Help with money worries caused by gambling

Gambling can take many forms, from buying a lottery ticket to betting on your favourite football team.
While gambling can be enjoyable in moderation, it can become difficult to manage. 

When it becomes harder to control, it can affect finances, relationships, mental health and everyday life. If gambling is causing money worries, you’re not alone. Support is available when you need it.

When gambling becomes a problem

Gambling problems can develop over time and affect everyone differently. You do not need to gamble often to be struggling. It may feel harder to manage if you:

• spend more money or time gambling than you intended
• gamble to cope with stress, anxiety or low mood
• chase losses or feel pressure to win money back
• borrow money or use credit to fund gambling
• hide gambling or feel worried about others finding out

If any of this sounds familiar, reaching out for support can make a real difference.

How gambling can affect managing money

Gambling difficulties can make managing money more challenging. This may include:

• missing bill payments or falling behind on credit
• using money set aside for essentials or rent to gamble
• feeling anxious about checking balances or statements
• avoiding contact with your bank or creditors
• feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed about your situation

These experiences are more common than people realise, and help is available.

How Tesco Bank can support you

We understand that money worries linked to gambling can feel uncomfortable or difficult to talk about. Our colleagues are trained to deal with sensitive situations and will listen without judgement.

Support we may be able to offer includes:

• helping you understand the money going in and out of your account
• talking through your options if you're behind on payments
• offering more time to make payments or setting up affordable repayment plans, where appropriate
• helping you understand how agreements might affect your credit file
• talking through ways to manage day-to-day money more easily

Find more information on how we can support you with your money.

Tools to help you stay in control

If you're trying to manage your money more closely, some customers find these helpful:

• payment reminders and Direct Debits to help avoid missing payments
• clear visibility of balance and spending through our Mobile Banking App
• setting limits and reviewing spending regularly

Small changes can help you feel more in control over time.

Need a hand? We're here to help

If gambling is affecting your finances, please reach out to us. We’ll listen without judgement and work with you to find the right support.

Call our Financial Assist team on 0345 301 4971*.

*This number may be included as part of any inclusive call minutes provided by your phone operator.