Gambling support

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Worried about gambling? We’re here to help

At Bank of Ireland, we’re committed to improving the financial wellbeing of our customers and communities. Especially those going through difficult times. We understand that gambling is a growing issue that our communities are facing.

Gambling comes in lots of different forms. From buying a lottery ticket, to putting a bet on your favourite football team or playing in an online casino. And, while gambling can be enjoyable in moderation, it can also be hard to know when and how to stop. So, if you’re worried about your gambling, we’re here to help.

When does gambling become a problem?

Gambling can affect your health, relationships, finances and mental wellbeing. Understanding the role gambling plays in your life is an important first step to getting help.

Signs that you (or a loved one) may need help with gambling

Your relationships

  • Gambling is affecting your relationships with friends, families or colleagues
  • You’re hiding or lying about your gambling
  • You’re missing social or family events
  • You’re skipping school, college or work.
Your mental health

  • You find it difficult to stop thinking about gambling
  • The thought of not being able to gamble again fills you with fear
  • You feel like you want to stop gambling, but you can’t
  • You feel stressed or worried about the impact gambling is having on your life.
Your finances

  • You’ve got yourself into debt from gambling
  • You’re struggling to pay for the basics – such as rent or your mortgage, bills, food and other essential costs – because you spend your money on gambling
  • You’re always trying to win back the money you’ve lost.

If any of these sound like you, it’s worth looking for help as soon as possible. You’re not alone. There is a lot of support available.

How we can help

It takes courage to talk openly about gambling. We understand that and are ready to support you in any way we can. If you decide to let us know that you’re worried about your gambling, we can work with you to see how we can help. Anything you say to us is confidential. We will not use anything you tell us, without your permission. Here are some tools that might help.


Gambling treatment and support

Gambling affects more than just your finances. It can affect your mental health too. It’s important to talk to someone, but the stigma around gambling can make it hard to open up to family and friends. If you don’t feel you can talk to those closest to you yet, there are other places you can go to for support.

Gambling Care Ireland

Provides advice, support, and information to those who are concerned about their own or another person’s gambling, with dedicated support services across the country. Gambling Care support services range from residential programmes, in-person counselling, online counselling, and support groups to self-help tools. Their resources are helping thousands of people overcome the impact of harmful gambling in Ireland, today. Visit www.gamblingcare.ie for more information

National Gambling Helpline

Call 1800 936 725, 9am to 11pm, every day of the week.

Email: info@gamblingawarenesstrust.ie

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to help each other recover from gambling addiction. They offer confidential meetings and support to those seeking to stop gambling

Samaritans

Samaritans will listen and chat through whatever you need to talk about, judgement-free. Call them for free on 116 123, or go online to chat to a volunteer.

GamCare (UK)

Provides free, confidential support and information to anyone affected by problem gambling. They offer live chat, and online forums, as well as details on gambling blocking software that is available.


Gambling blocks on debit cards

You can ask us to put a gambling block on your debit card. The block will stop transactions with gambling operators, including online casinos, betting shops (where you use your physical card), and lottery websites. The block will stop any transactions identified to us as gambling from being approved. However, if the transaction is not flagged to us as gambling, then we won’t be able to stop the payment and it will process as normal.

How to request a gambling block on your debit card

Help managing gambling debt

If you’ve a problem with gambling, you might be using overdrafts, credit cards or payday loans to get by, or to pay back what you owe. If you’re struggling to meet your monthly repayments, let us know. We might be able to help. Please visit our Money Worries page to learn more.

Budgeting and spending management tools

Working out how much money you need to pay the bills, each month, and budgeting accordingly, can also help you get back on top of your finances. We’ve got some easy-to-follow guides on budgeting, saving and planning for the future on our Financial Wellbeing page.

Other support available

Blocking software

Blocking software is a computer programme that limits access to websites or other online services. If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you can also use the in-built parental blocker to stop you accessing gambling-related content. You’ll need someone else to set the password for you, so it’s important to consider how you might behave towards them in the moment. Make sure that they’re happy to take on that responsibility. Visit the Gamcare website to learn more about some of the blocking software that is available.

General software is also available to block adult content. Your internet service provider may be able to offer you an option to opt out of all adult sites or supply you with anti-virus software that lets you block certain areas such as gambling. You can also ask your mobile phone or interactive TV provider to limit or block your access to gambling services.