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Gambling support

If you're worried about how much you’re spending on gambling or if you’re struggling to make your payments, get in touch so we can talk through your options. We're also here if you have a joint account and want some support because of problem gambling.

We also work with GamCare (opens in new window) who provide specialist support.

What’s on this page:

  1. Gambling block
  2. Ways to help yourself
  3. Someone I know is gambling
  4. Other expert help
  5. Getting on top of finances
  6. Contact us

Gambling block

If you’d like to stop your debit card being used for most gambling payments, you can call us, visit us in branch, or turn on the gambling block in our banking app.

Information:

Changing your gambling settings won’t affect your credit score.

How to turn the gambling block on in our banking app

You can turn the gambling block on using our banking app:

  1. Log in to our banking app and select your account.
  2. Choose Manage cards.
  3. Choose Gambling.
  4. Turn the gambling block on.
Download the Nationwide banking app

How to turn the gambling block off

You can turn off the block in our banking app, but you will need to wait 72 hours (3 days) before you can make gambling transactions. We are unable to turn the block off any quicker, even over the phone or in branch.

What do we block?

We block transactions to gambling companies:

  • from your card, online and in person.
  • from your card, even if you have previously saved your card details in their website.
  • using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

We can't block:

  • scratch cards and lottery tickets in some shops. This will depend on how the shop has set up their tills.
  • bank transfers or payments made through the internet bank, banking app or open banking
  • in-game purchases in video games.

Note:

We recommend cancelling all existing recurring payments to gambling companies alongside turning on the block.

How does the block work?

The block works by stopping transactions identified as gambling. We know which transactions to block due to MCCs (merchant category codes).

Gambling companies assign themselves a gambling MCC which allows us to identify any transactions to them as gambling and stop the payment before the money is transferred.

There’s a possibility that a gambling company may use the wrong MCC. In that case we wouldn’t block any transaction to them, as there’s no way for us to know it’s gambling.

There are some cases where the block may not always work. Gambling transactions to PayPal are usually stopped by the block. However, sometimes the payment won’t be identified as gambling and will go through.

International payments marked as gambling are usually blocked but there may be circumstances when they will go through. There are other ways to help yourself that can be used alongside the Nationwide gambling block.

Ways to help yourself

GamCare

If you're not sure where to start and think you may need some support, speak to GamCare. They operate the National Gambling Helpline.

It all starts with a conversation. Understanding the role gambling is playing in your life is an important step to help you make a change and reduce the harm it's causing. And don't worry - you can be anonymous if you like.

You can call, WhatsApp, use live chat, join a group forum and find helpful articles through the GamCare website.

Visit the GamCare website

Get in touch

Call GamCare for free on,
0808 8020 133

Opening times:
24 hours, 7 days a week

If you need urgent help, please call a Samaritan on 116 123

Self exclusion

You can exclude yourself from venues, for any time between 6 months to 5 years, to stop you from gambling with them.

GamStop (opens in a new window) can exclude you from all online gambling licensed in the UK. Talk to GamCare first who can explain the process and get you set up through their TalkBanStop initiative (opens in a new window).

The Betting and Gaming Council website (opens in a new window) lists different self-exclusion schemes, including casinos and multiple venues.

Blocks

Blocking software limits access to websites or other online services. It can block your mobile, tablet or computer from gambling online. This can be used alongside our gambling block to achieve your goals around spending. You can find the right option for you by searching your app store or finding out what options are available for your device.

If you talk to GamCare first they can explain more about blocking software (opens in a new window) and give you free access to GamBan through their TalkBanStop initiative (opens in a new window).

Someone I know is gambling

The impact gambling can have is wide reaching, affecting families, friends and partners. We know it's not just someone with a gambling problem that needs support.

If you're affected by someone's gambling you can find help for yourself and them through GamCare (opens in a new window).

Joint account holders

If you hold a joint account with someone you think has a problem with gambling, you can call our expert team so we can talk through your options.

Other expert help

There are other service providers who you may find helpful to talk to.

Self assessment tool

There is hope and help available if you need it.

GamCare offer a self-assessment tool to help you understand the impact gambling is having in your life.

Start the GamCare self assessment tool (opens in a new window)

NHS support with problem gambling

The NHS can support with stopping and treatment. Complete their questionnaire to understand if you experience problem gambling.

Take the NHS problem gambling questionnaire (opens in a new window)

Money and mental health

Learning how mental health and money are connected may help if you’re struggling. Mental health charity MIND, offer practical tips on managing your money and improving mental health.

Find out more with MIND (opens in a new window)

Support from Samaritans

Samaritans are there for anyone who needs someone, without judgement. If you need to talk, call a Samaritan on 116 123 for free.

How Samaritans can help (opens in a new window)

Getting on top of finances

If you want some help with money you've borrowed or with managing your finances, here are some options you may find useful.

Worried about missing payments with us?

If you have a mortgage, credit card, loan or arranged overdraft with us and have missed a payment, gone over your limit or think you may do, please reach out so we can help you.

Help with money worries

Help with managing your money

If you're struggling to keep on top of your outgoings and need some support, especially with the rise in the cost of living, we're here to help you.

Managing your money

Money management with GamCare

For information and advice on managing the impacts gambling can have on your finances.

Money management help with GamCare

Contact us

Call us

Opening times
7 days a week, 8am to 8pm

03457 30 20 11

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