Bank Accounts (UK) and Online Gambling

Rossco43

Full Member
Joined
May 6, 2015
Location
Scotland
This may seem like an odd question, but I am a bit odd, so I'll ask anyway :D Plus, it does relate to gambling.

Back in October, I received a lovely letter from my bank telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer. They wouldn't give me a reason why. I could however think of possibly one.

Each week, I set aside my gambling budget of £200. I always use my debit card to deposit at the casinos, meaning they come from my bank (obviously) I never deposit just the once, instead choosing to deposit in increments of £20 at a time. Now that obviously doesn't look great on my transactions screen or on my monthly statements. In fact, it makes me look like a problem gambler even though I am only spending what I budget.

I must point out that I used the bank account for other everyday things, ie; Bills, groceries, on-line shopping, and other living expenses.

So my question is this:

Has anyone else that uses their bank account for gambling, had their accounts closed because of that fact? (that you know about or at least suspect is the reason) I ask because it is the ONLY reason I can think of for my bank taking this action. I honestly have given them no other reason.

Also, for those who gamble using ONLY their bank account; Are there any UK banks you would recommend who do not have a problem with customers using their accounts for this purpose?

I also understand this is the reason PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard and Trustly were invented. But in all honesty, those guys are worse than ANY bank!

Sorry for this long winded guff from a sleep deprived Scotsman, but I'm just interested to know what other people think. I would welcome any suggestions dear Meisters ;)
 
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I use Natwest and have done for 25 years :laugh:

My statements are littered with gambling transactions since 2012, the usual 20-25 pound deposits. If it's enough to make me wince I dread to think what my bank manager makes of it all :eek2:

Never heard of banks booting customers willy-nilly, mind. Perhaps another upcoming social responsibility initiative, or perhaps it looks bad on them? I'm all for banks working with the gambling industry to aid expenditure but this is rather extreme!

But hey, Natwest are pretty indifferent to my reckless splurges, I'd rank them as the McDonald's of the financial sector :D
 
This may seem like an odd question, but I am a bit odd, so I'll ask anyway :D Plus, it does relate to gambling.

Back in October, I received a lovely letter from my bank telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer. They wouldn't give me a reason why. I could however think of possibly one.

Each week, I set aside my gambling budget of £200. I always use my debit card to deposit at the casinos, meaning they come from my bank (obviously) I never deposit just the once, instead choosing to deposit in increments of £20 at a time. Now that obviously doesn't look great on my transactions screen or on my monthly statements. In fact, it makes me look like a problem gambler even though I am only spending what I budget.

I must point out that I used the bank account for other everyday things, ie; Bills, groceries, on-line shopping, and other living expenses.

So my question is this:

Has anyone else that uses their bank account for gambling, had their accounts closed because of that fact? (that you know about or at least suspect is the reason) I ask because it is the ONLY reason I can think of for my bank taking this action. I honestly have given them no other reason.

Also, for those who gamble using ONLY their bank account; Are there any UK banks you would recommend who do not have a problem with customers using their accounts for this purpose?

I also understand this is the reason PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard and Trustly were invented. But in all honesty, those guys are worse than ANY bank!

Sorry for this long winded guff from a sleep deprived Scotsman, but I'm just interested to know what other people think. I would welcome any suggestions dear Meisters ;)

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Can i asks if ur bank is Barclay's Plc? if so it could be because they are abit tight on online fraud..i used to bank with them and they did sent me letters querying about my transactions..whether i make the payments, it seems they did not like too many transactions to skrill and neteller lol!Mine acc. was not closed..i switch bank due to relocation to other county.
Barclay's is well known for being a bitch with security etc..

Paypal is also another banking institution that is big on security issues too, like for example if u make many minute payments to the same site(casino gambling), instead of one big single transaction, then it would flag their security alarm system, and they would logged u out, till you provide various proof etc..
 
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Why do people have so much hate for Paypal? I've transferred thousands via Paypal to my Bank account. :rolleyes: Seem fine to me long as you get it verified etc? As for Neteller they've had a few cock-ups granted but, always resolved pretty quickly and again transferred thousands from casinos into Neteller.
 
