Morning all,
I had noticed a couple of posts about getting debit cards blocked from gambling merchant codes so I tried to do this with my bank(RBS) two weeks ago. Over the phone they had said that everything was "now blocked" and would be active from midnight that night. Then, yesterday, Coral had emailed me about free spins which stupidly I went on to use. I then tried to use the deposit facility with debit card expecting it to decline. To my surprise the depost was accepted without any issue and I managed to lose another £250(which I really needed). I phoned the bank this morning and they stated "We have a permanent block for gambling transactions in place but we accept no liability in the event that the transaction still passes through". So, RBS didn't tell me that first time round, I thought my prayers had been answered but no. They won't cancel or refund the transactions either. So, some advice, if attempting to do this then it won't work on Natwest or RBS. Why they told me they could do it in the first place is beyond me. The only answer seems to be giving up control of money.
Hello EKJR
Very frustrating. Some people find giving up control of money is a relief so I hope that option helps you.
What we'd also suggest is not relying on one method only to block yourself from online gambling. Self-excluding from all your current gambling accounts would stop you using those accounts. It should also stop marketing emails as well. I can see from your other posts that despite self-exclusion you are still getting marketing emails which is a concern. The Gambling Commission have information about how to complain to gambling companies.
You can back this up with blocking software which aims to block you from opening gambling sites and apps. You could also ask your internet provider to block gambling sites. No one method is a 100% guarantee you won't be able to gamble, so the more blocks you have in place the better.
You'd be very welcome to give us a call on the HelpLine 0808 8020 133 or chat to us on the NetLine if you'd like to talk about these or any other options to help you in your recovery.
Best wishes,
Forum Admin
Morning,
You have answered your own question. Giving up all access to cards and cash is a huge block to have in place.
You can always cancel the card used for gambling and order a new one. Then hand it over to someone without knowing the number or 3 digit code on the back.
I was never an online gambler but gave up card and cash access for 9 months. No money = no bookies slots. If money was provided i gave receipts to the penny.
The incident above proves you cant be trusted because you went on and gambled.
Restricting finances along with counselling, GA attendance and other blocks can only help.
Best wishes
Hi EKJR.
Yes I wouldnt rely on the banks because from what Ive seen they dont really have strong schemes to help you there. They should do but they dont really.
When you are ready to let someone control your money a good feeling will wash over you. It would show that you are ready to tackle this.
What could work well is your money being held elsewhere say a family member and they can now do very fast transfers to your bank account. However this also relies on a pride you will build up providing receipts and saying you need a new shirt etc.
Its not about treating you like a baby and it saves you from having money to throw away gambling. I cant stress enough that too much cash in your pocket is a bad idea. When I first started my parents stood in the bank with me watching me transfer money to bills. I then handed them the slips to triple check and they can see my statements at any time. So no large rent payments or any large sums of money get handed to me and thats the way I like it.
I report fairly regularly and thats makes me feel good. When I feel good about that I knew I was ready. I didnt want anything to do with money at one point because I had lost all control of my life through gambling
Any unusual amounts would have to be explained and thats a massive anti trigger which helped together with my self exclusions. Everything is shown as paid on a regular basis because obviously missed rent payments etc could all bring a suspicion of gambling. I wouldnt want anybody to think I have been gambling so I provide the information promptly and willingly
What I aimed for is all electronic transactions with only small amounts for a sandwich or haircut being cash.
So I stress again that its not about treating you like a baby. It will save your quality of life and the next £250 will be there for some treats you can afford
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
The gambling block sites don't work always just self exlude from as many as u can
Completely understand what you’re going through with online slots. My only way out was to lose my debit and credit cards. I now have an atm card only account that my spending money goes into each month. It takes some getting used to but as stated above the feeling of relief was amazing from day one. Self exclusion helps but new sites open all the time and to be honest I’m too embarrassed to contact my bank so fair play to you for trying that. I really hope you find an answer.
Daz71 wrote:
Completely understand what you’re going through with online slots. My only way out was to lose my debit and credit cards. I now have an atm card only account that my spending money goes into each month. It takes some getting used to but as stated above the feeling of relief was amazing from day one. Self exclusion helps but new sites open all the time and to be honest I’m too embarrassed to contact my bank so fair play to you for trying that. I really hope you find an answer.
Cheers Daz. Bank has been utterly useless with this and only way is to get my wages paid into another persons account.
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