Banking Initiative Launches to Tackle Gambling-Related Harm

In a pioneering move to combat the effects of gambling-related harm, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute has introduced the Gambling Harms Action Lab. This innovative programme seeks to bridge the gap between individuals needing support and the resources currently available through financial institutions. With Nationwide as the first bank to join, the initiative aims to develop practical tools aligned with the FCA’s Consumer Duty standards. By bringing together financial institutions, the Action Lab is setting new standards for identifying and assisting customers affected by gambling harms. This initiative could be a game-changer in the fight against gambling-related financial distress.

New Banking Initiative Aims to Address Gambling Harm Through Financial Sector Support

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, founded by financial expert Martin Lewis, has launched an ambitious initiative designed to address gambling-related harm through the financial services sector. Known as the Gambling Harms Action Lab, this three-year programme will work closely with banks and financial institutions to create innovative tools and solutions for supporting customers affected by gambling issues. The programme’s launch reflects a significant step forward in the financial sector’s response to gambling harm, aiming to set a new benchmark for consumer protection and support.

Key Points of the Gambling Harms Action Lab

1. Collaboration with Financial Institutions
   The Gambling Harms Action Lab’s primary goal is to foster collaboration across the financial sector. By bringing together five to seven financial institutions, the Lab will enable shared insights and best practices. This collaborative effort aims to refine strategies and tools for helping vulnerable customers and reducing the impact of gambling harm on individuals and families. The programme is partially funded through a settlement approved by the Gambling Commission, underscoring the broader industry’s commitment to mitigating gambling-related issues.
2. Nationwide as the First Bank to Join
   Nationwide Building Society has become the first financial institution to join the Action Lab, signaling its commitment to customer welfare and proactive measures. Over the next 18 months, the Action Lab will work with Nationwide and other participating banks to align their efforts with FCA’s Consumer Duty guidelines. These regulations, introduced in 2023, emphasize a consumer-first approach, encouraging financial institutions to enhance their support systems for vulnerable customers.
3. Development of Gambling-Blocking Tools and Other Support Measures
   One of the primary focuses of the Gambling Harms Action Lab is to improve the accessibility and functionality of gambling-blocking tools across banking services. While many UK banks now offer gambling blocks, the Action Lab aims to develop more robust, user-friendly options tailored to individual needs. By collaborating on these tools, the Lab hopes to establish a standard that all banks can implement, allowing customers greater control over their spending and reducing impulsive gambling behaviors.

A Strong Commitment to Consumer Well-being

The launch of the Gambling Harms Action Lab comes amid growing awareness of the negative effects of gambling on mental health and financial stability. Recent research by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute shows that a substantial number of individuals affected by gambling harm are not receiving the support they need. This gap between support availability and customer needs is precisely what the Action Lab aims to address.

Helen Undy, CEO of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, saying, “The Gambling Harms Action Lab is a vital opportunity for financial institutions to drive progress. By joining forces, we can overcome challenges and spread best practices that benefit both customers and banks.” She also called on more firms to join Nationwide in this effort, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for achieving meaningful change.

Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability and Accessibility at Nationwide, highlighted the importance of the Action Lab, stating, “Greater collaboration is essential if we are to tackle financial harm caused by excessive or problem gambling. We are proud to be the first financial institution to partner with the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute in this groundbreaking programme.”

The Gambling Harms Action Lab signals a new chapter in the financial sector’s approach to supporting customers impacted by gambling-related harm. By uniting banks under a shared mission, the Action Lab aims to create effective, accessible tools that empower customers to take control of their finances. This initiative, fueled by insights from mental health experts and industry leaders, not only represents a proactive response to gambling-related harm but also sets a new standard for customer care in financial services. As more institutions join, the Action Lab’s collaborative framework could pave the way for a financial industry that prioritizes well-being and resilience for all customers.