[QUOTE="Rossco37, post: 964483, member: 38801]This may seem like an odd question, but I am a bit odd, so I'll ask anyway :D Plus, it does relate to gambling. Back in October, I received a lovely letter from my bank telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer. They wouldn't give me a reason why. I could however think of possibly one... ;)[/QUOTE]

Like @asidea has said, this must be either Binkles or NatWest as they seem to be the worst offenders regarding closing accounts without any valid reason. Effectively banks are judge, jury and executioner.

I bank with Lloyds, which I use to fund some casinos, and so far so good. Perhaps they could be worth a shot.

Just something to add - if you have been kicked into touch by your bank, you may find it very difficult to open another account, as your bank might be loathe to provide you with the necessary references.
 
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Have had my Barclays account suspended several times for "money laundering" reasons. Once I had met the branch manager it was reopened - they were concerned over the number of transations from Malta, which were all gambling on the debit card.
 
Rather drastic from the bank if you ask me.

Take also into consideration that too many gambling transactions may well have an affect on any mortgage decision in the future. Gambling transactions are not looked at favourably and it could result in such mortgage applications being turned down.
 
This may seem like an odd question, but I am a bit odd, so I'll ask anyway :D Plus, it does relate to gambling.

Back in October, I received a lovely letter from my bank telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer. They wouldn't give me a reason why. I could however think of possibly one.

Each week, I set aside my gambling budget of £200. I always use my debit card to deposit at the casinos, meaning they come from my bank (obviously) I never deposit just the once, instead choosing to deposit in increments of £20 at a time. Now that obviously doesn't look great on my transactions screen or on my monthly statements. In fact, it makes me look like a problem gambler even though I am only spending what I budget.

I must point out that I used the bank account for other everyday things, ie; Bills, groceries, on-line shopping, and other living expenses.

So my question is this:

Has anyone else that uses their bank account for gambling, had their accounts closed because of that fact? (that you know about or at least suspect is the reason) I ask because it is the ONLY reason I can think of for my bank taking this action. I honestly have given them no other reason.

Also, for those who gamble using ONLY their bank account; Are there any UK banks you would recommend who do not have a problem with customers using their accounts for this purpose?

I also understand this is the reason PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard and Trustly were invented. But in all honesty, those guys are worse than ANY bank!

Sorry for this long winded guff from a sleep deprived Scotsman, but I'm just interested to know what other people think. I would welcome any suggestions dear Meisters ;)
Odd, odd odd! I have never heard of this happening before. Even if they considered or flagged gambling as reckless or risky they would simply remove any overdraft or credit facilities but not remove you as a customer. Like GW above, I have used the Natwest for decades and never had a sniff of an issue. I'd guess just by this fact you aren't with them, but another bank. People gamble and I cannot believe that's solely a reason UNLESS you have credit facilities. The only possible valid reason is AML ?? :confused:

Don't tell me that's the next bollocks we in the UK have to endure as well as the UKGC squeezing casinos out of the market....:rolleyes:
 
Odd, odd odd! I have never heard of this happening before. Even if they considered or flagged gambling as reckless or risky they would simply remove any overdraft or credit facilities but not remove you as a customer. Like GW above, I have used the Natwest for decades and never had a sniff of an issue. I'd guess just by this fact you aren't with them, but another bank. People gamble and I cannot believe that's solely a reason UNLESS you have credit facilities. The only possible valid reason is AML ?? :confused:

Don't tell me that's the next bollocks we in the UK have to endure as well as the UKGC squeezing casinos out of the market....:rolleyes:

In the six years I lived in the UK I opened two bank accounts, one with HSBC and one with NatWest. The first one, I closed after they harrassed me continuously when I made the first ever transactions to an online casino in Dec 1998. NatWest never gave a toss where the money is going to or from where it is coming in. I still have it today, exactly for that reason. :D
 
Natwest closed my account a few years back refused to give a reason. Always wondered if it was the gambling. There really wasn't any other reason. I'm with lloyds now.
 
Clydesdale bank here. Yorkshire Bank in England.

