Starling customers with a gambling problem can turn on the feature which blocks betting and gambling merchant codes.

They can activate the blocker as an opt-in feature from within the Starling app.

The gambling block message for those turning the feature off

With this feature turned on, all attempted transactions to registered gambling merchants will be declined. 

If the feature is disabled, the customer will receive the message: “You are cancelling the block you put in place to prevent you from gambling. 

“If you are worried you spend more than you should on gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline now on 0808 8030 133 for free advice on how to stay in control.”

Anne Boden, CEO at Starling Bank (pictured above), said that Starling’s gambling blocker underlined how digital banking could quickly react to issues facing customers and use technology to develop solutions that help them to live a better financial life.

“This isn’t about telling customers not to gamble – it’s about providing problem gamblers with a simple and effective tool that can help them to regain control over their finances. 

“I set up Starling Bank with the mission of improving financial health and making banking about the customer again. 

“This is exactly the kind of product that will help us achieve this.”

Marc Etches, chief executive at GambleAware, added: “By giving its customers the ability to block gambling transactions, Starling Bank gives them the chance to think twice, and better still, provides contact details for the National Gambling Helpline, which offers advice and free treatment.

“GambleAware warmly welcomes this innovation and hopes all other banks will follow this example as soon as possible.”