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Help With Gambling Debt, Budgeting & Finances
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class="header__column-item"> <a class="header-icon-link" href="/our-research/publication-library/"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-book"></span> <span class="header-icon-link__text">Publication library</span> </a> </li> <li class="header__column-item"> <a class="header-icon-link" href="/our-research/our-research-strategy/"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-chess"></span> <span class="header-icon-link__text">Our research strategy</span> </a> </li> <li class="header__column-item"> <a class="header-icon-link" href="/our-research/understanding-gambling-harms/"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-dice"></span> <span class="header-icon-link__text">Understanding gambling harms</span> </a> </li> <li class="header__column-item"> <a class="header-icon-link" href="/our-research/gambling-harm-stigma/"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-mental-warning"></span> <span class="header-icon-link__text">Gambling harm stigma</span> </a> </li> </ul> <ul 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class="header-icon-link__text">Policy and regulation</span> </a> </li> </ul> <ul class="header__column"> <li class="header__column-item"> <a class="header-icon-link" href="/what-we-do/what-we-fund/live-funding-opportunities/"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-savings"></span> <span class="header-icon-link__text">Live funding opportunities</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="header__item js-header-sublevel"> <button class="header__button chevron-btn js-header-first-level-button js-header-button" type="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header-first-level-3" data-is-open="false">What we do</button> <div class="header__first-level js-header-first-level" id="header-first-level-3"> <div class="header__first-level-wrap"> <div class="header__notch js-header-notch"></div> <div class="header__first-level-top"> <a class="header-arrow-link" href="/what-we-do/"> <span class="header-arrow-link__text">What we do</span> <span 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class="header__sublevel-first"> <a class="header-small-link" href="/what-we-do/our-strategy/">Our strategy</a> </li> <li class="header__sublevel-item"> <a class="header-small-link" href="/what-we-do/our-strategy/lived-experience-community/">Lived experience community</a> </li> <li class="header__sublevel-item"> <a class="header-small-link" href="/what-we-do/our-strategy/our-videos/">Our videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="header__column-item js-header-second-level-item"> <a class="header-icon-link header-icon-link--desktop" href="/what-we-do/how-we-are-governed/"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-people-group"></span> <span class="header-icon-link__text header-icon-link__text--mobile-chevron">How we are governed</span> </a> <button class="header-icon-link header-icon-link--mobile js-header-second-level-button" type="button" aria-controls="navigation-first-column-1" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="header-icon-link__icon font-ico-people-group"></span> 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<span class="header__support-icon font-ico-search"></span> <span> Search</span> </button> </div> <form class="header__form js-header-form" action="/search"> <button class="header__clear-button js-header-close-search-button" type="button"> <span class="font-ico-cross"></span> <span class="sr-only">Close search.</span> </button> <label for="header-search" class="sr-only">Search GambleAware</label> <input class="header__search-input body-medium js-header-search-input" id="header-search" placeholder="Search GambleAware" type="text" name="term"> <button class="orange-icon-button orange-icon-button--large orange-icon-button js-header-form-btn btn--disabled" type="submit"> <span class="orange-icon-button__icon font-ico-search"></span> <span> Search</span> </button> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <section class="standard-banner bg-tangerine-10 js-banner-position" data-script="position"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="breadcrumbs"> <ul class="breadcrumbs__list"> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Home</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/advice/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Advice</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">For your gambling</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item breadcrumbs__item--active"> <a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/help-with-budgeting-and-finances/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Help with budgeting and finances</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="standard-banner__container"> <div class="standard-banner__content"> <h1 class="standard-banner__content-title h1">Help with budgeting and finances</h1> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/iq4kxrr3/man-finances.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> <div class="standard-banner__content-text body-m rte"><p>Many people experience financial difficulties because of their own gambling or someone else’s gambling.</p> <p>If you’re trying to keep track of spending, or need support with managing finances, debt or spending limits, our advice can help. </p></div> </div> <div class="standard-banner__media"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/iq4kxrr3/man-finances.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </section> <main class="main"> <div class="main__container" data-pageKey="2638d599-f2dc-42c2-aeb7-9b09ffa85f71"> <section class="zig-zag margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item bg-tangerine-10"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">Keeping track of your money</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>To help manage and keep track of your finances there are several things you can do, including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>calculating expenses</strong></li> <li><strong>setting financial goals</strong></li> <li><strong>setting spending limits</strong></li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">Keeping track of your money</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/otzdb2zp/woman-surfing-on-phone.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item zig-zag__item--reverse zig-zag__item--white"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">Calculate your expenses</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>You should calculate and set aside money for all essential expenses. For example, utility bills, food shopping, rent and mortgage payments.</p> <p>Money Plus Advice has a disposable income calculator to work out how much money you have left after paying your essential expenses.