We’re here to help
Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity when done in moderation. However, for some it can get out of control and cause harm. This is when it starts to have a negative impact on your finances, relationships, health or work. If you feel your gambling or someone else’s gambling may be causing you harm, there is help available.
Signs your gambling may be causing harm to you, or someone close to you:
- You’re struggling to pay for the basics – such as rent or your mortgage, bills, food and other essential costs, as you’ve spent your money on gambling.
- Your debt has increased due to your gambling spend.
- You feel stressed or worried about the impact gambling is having on your finances, relationships or health.
- You may be spending significant time on gambling or hiding your gambling from others.
- You start to withdraw from other people or activities.
If you are worried about how gambling is impacting you, there are steps you can take to help yourself:
- Pay your important bills as soon as possible after pay day, so you’re less likely to gamble that money.
- Think about planning other things to do at times when you might be tempted to gamble (such as sporting activities or seeing friends who don’t gamble, for example).
- Don’t bottle up your concerns: Talk to someone, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a colleague or a professional.
- If you have a Santander credit card, you won’t be able to use this card for any gambling transactions. We’ll block most gambling payments you make with your card.
- If you have a Santander debit Mastercard, you can block gambling transactions in the Mobile Banking app. In the app, click ‘More’ in the bottom-right corner, choose ‘Manage my cards’, then click ‘Freeze and manage my card’ to block gambling transactions. This will block most gambling payments you make with your card. There’s a time delay on our gambling block which means that gambling transactions will still be blocked for 48 hours after you request to remove the gambling block. The decision to gamble can sometimes be an impulsive one, so the time delay will give you a little more time to reflect.
- If you have a debit or cash card, we can reduce your daily cash withdrawal limit at the cash machine from the standard £300 to £0 or £60. This may help you to reduce access to cash when you may need it. To arrange this, please speak with us in branch or call us
What other help is out there?
Gambling and debt
Gambling can have a negative impact on your finances. Some people may find that their gambling causes an increase in their debts. Gambling should not be seen as a way to make money or pay off your debts. If you’re worried about the impact gambling is having on your finances, look at our if finances are a struggle page for help and support. This page explains the steps you can take to manage your finances.
Independent organisations
GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline. They provide confidential information, advice and support. This service is for anyone worried about gambling in England, Scotland or Wales. You can call for free on 0808 8020 133. Or you can use web chat at www.GamCare.org.uk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Advisers can provide information about, or refer you to, other important services (like debt and financial advice services). Any conversation is confidential. GamCare are part of the National Gambling Treatment Service. They can link you with other gambling support if you need it.
GamCare have a partnership with Gamban and GAMSTOP to provide practical tools and support. If you call the National Gambling Helpline, they can offer Gamban blocking software. This can block access to online gambling sites. They'll also explain how to register for GAMSTOP. This is a national online self-exclusion scheme, which can stop you accessing gambling accounts from all licensed gambling sites in the UK. For more information, visit TALKBANSTOP
Look at our independent help and support page. Here you’ll find details on where else you can get support with your finances and mental health.
Under 18s
You won’t be able to make payments to most gambling companies on your debit card. If you feel you’re ‘at risk’ or experiencing harms because of gambling, then you can get in touch with GamCare’s Young People Service. They can provide support to anyone aged 18 and under across the UK, for those affected by their own gambling or someone else’s.