I get on great with them, they never frowned upon gambling when I got my mortgage either. The manager just said they take the average expenditure into account when doing affordability checks.

I was a little embarrassed by the many gambling transactions but she said she had customers before who spend more ln golf or fishing each month, and it's just part of an entertainment pastime.

Nothing to do with banks what people spend their own money on.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys.

Can i asks if ur bank is Barclay's Plc? if so it could be because they are abit tight on online fraud..i used to bank with them and they did sent me letters querying about my transactions..whether i make the payments, it seems they did not like too many transactions to skrill and neteller lol!Mine acc. was not closed..i switch bank due to relocation to other county.
Barclay's is well known for being a bitch with security etc..

Paypal is also another banking institution that is big on security issues too, like for example if u make many minute payments to the same site(casino gambling), instead of one big single transaction, then it would flag their security alarm system, and they would logged u out, till you provide various proof etc..

I was with Tesco. They shoulda just stuck to selling toilet rolls lol.

Why do people have so much hate for Paypal? I've transferred thousands via Paypal to my Bank account. :rolleyes: Seem fine to me long as you get it verified etc? As for Neteller they've had a few cock-ups granted but, always resolved pretty quickly and again transferred thousands from casinos into Neteller.

About a year ago, PayPal received a refund request from a customer of mine. They decided to 'freeze' my account, preventing me from withdrawing my funds, pay for goods, or anything else. They seen a single refund request as 'high risk' apparently. They are the nicest people to talk to on the phone, but that's because they will tell you exactly what you want to hear yet do nothing to help. So dave1888, I'm sure they are great if you only ever plan on using them for gambling, but please never ever conduct your business through them, because these guys literally destroyed my skin care business on Ebay. 11 months on and they still have my money, and it doesn't look like they plan on releasing it any time soon. For that reason, I will never use them again for anything. Neteller's fees are getting silly and I just don't like the reviews these guys receive. Same goes for Skrill.

Have had my Barclays account suspended several times for "money laundering" reasons. Once I had met the branch manager it was reopened - they were concerned over the number of transations from Malta, which were all gambling on the debit card.

Yea, a 'manager' at Tesco Bank actually quizzed me on my Trada Casino transactions. It was a good year before they closed the account, and he seemed satisfied once I confirmed I had made them, which makes the closure all the more strange.

Odd, odd odd! I have never heard of this happening before. Even if they considered or flagged gambling as reckless or risky they would simply remove any overdraft or credit facilities but not remove you as a customer. Like GW above, I have used the Natwest for decades and never had a sniff of an issue. I'd guess just by this fact you aren't with them, but another bank. People gamble and I cannot believe that's solely a reason UNLESS you have credit facilities. The only possible valid reason is AML ?? :confused:

Don't tell me that's the next bollocks we in the UK have to endure as well as the UKGC squeezing casinos out of the market....:rolleyes:

I did keep going into my overdraft which could possibly a be reason for their actions. Saying that, the monthly fee's for said overdraft were always paid on time.
I honestly just think Tesco are still finding their feet in the banking world, and still see gambling as 'high risk' But yea, it is very odd.
 
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Hi Rossco and welcome. I am in the UK and bank with Royal Bank of Scotland, a single current account from which most of my transactions go through. I also use Paypal. Both are happy to see me spend my money but have also queried incoming funds, mostly gambling related. I have never heard of a bank account being closed because of gambling transactions so this is a new one for me. However I have been investigated by both the HMRC and Paypal and survived!
Paypal just wanted a declaration that it was a none business account, due to the amount of funds going through it. HMRC went through all my accounts with a fine toothed comb, slightly embarrasing and totally invasive but nothing untoward from me. My gambling habits are still the same today, though sadly less incoming funds. I totally recommend Paypal, it's usually an instant credit when making a casino withdrawal unlike the bank who tend to sit on your funds for 5 days. Also lots of UK banks are owned by the same group so you may find it difficult to open a new one. Not sure if you can push your bank for a reason why they closed your account, surely they have to inform you as to why?
 
This may seem like an odd question, but I am a bit odd, so I'll ask anyway :D Plus, it does relate to gambling.