</p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="https://moneyplusadvice.com/debt-management/disposable-income-calculator/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Disposable income calculator </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">Calculate your expenses</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/f3kcs1m0/woman-drinking-coffee.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3"> Set financial goals</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Working towards financial goals can be a good way to:</p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>help you keep track of spending</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>plan for what you want your life to look like</strong></li> </ul> <p>The Citizens Advice budget planner can help you work out how much money to set aside every month to reach your goals. </p> </div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting1/work-out-your-budget/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Guide to using spending pots </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Set spending limits</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>You might find it helpful to set a spending limit to remind you not to spend more than you can afford. This could be a weekly or monthly spending limit and should be realistic.</p> <p>Some people prefer to set a limit and keep track of it themselves. But there are tools that you can use to guide you, including:</p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>our spend calculator</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>savings pots</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>budgeting apps and planners</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>income and expenses trackers </strong></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item bg-tangerine-10"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">Gambling spend calculator</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>Our spend calculator can help give you a better understanding of the money you or someone you know spends on gambling. </p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/tools-and-support/gambling-spend-calculator/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Use our spending calculator </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">Gambling spend calculator</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/hlhkn5kr/man-worried.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item zig-zag__item--reverse bg-grey"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">Savings pots</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>Many UK banks offer savings pots. Savings pots are funds which you put money into regularly, for example every month. You can then use the money in the pot to pay for a specific expense.</p> <p>Savings pots help to make sure your key expenses are covered, and your money goes where you need it to.</p> <p>MoneyHelper has a guide on managing your money by separating it out into savings pots. </p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Read the MoneyHelper guide </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">Savings pots</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/2ccdqo5g/man-with-card.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag-full-height margin-extra-large bg-tangerine-25 zig-zag-full-height--full-width" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__container bg-tangerine-25"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__copy"> <h2 class="zig-zag-full-height__copy-title h2"> Budgeting apps and planners</h2> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__text rte"><p>Budgeting apps and planners can help give you an overview of your spending. You can sync the apps with your bank accounts to keep track of your income and expenses.</p> <p>Find out more about: </p></div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__links"> <a class="cta cta--secondary" href="https://snoop.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Snoop </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> <a class="cta cta--secondary" href="https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> MoneyHelper budget planner </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item zig-zag__item--reverse zig-zag__item--white"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">If you exceed a spending limit</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>There might be times where you or someone you know struggles to stick to spending limits. It's important not to be discouraged if this happens. There are several tools you can use to help get spending back under control.</p></div> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">If you exceed a spending limit</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/xjfdksuv/man-looking-at-his-phone.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Set up a bank block</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Many UK banks allow you to block your bank account or card from being used for gambling transactions. If you have this activated and try to gamble, your transaction should be declined.</p> <p>If you want to set up a bank block, you should contact your bank. They will be able to tell you if bank blocks are available and will support you through the steps to setting it up. </p> </div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Banks offering gambling blocks </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-external"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Block gambling and self-exclusion</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Gambling blocking software limits your access to gambling websites. The software can be downloaded onto your phone, computer or tablet.</p> <p>If you think you or someone you know spends too much money gambling, you can also ask gambling companies to stop you from gambling with them. This is called self-exclusion.</p> </div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/tools-and-support/gambling-blocking-and-self-exclusion/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Find out more about gambling blocking </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="side-quotes js-anchor-list margin-extra-large" data-script="anchor-list"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="side-quotes__content-holder"> <div class="side-quotes__content"> <h2 class="side-quotes__heading h2">Help for if your finances are affected
