Gambling support

You can control gambling related spending on any of your debit cards by turning on a gambling restriction.

When a restriction has been turned on for a card, we won’t allow payments that we know, or suspect, are related to gambling. We can't guarantee we'll be able to identify all gambling related transactions, so you'll still be liable for any that do go through.

When a restriction is turned on for a card, you’ll receive a text message every time we decline a gambling-related transaction on your behalf.

The easiest way to turn a gambling restriction on your debit card on or off is by using the mobile app:

1. Log on using your Mobile Banking PIN
2. Tap on the account for the debit card you want to apply gambling restrictions to
3. Go to ‘View more’ and select ‘Manage cards’
4. Select ‘Gambling restrictions’
5. Next to ‘Gambling restrictions’ move the toggle button to the right to turn on the restriction
6. Repeat these steps for any more eligible cards

To turn off a gambling restriction, follow the same steps as above but move the toggle next to ‘Gambling restrictions’ to the left.

You can also get help by calling us or visiting one of our branches.

Download the app

For more information on how the gambling restriction works, see our frequently asked questions.

There are different ways we can support you to take control of your gambling related spending.

You can reduce the amount of money you can withdraw each day from a cash machine with your debit card. To find out more, please visit us in a branch, or call us on 03457 404 404.

If your mental health is affecting your ability to manage your finances, when you’re ready to speak to us you can call us on 03457 404 404 from 08:00 to 20:00 every day.

We have a Chat service so you can speak to someone without having to call. Simply log on to online banking and select the ‘Chat’ button. Or to talk to us through your mobile app, log on and select ‘Support’ and then ‘Chat with us’.

All gambling companies are categorised with a gambling related code. The following transaction types with these companies will not be authorised if you have turned on a gambling restriction:

If a company has not been categorised with a gambling related code, we won't be able to identify transactions to it as gambling related.

No, gambling restrictions only apply to your debit card (and any Power of Attorney registered to you). For joint accounts, each person will have to set their own gambling restriction preferences on their cards.

To update your mobile number with us please log on to online banking, or contact us on 03457 404 404. If we have your mobile number, we'll send you an SMS when any transaction using your HSBC UK debit card is declined due to a gambling restriction you've turned on.

We’ve introduced a cooling off period that applies whenever you ask to turn off a gambling restriction after it has been turned on. This means you can choose to turn off a gambling restriction at any time, but we'll still decline gambling related transactions for 3 days after the restriction is turned off. This cooling off period allows you to think about whether it's the right decision.

If you change your mind during the cooling-off period and want to continue having the gambling restriction turned on, this can be done immediately.

Gambling businesses in the UK can’t accept credit card payments for gambling. If we believe a transaction on your credit card is for gambling, we'll block it automatically.

Our Money worries page provides useful information if you're worried about money including how you can get further help.