Back in October, I received a lovely letter from my bank telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer. They wouldn't give me a reason why. I could however think of possibly one.

Each week, I set aside my gambling budget of £200. I always use my debit card to deposit at the casinos, meaning they come from my bank (obviously) I never deposit just the once, instead choosing to deposit in increments of £20 at a time. Now that obviously doesn't look great on my transactions screen or on my monthly statements. In fact, it makes me look like a problem gambler even though I am only spending what I budget.

I must point out that I used the bank account for other everyday things, ie; Bills, groceries, on-line shopping, and other living expenses.

So my question is this:

Has anyone else that uses their bank account for gambling, had their accounts closed because of that fact? (that you know about or at least suspect is the reason) I ask because it is the ONLY reason I can think of for my bank taking this action. I honestly have given them no other reason.

Also, for those who gamble using ONLY their bank account; Are there any UK banks you would recommend who do not have a problem with customers using their accounts for this purpose?

I also understand this is the reason PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard and Trustly were invented. But in all honesty, those guys are worse than ANY bank!

Sorry for this long winded guff from a sleep deprived Scotsman, but I'm just interested to know what other people think. I would welcome any suggestions dear Meisters ;)
M
This may seem like an odd question, but I am a bit odd, so I'll ask anyway :D Plus, it does relate to gambling.

Back in October, I received a lovely letter from my bank telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer. They wouldn't give me a reason why. I could however think of possibly one.

Each week, I set aside my gambling budget of £200. I always use my debit card to deposit at the casinos, meaning they come from my bank (obviously) I never deposit just the once, instead choosing to deposit in increments of £20 at a time. Now that obviously doesn't look great on my transactions screen or on my monthly statements. In fact, it makes me look like a problem gambler even though I am only spending what I budget.

I must point out that I used the bank account for other everyday things, ie; Bills, groceries, on-line shopping, and other living expenses.

So my question is this:

Has anyone else that uses their bank account for gambling, had their accounts closed because of that fact? (that you know about or at least suspect is the reason) I ask because it is the ONLY reason I can think of for my bank taking this action. I honestly have given them no other reason.

Also, for those who gamble using ONLY their bank account; Are there any UK banks you would recommend who do not have a problem with customers using their accounts for this purpose?

I also understand this is the reason PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard and Trustly were invented. But in all honesty, those guys are worse than ANY bank!

Sorry for this long winded guff from a sleep deprived Scotsman, but I'm just interested to know what other people think. I would welcome any suggestions dear Meisters ;)

I have a separate bank account that I use for depositing money on online casino and other other online shoppings. The bank blocked money transaction two months ago and I was told to present my identification at the local branch to prove that it is me using the account. I did that and the account was unblocked immediately.
 
Hi Rossco and welcome. I am in the UK and bank with Royal Bank of Scotland, a single current account from which most of my transactions go through. I also use Paypal. Both are happy to see me spend my money but have also queried incoming funds, mostly gambling related. I have never heard of a bank account being closed because of gambling transactions so this is a new one for me. However I have been investigated by both the HMRC and Paypal and survived!
Paypal just wanted a declaration that it was a none business account, due to the amount of funds going through it. HMRC went through all my accounts with a fine toothed comb, slightly embarrasing and totally invasive but nothing untoward from me. My gambling habits are still the same today, though sadly less incoming funds. I totally recommend Paypal, it's usually an instant credit when making a casino withdrawal unlike the bank who tend to sit on your funds for 5 days. Also lots of UK banks are owned by the same group so you may find it difficult to open a new one. Not sure if you can push your bank for a reason why they closed your account, surely they have to inform you as to why?

Hi Mellody. I actually tried to open an account with RBOS, but was declined. Same with TSB. I had to resort to a paid online bank account as my credit rating had obviously been hurt by having an outstanding unpaid overdraft with Tesco (or at least I think that's the reason)

In regards to PayPal; I'm afraid that company have left a rather bad taste in my mouth by doing what they did. The trust has completely gone I'm afraid. I'd hate to have a substantial win withheld from me, for example. Plus, it's common knowledge that they withhold customers monies regularly (just look them up on Trustpilot)

Believe me, I have pushed the bank for an explanation, but they refuse to give me one. I have demanded to talk to managers, the fraud department, everywhere. Instead, all I get is an obnoxious person on the other end refusing to help me. I just don't know what their problem is. And the truth is, banks don't need to explain or give an answer as to why they close accounts. I believe it's always been that way.
 
