11/10/2026
๐๐จ๐ญ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ญ.
It might begin with a small football bet, an online game, a scratch card or an entry on a raffle website.
Just a few pounds. A little bit of fun.
For some people, occasional gambling gradually becomes more frequent. The amounts increase, losses are chased and something that once felt harmless begins to affect finances, relationships and mental health.
It can remain hidden from loved ones because of fear, guilt or shame. Sometimes it only comes to light through an unpaid bill, a credit check or a mortgage application.
An occasional, affordable bet does not automatically prevent someone from obtaining a mortgage. However, lenders may ask questions where bank statements show frequent or high-value gambling, reliance on an overdraft, missed payments or borrowing connected to gambling.
Following World Mental Health Day this month, our latest blog looks at:
๐น How gambling can gradually escalate
๐น Signs it may be becoming harmful
๐น The impact on partners, children and family finances
๐น How gambling transactions may affect a mortgage application
๐น Where to find free, confidential support
There is no shame in asking for help. Gambling addiction is not simply a lack of willpower, and nobody should feel they have to face it alone.
๐ Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/4xlHzt8
โ๏ธ National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
โ๏ธ Samaritans: 116 123
Free support, day or night.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E.
Oak Mortgages Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA reference number 1026569.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
