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Struggling financially

Gambling support

App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Worried about gambling? We're here to help

If you’re worried about how much you're spending on gambling, or its having an impact on your health or relationship it’s time to get help. There is  lots of support available. Understanding the role gambling plays in your life it's an important step in making changes to reduce the harm it causes. 

Do you recognise any of the following?

  • Uncontrolled spending
  • Significant time spent gambling
  • Concealing or lying about gambling behaviour
  • Gambling impacting on relationships with family and friends
  • Withdrawal from family activities
  • Spending excessive amounts of time on a computer
  • No apparent interests or leisure pursuits
  • Absence from school, college, university or work

Self-help

There are things you can do to help yourself and organisations that can help:

  • If you have a Royal Bank of Scotland Debit or Credit Card, you can block gambling transactions on your mobile app (then link to the section below)
  • You’re not alone, it’s important to talk to someone - a friend, a close family member, a colleague at work, your bank or a professional.

There is hope and help is available if you need it. 

 

Self-assessment

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

Self-assessment tool Open in new window

Self-help tools

The National Gambling Helpline provides confidential information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling problem
Gambling support

Self-exclusion can help you stay away from certain venues or websites while you seek additional help
Self exclusion

Blocking software can limit access to websites or other gambling services available over the internet.
Blocking software

Need further support? There are many organisations offering independent support and advice
Other support

Download the app

Downloading the Royal Bank of Scotland app couldn't be easier, follow these three simple steps below.

1.   On your mobile or tablet, go to the App Store if using Apple or Google Play if using Android

2.   Search for 'Royal Bank of Scotland'

3.   Tap to download the app 

Take back control

The gambling block feature in the Royal Bank app allows you to lock your card using your mobile app so that it can’t be used on gambling websites.

Take back control

The gambling block feature in the Royal Bank app allows you to lock your card using your mobile app so that it can’t be used on gambling websites.

How it works

Setting up the gambling block couldn't be simpler. Follow these three easy steps and you're good to go.

  1. 01

    Within the mobile app, choose your account and select 'Manage my card' from the list of options.

  2. 02

    Select 'Card payment controls' from the options on the screen.

  3. 03

    Then hit the ‘Gambling’ toggle to turn it off.

To remove the block, navigate to the same page and unselect ‘Gambling Transactions’. Once switched on, the block cannot be removed for 48 hours.

Transactions made by you and any additional cardholders will be stopped. We’ll send you a notification that your card has been locked for gambling websites.

Frequently asked questions

Gambling support

GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline and offer confidential information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling across England, Scotland and Wales. The Helpline is open 24 hours every day on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via Live Chat.

Advisers will listen to you and provide confidential advice, information and practical help. Advisers can also provide information about or refer into other important support services, such as debt and financial advice services. For more information on the National Gambling Treatment Service you can also visit the GambleAware website.

Self-exclusion

You can take action to self-excluded yourself from gambling . All licensed gambling businesses - arcades, betting shops, bingo halls, casinos and online betting sites - have their own arrangements to help those who decide to self-exclude.

You can ask the staff in a venue to do this for you, or you can arrange exclusion from multiple gambling venues or sites through ‘multi-operator self-exclusion schemes’:

• GAMSTOP enables UK residents to exclude themselves from all gambling sites licensed to operate in Great Britain.

• The Multi Operator Self-exclusion Scheme allows you to choose the betting shops that you would like to be excluded from. Call 0800 294 2060 or visit or visit their website.

• SENSE is the national self-exclusion programme for land-based casinos. For details about how to enrol, visit their website.

• The Bingo Association can help you to self-exclude from all bingo halls.

• BACTA manages self-exclusion for arcades 12 and adult gaming centres.

Blocking software

Blocking software is a computer programme that limits access to websites or other services available over the internet. Some software is free, some charge a fee. We would encourage you to do your research and find out which is the best product for you. For smartphones and tablets, you can also search on the App store or the Android Market to find available products. If you are using iOS, on an iPhone or iPad, you can use the inbuilt parental blocker that will prevent access to gambling related content. You would need someone else to set the password for you.

 

These are examples of gambling-specific blocking software: 

  • Gamban  (Mac OS X, Windows, Android and iOS)
  • Gamblock  (Windows computers and Android phones)
  • Betfilter  (Windows, Mac, Android and iOS)
  • BetBlocker  (Windows, Linux and Mac)

Find out more on the GamCare website.

Who else can help?

Gambling can be harmful; not talking about it can make it worse. There are a number of different organisations offering support for gamblers and their loved ones.

Gambling support

National Gambling Helpline

GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline and offer confidential information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling across England, Scotland and Wales.The Helpline is open 24 hours every day on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via Live Chat.

Mind

Mind provide advice and support for anyone experiencing problems with mental health, plus access to a range of resources and services.

Samaritans

Samaritans will listen and chat through whatever you need to talk about, judgement-free – available 24/7 over the phone, face-to-face or online. Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

Information Message

Help with your finances

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems.

PayPlan

PayPlan’s supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts every year, and treat all of their calls with the strictest confidence. They also offer free live chat and email support for immediate help. Call 0800 280 2816 or visit payplan.com for more information.

StepChange

StepChange debt charity offer free personalised debt advice tailored to individual situations – available online or over the phone. Call 0800 138 1111 or visit stepchange.org.

Business Debtline

Business Debtline is a charity giving free debt advice to small businesses and self-employed people. Call to speak to an adviser on 0800 197 6026 or visit businessdebtline.org.

Shelter

Shelter provide expert housing advisers online, by telephone or in person. Call 0808 800 4444 or visit shelter.org.uk.

Information Message

How to get in touch

Our specialist team is here to help

By phone

Contact customer support team on 03457 24 24 24 (Relay UK: 18001  03457 24 24 24). Lines are open 8am -8pm, 7 days a week.

In branch

Find your nearest Royal Bank of Scotland branch, where you can speak to a member of our team.
Find your nearest branch

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