
Help with debt
Gambling debts feel less overwhelming once someone helps you face them. These services are free and won't judge you:
- StepChange and National Debtline: free debt advice and repayment plans.
- Citizens Advice: money, housing and benefits help in person or online.
Pay essentials such as rent, mortgage and bills by direct debit on payday, before there's a chance to gamble the money.
If someone else's gambling is affecting you
- The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) supports family and friends too.
- GamAnon: meetings for people affected by someone's gambling.
- GamFam: a support network run by people with lived experience.
- Gambling with Lives: support for families bereaved by gambling-related suicide.
Northern Ireland
The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) is listed by the Northern Ireland government for gambling support, alongside Dunlewey Addiction Services (free on 08000 886 725). See nidirect's gambling page for local treatment services. Danske Bank, Ulster Bank and the other banks above offer gambling blocks.
Republic of Ireland
- GamblingCare.ie: free support, information and counselling.
- Gamblers Anonymous Ireland: meetings around the country.
- The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is setting up a National Gambling Exclusion Register for online gambling; check its website for when you can register.
- Ask your bank whether it offers a gambling block, and use blocking software such as BetBlocker, which works anywhere.
A word about matched betting
Matched betting is still gambling. You place real bets, and it can keep you in betting apps and around gambling offers every day. If you've self-excluded, or gambling feels out of control, please don't use matched betting as a way back in. Stop, delete betting apps (including ours) and use the tools above. Matched Bets doesn't place bets or connect to any account, so deleting the app removes nothing you need.
Official guidance
- Gambling Commission: block gambling payments with your bank, free self-exclusion schemes and organisations that can help.
- NHS: help for problems with gambling.
- nidirect: gambling (Northern Ireland).
This page is general information, not medical or financial advice. If you spot something out of date, email support@matchedbets.app and we'll fix it.