How to cut off your access to gambling money

2 minute read

It's hard to gamble without easy access to money. Every barrier you put between yourself and your accounts gives an urge time to pass. You can set most of these up in an afternoon.

Step 1Ask your bank about a gambling block

Some banks and card issuers can block gambling transactions on your cards. Call the number on the back of each card and ask whether they offer one, what it covers, and how it can be removed. If they don't offer one, ask about card locks and spending limits instead.

Step 2Lower your daily limits

Set the lowest daily ATM and debit card limits you can live with. Most banks let you change these in their app. A $100 limit turns a $1,000 night into a $100 one.

Step 3Remove saved payment details

Delete saved cards and linked bank accounts from betting apps, prediction market apps, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal and crypto apps. Then remove your cards from your phone's digital wallet. Every extra step gives you a chance to reconsider.

Step 4Close your betting accounts

Close your account on every betting and prediction market app, or use their self-exclusion settings. Then install a free blocker like BetBlocker so you can't sign up again on impulse.

Step 5Freeze your credit

A credit freeze stops anyone, including you, from opening a new card or loan. It's free, and you can lift it whenever you need to. Links to all three bureaus are on our Resources page.

Step 6Separate your bill money

Have your paycheck deposited into an account that only pays bills. Each week, move a set amount into a separate account for everyday spending. That way, rent is safe even on a bad night.

Step 7Bring in someone you trust

This is the strongest step, and the hardest. Give a partner, family member or friend view-only access to your accounts, or ask them to hold your cards for a while. It isn't about being watched. It's about not fighting every urge alone.