How banks spot gambling harm and why it could help protect your money

Gambling is everywhere now. What was once a trip to a betting shop has turned into round-the-clock apps on our phones.

A lot of people find it fun, but for some it quietly chips away at their money, their confidence, and their mental health.

A new report from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute shows that banks can now spot early signs that someone might be struggling with gambling by looking at their normal spending patterns.

This could sound strange at first, but it might help people get support before things go too far.

The scale of the problem

The numbers in the research are worrying. Around 1.4 million people in Great Britain are experiencing problem gambling, and another 6.5 million are at risk.

When you look only at people who have gambled in the last year, nearly one in three might already be at risk of harm.

Many people affected don’t ask for help. Shame and fear get in the way, and it is easy to lose track of how much has been spent.

Some people even struggle to remember the size or number of their bets. For banks, this means early help can make a huge difference.

What banks are able to see

Banks cannot see what you actually bet on. They can only see deposits going to gambling companies.

On their own, these are just normal payments. The important part is how those payments look over time.

The research explains that banks can spot things like deposits that suddenly increase, money going out late at night, or several different gambling companies being used in a short span.

These are common signs that someone may be finding it hard to stay in control. Another worrying sign is when gambling starts to affect essential bills.

For example, someone might deposit money after payday but then fall behind on rent or council tax.

Some people also start dipping into their overdraft to gamble, which can quickly lead to debt.

None of these things prove someone has a serious problem. They just show patterns that often appear before trouble hits.

How banks are responding

Banks are being encouraged to reach out earlier because gambling harm grows fast. The report shows that a lot of people want this support.

In fact, most people with gambling struggles said they would want their bank to take some sort of action if their spending patterns showed they were struggling.

Some banks, like HSBC and First Direct, already contact customers when signs appear. They might send guidance about setting spending limits, show how to use a gambling block, or point people towards free support services.

This kind of gentle nudge can stop someone from falling into deeper money problems.

A few people worry about privacy, but the report explains that banks are not trying to judge or control how people spend their money.

They are trying to prevent harm that could become serious. It is similar to how banks already watch out for fraud or signs that someone might be heading into debt.

Why early help matters

Once money becomes tight, problems grow quickly.

Some people cut back on food or heating to cover losses. Others end up hiding money decisions from partners or family. In worst cases, people lose jobs, homes, cars or go bankrupt.

Early support helps someone pause, take stock and get back on track before everything piles up.

What this means for you

If you ever find yourself worried about gambling, even a little, there are simple steps you can take.

You can use a gambling block on your bank card, set daily or weekly spend limits, or delete apps that tempt you. If you feel yourself getting stressed when checking your balance, that is a sign worth paying attention to.

Banks are also starting to send alerts when they spot patterns that look risky, and these alerts are meant to help, not shame you.

Free support is out there if you want to talk to someone. GamCare offers confidential help, and debt advice charities can support anyone whose money is already stretched.

The most important thing is that you are not on your own. Many families are dealing with hidden money stress linked to gambling. Getting help early can make life feel manageable again.

Final thoughts

Technology now gives banks a better chance to notice when someone might be slipping into harm. It will not fix everything, but it could help thousands of people avoid debt, stress and long-term damage to their finances.

If you need support, even just a chat with someone who understands, reach out sooner rather than later. Small steps today can protect your home, your family and your peace of mind tomorrow.