Monzo is a digital bank from the UK that offers a wide range of banking services through a mobile app. One of the most popular features of this bank is the gambling transaction blocker, which helps customers control their gambling spending. In 2018, Monzo became the first bank to introduce gambling transaction blocking.
| Date of foundation | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London, UK |
| Number of users (May 2023) | 7.5 million |
| Revenue for the 2023 financial year | £355.6 million |
How the Monzo block gambling feature works
Every time you use your Monzo card to make a purchase, the transaction is accompanied by information about what you spend your money on. This system allows Monzo to create budget management tools such as spending categories, including the Monzo block gambling transactions feature. When you make a purchase from a gambling operator, the transaction is tagged with a special gambling merchant category code (MCC).
When you activate the gambling block Monzo feature, it will automatically disable all gambling related transactions until they are completed. This way, you won’t be able to spend money on gambling while the blocking is enabled. This helps customers to control their spending and avoid the temptation to gamble.
How to enable gambling blocking
You can enable gambling blocking directly in the Monzo app:
- Step 1: Open the Monzo app on your mobile device.
- Step 2: Go to the account settings section.
- Step 3: Find the “Block Gambling” option and activate it.
You can also contact Monzo support to activate this feature.
Managing Gambling Blocks
The process of enabling and disabling gambling blocks in the application is designed with consideration for the psychological aspects of gambling addiction and aims to provide users with maximum support in their decision to limit or cease gambling activity. When activating the block, users are prompted to leave themselves a reminder message about the reasons for their decision. This personal address to their future self serves as a powerful emotional anchor in moments when the desire to remove restrictions may arise.
A key element of the system is the mandatory “cooling-off” period. Users determine its duration themselves — from 48 hours to a full year. This interval acts as a buffer between the impulsive desire to return to gambling and the actual ability to do so, providing time to reassess one’s decision. The process to monzo turn off gambling block is intentionally complex. If a user has previously discussed gambling problems, they must first contact customer support. This dialogue includes reflective questions that help users critically evaluate their current situation and motivation to resume gambling.
Even after initiating the unblocking process, users must wait out the full “cooling-off” period before restrictions are lifted. This additional precautionary measure is designed to provide sufficient time for making a well-considered decision.
This multi-step system has been developed in collaboration with clients, industry specialists, and experts by experience. It reflects the understanding that the struggle with gambling addiction is an ongoing process that requires constant support and self-control mechanisms.
Monzo gambling block failed
On the Monzo community forum, a user shared his experience with the ineffectiveness of the gambling blocking feature. This case raises important questions about the reliability and effectiveness of such defences.
The author of the post acknowledges his more than two-year struggle with gambling addiction. He chose Monzo specifically because of the gambling-related transaction restriction feature it offered. However, despite the activated blocking feature, he managed to lose part of his salary.
The problem appears to be that gambling related transactions were categorised by the system as normal purchases and displayed as ‘groceries’ in the category section. This indicates a potential flaw in the algorithm for recognising gambling related transactions.
This situation highlights the need for continuous improvement of gambling blocking systems and the importance of additional support measures for people struggling with gambling addiction. It also reminds that technical solutions, while useful, cannot completely replace personal responsibility and professional help in the fight against addiction.
Other Banks Offering Gambling Block Features
Many banks in the UK offer their customers the ability to block transactions related to gambling, helping them control their spending and prevent potential addiction. Here is a list of banks providing this service:
- Bank of Scotland: Offers a card blocking feature specifically for gambling transactions.
- Barclays: Customers can block debit card payments on gambling sites and apps through their banking app. We have already described how to block gambling transactions through the Barclays app in our detailed guide, follow the link and keep reading.
- Halifax: Provides various tools and support, such as financial monitoring, personal support and advice, and access to Gamban licences for blocking online gambling. You can also find out the details in our detailed halifax gambling block guide.
- HSBC: Allows customers to add or remove gambling restrictions on their debit cards, including in the Pay by Bank app. They also offer a “cooling-off” period, meaning transactions will still be declined until the period ends.
- Lloyds Bank: Allows customers to freeze and unfreeze various types of transactions on their debit cards. They also offer access to Gamban.
- MBNA: Enables customers to monitor their accounts and spending through online card service management.
- NatWest: Offers a card blocking feature specifically for gambling transactions.
- Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS): Offers a card blocking feature specifically for gambling transactions.
- Santander: Allows customers to block specific types of transactions without completely freezing their Mastercard.
- Starling Bank: Allows customers to easily block online payments, including gambling transactions, from their banking app.