UK gamblers might be forgiven for thinking they’re constantly in danger. The industry is undergoing something of a barrage of negative stories at the moment. There is regulatory change on the way and the industry is keen to show off the self-management tools available to gamblers and we think it’s a great idea for players to be aware of these tools.
The banking industry has now got in on the act, and the bank HSBC UK (originally the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation though it was founded in the UK) has a gambling management tool for players.
Since 21st January 2021 players can use their HSBC bank account as a blocking measure on gambling accounts by restricting their financial access to accounts for as long as 72 hours, up from a previous 24-hour block.
Once you’ve activated the block with your HSBC account the bank will turn down gambling transactions for three days.
HSBC’s Maxine Pritchard, the Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability told reporters:
“We are always looking for new ways to support our customers and make it easier for them to manage their finances. Customer feedback on our gambling control showed us there was more we could do to help and we’ve worked closely with them and with GamCare to design the solution.”
HSBC own the online-only bank first direct and customers of that bank can also use the service.
All you have to do to set up the service is:
Be in possession of an active debit card;
Go to your HSBC UK app and go to the “Manage Cards” section. On your Firstdirect app go to the “Cards” section. You can also activate the service by telephone or in-person.
GamCare, the industry’s own safe gambling organisation, has supported the action by HSBC and would like players who think they’re having a problem to have a look at this tool.
Anna Hemmings, GamCare CEO, said:
“The ability to block gambling transactions through your bank card or app is an important tool for those struggling with their gambling, and is ideally used together with other practical tools such as self-exclusion, blocking software, and specialist support around the issue – as we have recently emphasised through our ‘TalkBanStop’ partnership and campaign.
Academics at the University of Bristol have also given their backing to what they call “positive friction”.
Anyone with experience of addiction will immediately recognise the possible use of these tools. The processes that lead to use are often quite complex and often start quite a distance from the damaging behaviour; if you put a roadblock in the way at any point you may simply never walk down that road.
GamCare offers free information and support to gamblers having problems with gambling and it can be accessed from any licensed UK gambling website. All good gambling providers should also have their own safe gambling advice and tools including self-exclusion, time outs, spending, deposit and withdrawal limits to help keep you safe.