by gambling </h2> <div class="side-quotes__rte rte"> <p>If you’re having financial difficulties because of your own, or someone else’s gambling, know that there’s help available for you. There are many charities and organisations that support people with their finances. </p> </div> </div> <div class="side-quotes__quote-wrap"> <div class="side-quotes__quote-holder"> <div class="side-quotes__quote rte"><h3>You can ask them about how to protect yourself and your family from gambling-related debt. You can also ask them for advice if your partner has gambling debt. </h3></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Help with gambling debt</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Money struggles can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.</p> <p>If you’re having trouble paying your essential expenses, or if you have debts you cannot repay because of your own, or someone else’s gambling, you can: </p> <ul> <li><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/" target="_blank">get financial advice from Citizens Advice</a> </strong></li> <li><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt/tackling-problem-gambling-and-debt" target="_blank">get gambling debt advice from MoneyHelper</a> </strong></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.stepchange.org/contact-us.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>speak to a debt advisor at the charity StepChange </strong></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Find out your debt</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>If you’d like to get a full report of how much gambling debt you have taken out, or how much has been taken out in your name, you can request a full credit score and detailed report.</p> <p><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.checkmyfile.com/" target="_blank">Find out your credit score with Checkmyfile</a></strong></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/gambling-problems/if-youre-worried-about-someones-gambling/" target="_blank"><strong>Check what to do if someone has borrowed money in your name</strong></a></p> <p>If you or someone else owes money to loan sharks you should contact the police as soon as possible. These are illegal lenders.</p> <p><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark" target="_blank">Report a loan shark</a></strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-none" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item zig-zag__item--reverse bg-grey-40"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">Talking to your bank or an advisor</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><p>If you're having financial difficulties, speaking to your bank might help. Your bank will not refund you for money you've lost gambling.</p> <p>You can also speak to an organisation or charity that supports people with finances. For example:</p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en" target="_blank"><strong>Money Helper</strong></a></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>Citizens Advice</strong></a></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>a credit union, depending on your circumstances</strong></li> </ul> <p>If you’re not sure how to start a conversation about gambling:</p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/advice/for-your-gambling/talking-about-gambling/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Read our conversation starter </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">Talking to your bank or an advisor</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/bp1nuy50/man-with-laptop.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="gleap js-gealp" data-script="gleap"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="gleap__container"> <div class="gleap-title h3">Is this page useful?</div> <div class="gleap__controls"> <div><b class="btn btn--inverted js-gleap-button" data-answer='Yes'>Yes</b> </div> <div><b class="btn btn--inverted js-gleap-button" data-answer='No'>No</b> </div> </div> <div><b class="btn btn--secondary js-gleap-button" data-answer='Report a problem'>Report a problem with this page</b> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section class="contact-banner" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="contact-banner__container"> <div class="contact-banner__column"> <div class="contact-banner__logo-container"> <img class="contact-banner__logo" src="/media/3wslw2i4/gamble-aware-logo.svg" alt="" /> <img class="contact-banner__logo contact-banner__logo--second" src="/media/pusbbkde/contact-logo.svg" alt="" /> </div> <h2 class="contact-banner__title h2">However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.</h2> </div> <div class="contact-banner__column"> <div class="contact-banner__subcolumn"> <div class="rte"><p>The <a href="/tools-and-support/national-gambling-support-network/" title="The National Gambling Support Network">National Gambling Support Network</a> helps people struggling with gambling, and people who are worried about someone else’s gambling.</p> <p>Call or chat online to an advisor, and speak one-to-one for confidential advice, information and support.</p> <p><span class="body-small">Delivered by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/" target="_blank" title="GamCare">GamCare</a></span></p> <p><span class="body-small">24 hours a day • 7 days a week • UK only</span></p></div> </div> <div class="contact-banner__subcolumn"> <a class="cta cta--tangerine-50 js-support-tracking" data-value="Footer" href="/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id=""> <span class="icon-start icon font-ico-group"></span> <span> Find support in your area </span> </a> <button type="button" class="cta cta--primary cta--chatbot js-modal-chatbot-open js-tracking-livechat" data-value="Footer"><span class="icon font-ico-chat"></span><span>Live chat</span></button> <div class="modal js-modal-chatbot js-modal-chatbot-default" aria-expanded="false" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="modal__container" data-script="figure"> <div class="chatbot js-service-modal-container"> <button class="chatbot-button btn-close js-modal-chatbot-close"> <span class="sr-only">Close Chat Modal</span> <span>Close</span> <span class="icon font-ico-close"></span> </button> <h3 class="chatbot-title h3">Chat with an adviser</h3> <div class="chatbot__description rte body-s" ><p>The National Gambling Helpline’s live chat is free and confidential. If you’re ready to talk, the team are here to listen, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.</p></div> <div class="chatbot__form"> <iframe title="GamCare Chatbot" src=https://app.five9.eu/consoles/ChatConsole/index.html?title=Gamcare%20Chat&tenant=GamCare-%20(thru%20babble)&profiles=GambleAware&showProfiles=true&autostart=true&theme=https%3A%2F%2Fstage-gambleaware.uksouth01.umbraco.io%2Fcss%2Fstyle.min.css%3Fv%3D638671766815059399&surveyOptions=%7B%22showComment%22%3Atrue%2C%22requireComment%22%3Afalse%7D&fields=%7B%22name%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Atrue%2C%22label%22%3A%22Name%22%7D%2C%22email%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Atrue%2C%22label%22%3A%22Email%22%7D%2C%22Question%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Afalse%2C%22label%22%3A%22Question%22%2C%22required%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22UserLocale%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22show%22%3Afalse%7D%7D&playSoundOnMessage=true&allowCustomerToControlSoundPlay=false&showEmailButton=true&useBusinessHours=false&showPrintButton=false&allowUsabilityMenu=false&enableCallback=false&callbackList=&allowRequestLiveAgent=false></iframe> </div> <div class="chatbot__caption rte"> <p>The live chat is delivered by GamCare and only available to people in England, Scotland and Wales. 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