Self-exclude and block transactions, protect essentials, and roll debts into one affordable plan (DMP · IVA · DRO) — with Breathing Space where suitable. Compassionate, practical guidance.
✅ Start Free CheckIf you’re struggling with gambling debt—whether from betting, online slots, or in-person gambling—you’re not alone, and help is available. This page offers a compassionate, practical path forward: how to stop gambling, work with your essentials, build a realistic budget, calm other creditors, and begin rebuilding.
Alongside gambling debt, many face pressure from credit cards, overdrafts, catalogues, or loans. We’ll help roll those into an affordable plan via a DMP or formal route like an IVA or DRO (if eligible), freeing up space in your budget for essentials and progress.
There’s no magic fix, but you can speed progress by ring-fencing essentials, pausing interest/pressure (see Breathing Space), and consolidating unsecured debts into one payment or a formal route where suitable.
Start Free CheckAny unpaid losses, unpaid bets, or loans taken out to fund gambling—whether formal or informal—is considered gambling debt.
Generally yes—if you’ve borrowed money or used credit, it’s treated like other unsecured debts. Priorities still come first (housing, energy, council tax), then a fair offer across unsecured debts via DMP, IVA or DRO where you qualify.
Even a small step—like writing down total debts—is a powerful move. We’ll help you shape that into a budget-backed plan to show creditors you’re serious.
List Debts With UsYour budget is only sustainable if your essentials are safe.
Advisers will look at recent transactions to ensure your plan is affordable and sustainable. Taking concrete steps (self-exclusion, bank blocks, realistic budget) improves confidence in your proposal.
Once essentials are protected, some breathing room appears for addressing other debts, including gambling. This is where tools like DMP or IVA can help.
Protect Essentials NowTo stop the cycle, it often helps to physically restrict access to gambling opportunities.
Use a free, nationwide self-exclusion service (e.g., the GB scheme) to block access to licensed online platforms for a chosen period (commonly 6 months, 1 or 5 years with auto-renew options). Combine with in-venue exclusions where relevant.
Most UK banks now offer gambling merchant blocks. Add device website blockers for extra protection. Small frictions add up to big wins.
Free, confidential information, advice and counselling are available nationally. Peer groups (12-step) add accountability and community—many people use both approaches.
Even removing one gambling channel (like apps on your phone) and talking to one trusted person is a step forward.
Block Access TodayBreathing Space can pause enforcement on eligible debts and give you time to build a plan.
Most unsecured debts are eligible; you’ll still aim to pay ongoing priority bills where possible. The pause gives you time to set an affordable plan without added pressure.
Use the breathing space to rebuild—without letters or calls flooding in.
Check EligibilityManaging multiple debts can stress your budget. Consolidating them revitalizes your recovery.
DMP — informal, flexible payment plans. IVA — formal, legally binding, with potential write-off. DRO — for low income/low assets; strict eligibility.
Yes—include it with other unsecured debts like cards, catalogues, overdrafts and loans. Your adviser will help set a payment you can keep.
See Compare Solutions for side-by-side differences, then ask us to guide you.
See My OptionsGambling debt often spreads beyond the individual, touching family, credit commitments, and more.
Consider separating day-to-day money, changing PINs, and pausing additional cardholder access if needed. We’ll help you keep essentials safe while you rebuild trust.
We’ll help you understand responsibility boundaries, manage shared accounts safely, and rebuild trust with a compassionate, structured plan.
Protect My FamilyIf you’ve got collectors chasing other debts, that noise can derail your recovery focus. Use What is debt collection? and Stop Debt Collectors to bring calm. Also, see specific guidance on common agencies like Lowell, Cabot, and more in our menu.
Short-term token payments can hold the line during crises or while a DMP/IVA starts. Keep offers consistent across creditors and explain your budget clearly.
We help structure your payment offers so that calls redirect into a single opportunity for payment—calm, clear, and consistent.
Calm The CallsList gambling debts, total amount, and any missed payments or notices. Note your priority bills too.
Register with a national exclusion scheme, ask your bank to block, and install blockers on devices.
Use the Debt Calculator. Use that to build a realistic plan to repay arrears in manageable steps and negotiate with relevant creditors.
Contact a UK helpline or a local debt specialist (like us!), share your plan, and socialise it.
Small, realistic actions repeated weekly build change faster than dramatic promises that break.
Start Week OneRead this page, glance at Compare Solutions, and understand Breathing Space.
Share a snapshot of your situation so we can reach you quickly.
A compassionate conversation to identify priorities and immediate steps.
Capture gambling debt, priority bills, and potential enforcement risks.
Create a realistic monthly payment with headroom, starting with the Debt Calculator.
We help select a debt solution (DMP, IVA, DRO) and structure communications to lenders.
Use our reference number with creditors, or where suitable activate Breathing Space to begin fresh.
Begin Step 1Unlikely—the cycle of debt persists unless gambling is paused. Steps like self-exclusion and bank blocks are required first.
They calm unsecured debts but don’t address the addiction. Pausing gambling through exclusion tools is essential.
Yes, it’s usually treated like other unsecured debts. We still prioritise housing, energy and council tax before making fair offers on the rest.
Yes. Your adviser will assess recent activity and make sure your plan is sustainable.
Yes—most UK banks now let you block gambling merchants. Combine with device blockers and national self-exclusion for best results.
No. Formal debt solutions (e.g., IVA) do affect your file; self-exclusion does not.
Accessing offshore sites undermines recovery and can increase risk. We focus on barriers and support that keep you safe and on plan.
Creditors like Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds and Capital One have different approaches to gambling-related problems. We help you negotiate fair, defensible offers without undermining your rent or budget recovery.
Same budget lines across creditors are more credible than fractured offers—helps protect your plan from collapse.
Centralising your debt strategy reduces calls and confusion fast.
Get Lender HelpWhen you’re ready, we’re ready—on your terms and timeline.
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