Were You Funded to Gamble by Banks?
You’re Not the Problem. The Lending Was.
If you’ve been trapped in a cycle of gambling and borrowing, you’re not alone. Many people with gambling problems were given loans, credit cards, and overdrafts they simply couldn’t afford. Instead of helping, that credit often made things worse — more debt, more stress, and a deeper financial hole.
But here’s the truth: you didn’t fail the system. The system failed you.
They Ignored the Signs — You Paid the Price
Banks and lenders are legally required to check whether someone can afford to repay credit before they approve it. That means considering whether repayments would leave you short on essential living costs — not just ticking a few boxes.
If they failed to do this, especially when there were clear signs of problem gambling, then that lending may have been irresponsible and unaffordable from the start. And if that’s the case, you could be entitled to a refund.
“But I Was Gambling — Does That Mean It’s My Fault?”
It’s a question we hear all the time. Many people worry they won’t be taken seriously if they complain, especially if gambling was involved.
But the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has looked at thousands of these cases — and they’re clear:
If a lender knew, or should have known, that you were gambling heavily, they should not have given you credit.
This applies to banks, credit card companies, payday lenders, and more. If they missed the signs, they can be held accountable.
How We Can Help You Make a Claim
We're here to help you take back control. Our free tools, templates, and guidance are designed to walk you through the process of making a complaint — either to the lender or the Financial Ombudsman.
We’ll help you understand:
What lenders are supposed to do
What the Financial Ombudsman says
What kind of refund or redress you could receive
How to find free support if you're still gambling or struggling with debt
What Lenders Should Have Done
Responsible lenders should:
Check your ability to repay without hardship
Review your income, spending, and existing credit
Watch for red flags — especially gambling
🚩 Gambling is a Red Flag
If your statements showed:
Regular or large gambling payments
Constant overdrafts or maxed-out cards
More borrowing right after gambling losses
…then the lender should have taken extra care. If they didn’t, that’s grounds for a complaint.
📉 Gambling Isn’t “Discretionary”
Some lenders argue that gambling is a personal choice, like entertainment. But the Ombudsman disagrees. If gambling is taking up a significant portion of your income — especially if you’re in financial trouble — it must be factored into lending decisions.
What the Financial Ombudsman Says
The Ombudsman holds lenders accountable — even when gambling is involved.
Here’s what we’ve learned from past FOS decisions:
Lenders can’t ignore gambling just because it wasn’t declared
They must assess the full financial picture
High income doesn’t excuse unaffordable lending
Repeat lending (multiple loans or credit limit increases) is a red flag
Not every complaint will win — but many do, especially when statements show clear signs of distress
What You Could Get Back
If your complaint is upheld:
You’ll be refunded all interest and charges
Any remaining debt will be reduced
Negative marks on your credit file (like defaults or CCJs) may be removed
If the lender’s failings were especially serious, they may be asked to write off the debt entirely
If You're Still Gambling...
You can still make a complaint, even if gambling is ongoing. But we want to be real with you:
It’s hard to rebuild if the cycle of gambling and borrowing is still happening.
Refunds and compensation can disappear fast. So if you’re still struggling, consider speaking to one of the free, confidential support services available (like GamCare, StepChange, or Gordon Moody). Taking time to get support can give you a stronger foundation for making your claim — and for rebuilding your life.
You Deserve a Fair Refund
You didn’t ask for unaffordable credit. You didn’t ask to be ignored. But now you have the chance to challenge that — and get something back.
We’re here to help.