Find it interesting people saying about Natwest being the go to bank.

Me, wife and 2 young children all had Natwest Accounts. House Insurance and Car Insurance.

We received a letter giving us all 28 days to find new accounts. We were told our Insurance policies would not be renewed and we could never darken their doors again. This was about 8 years ago. I did receive a £25k credit from Betfair shortly before.
 
Find it interesting people saying about Natwest being the go to bank.

Me, wife and 2 young children all had Natwest Accounts. House Insurance and Car Insurance.

We received a letter giving us all 28 days to find new accounts. We were told our Insurance policies would not be renewed and we could never darken their doors again. This was about 8 years ago. I did receive a £25k credit from Betfair shortly before.

I'm sorry to hear they did this to you & your family redsfan. That's completely out of order!

I only had a simple current account with Tesco, but they gave me the same treatment as you - Received a letter telling me I was no longer welcome as a customer and to find alternative arrangements within 28 days from date of the letter. I now fear this happening again with my new account. Although I am really struggling to see why these establishments would have such a problem with customers spending a small portion of their earnings on gambling.

At the end of the day, it's the bank who's suffering, because my overdraft fee's will no longer be paid. If they see me as 'high risk' because I gamble a mere £200 per week, then they ain't worth my time. So rather than being annoyed at what they've done, I am actually relieved I don't have to deal with these fools any more.

Your situation is very different I would imagine redsfan as it must have been a huge upheaval for you all. Terrible how banks can treat people like this. Especially when you have lined their pockets for so long. I just wish PayPal, Skrill, Neteller and Paysafecard were more reliable, because if they were, I wouldn't touch my bank account.
 
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Don't tell me that's the next bollocks we in the UK have to endure as well as the UKGC squeezing casinos out of the market....:rolleyes:

You just know this will be the next load of shit coming our way dont you lol

I swear this shithole of a country wont be happy until all our spending is tracked to the last 1p, and only spent on either essentials, or tax!!!
 
I use Skrill and never had issues with them when it comes to the services I expect from them.
The customer service is terrible but once you don't need them all is fine.
I receive my withdrawals instantly when processed by the casino and can spend it then right away online or via my Skrill Mastercard in shops and ATM's.

And also an idea is N26 (German Online Bank) or Revolut.
Handy for gambling transactions too and both come with an IBAN and BIC, so it works like a normal bank account.

I use Revolut and work also fine for me :)
 
i used my cc a lot in gambling until it was a pain in the ass to get a mortgage because they didnt like all the 20s and 10s on my statement, stuck to paysafecard to this day
 
just my opinion but there's no use asking banks anything, personally i would send a data request which they must give to include all

information being held by them about you including (and this is the useful bit) any personal comments about you,

which as far as i can see they can only refuse if there's an ongoing criminal investigation, that may give you some answers at least,
 
The following is a summary of comments I found on the Guardian website regarding forced closure of bank accounts.

"If a bank has a suspicion, no matter how slight, that there could be money-laundering, funding of terrorism plus a few other illegal activities, it is obliged to withdraw banking facilities from the account holder or face massive fines. Once the bank has filed a report under the regulations they are prohibited from discussing any aspect with their customer, as the law prohibits any discussion beyond the MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) and other investigating authorities, which is why the bank does not have to give a reason for the withdrawal of facilities.

What this means is that the customer is tried and convicted without hearing the evidence against them, and with no chance to refute it."


If you want to read a real nightmare case about a bank closing a customer's account, try this for size. The customer had won a massive settlement for injuries at birth, banked the money, and then Binkles promptly closed the account on suspicion of fraudulent activity. You really cannot make this up.

What is interesting is the 'Know your Rights' section at the bottom of the article. Well worth a read.

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