Whether you regularly participate in lotteries or a notable share of your income comes from casino winnings, you might be concerned about the potential impact of your gambling activity on a mortgage application.
This guide explores how gambling behaviour can influence a mortgage assessment, whether securing a mortgage as a professional gambler is feasible, and the importance of selecting a lender suited to your financial situation.
Does gambling influence a mortgage application?
Yes, gambling can affect a mortgage application, although not in every case. Lenders will typically assess the frequency of your gambling activity and the level of expenditure involved when evaluating risk.
Many individuals spend a small amount each week on lottery entries—if this falls comfortably within your affordability range, lenders are unlikely to raise concerns. However, even minor gambling expenses, such as lottery tickets, may raise issues if they represent a significant proportion of your income on a recurring basis.
Additionally, a gradual increase in monthly gambling outgoings could indicate to a lender that the behaviour might escalate, potentially signalling future financial instability.
How much gambling is too much?
Lender attitudes toward gambling can differ significantly. Some providers take a strict stance, viewing any consistent gambling activity on bank statements unfavourably. Others may be more lenient, provided the betting behaviour appears manageable within your financial means. The most concerning factors for lenders are the use of credit to fund gambling and any noticeable increase in gambling expenditure over time, both of which can adversely affect your mortgage prospects.
Even if deemed acceptable, regular gambling is likely to be factored into your affordability review. As a result, this type of spending could limit the total amount you’re eligible to borrow, regardless of whether the lender is comfortable with your gambling habits.
Some lenders adopt a more accommodating approach, occasionally treating gambling winnings as supplementary income. Typically, these are specialist mortgage providers who assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
Does it make any difference what you bet on?
Yes, for some applicants, gambling can have an effect. For occasional gamblers, all forms of betting—whether at physical casinos, lottery draws, online slots, sports betting, or similar—are generally assessed in the same way. Given the inherent risk involved, lenders will want reassurance that your gambling activity remains within your financial means and does not compromise your ability to meet mortgage repayments.
In contrast, if you earn an income as a professional gambler, the nature of your gambling may influence how a lender evaluates your application. Skill-based activities, such as poker, where there is a proven history of significant winnings, might be considered more stable compared to purely chance-based gambling. Likewise, matched betting, which carries relatively low risk for those with experience, may be viewed as less of a concern.
Forms of gambling that lenders are most likely to examine closely include:
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Casino and slot machine games
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Online betting and gaming platforms
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Wagers placed with bookmakers
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Sports betting
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Lottery participation
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Bingo
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Scratchcard purchases
What to do if you’ve been declined for a mortgage because of gambling
If you’ve previously been declined for a mortgage due to gambling activity, or are concerned it may become an issue, there are proactive steps you can take to strengthen your chances of securing approval:
It’s important to recognise that lending policies vary across the market. While some providers may view gambling as a significant risk, others may consider the same behaviour acceptable—ironically reflecting the nature of gambling itself.
Avoid submitting multiple mortgage applications in quick succession, as this can negatively affect your credit profile and further reduce the likelihood of approval.
Instead, seek guidance from a mortgage broker with experience in assisting applicants with a gambling background. A specialist adviser can review the full market to identify lenders whose criteria are better suited to your financial habits and overall circumstances.
How far back do mortgage lenders look for gambling transactions?
When applying for a mortgage, most lenders will typically request three to six months’ worth of bank statements. Applicants considered higher risk—such as those who are self-employed—may be required to provide additional documentation.
If the initial statements raise concerns, particularly around spending patterns, lenders may ask to review further statements. This is especially likely if there is a noticeable increase in gambling activity or if your account frequently goes into overdraft.
If you're worried that regular gambling deposits might affect your mortgage prospects, it's advisable to reduce or cease such activity around six months before applying. Provided your credit history is clear, this approach can help demonstrate greater financial discipline to prospective lenders.
Which lenders will approve applicants with a history of gambling?
Given that lenders have varying attitudes towards gambling, the impact on a mortgage application will largely depend on the extent of the applicant’s gambling history. For instance, Halifax, Santander, and HSBC are generally more cautious with regular gambling activity. In contrast, providers such as Nationwide, Barclays, and NatWest may adopt a more lenient stance, provided the gambling is deemed affordable and well-managed.
Specialist lenders typically review such applications individually, though only a limited number are willing to offer mortgages to professional gamblers. For tailored support, it is advisable to consult a broker who can identify suitable options based on your specific circumstances.
Can gambling winnings count as income for a mortgage?
Some lenders may accept gambling winnings as a supplementary source of income when assessing a mortgage application, though this is typically contingent on the applicant’s overall financial position. It is important to note that lenders willing to consider this approach are in the minority, and applicants will often need to approach specialist providers with more flexible criteria regarding gambling.
In many cases, a more effective use of gambling winnings is as a deposit rather than declared income. Most lenders are willing to accept a cash deposit, provided the source of funds can be verified. Therefore, even a substantial one-off lottery win could contribute towards your deposit, as long as you have a separate income stream or savings to demonstrate mortgage affordability.
Mortgages for professional gamblers
Fewer mortgage lenders are prepared to consider applications where professional gambling is the sole source of income. Currently, only a small number—estimated at around three—may be open to using gambling earnings exclusively to assess eligibility.
If you intend to rely on gambling income, maintaining detailed records of your winnings is essential. Although gambling gains are not subject to tax, lenders may be more inclined to accept this income if you can demonstrate financial consistency through supporting bank statements. Having these figures verified by a qualified accountant can also strengthen your application.
This type of income is generally treated as self-employed earnings, so providing evidence of regular and stable income will improve your chances of it being recognised. Income from skill-based gambling, such as poker, is usually viewed more favourably than income derived from higher-risk activities like roulette. A strong credit history and additional savings can also improve your prospects when applying under these circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The impact of a past gambling addiction on your mortgage application will depend on several factors, including the severity of the issue and whether it affected your credit history. The timing is also relevant, as credit reports typically cover the previous six years. If your gambling-related difficulties occurred beyond this timeframe, lenders are unlikely to be aware of them, even if there were previous credit issues.
However, if the gambling addiction is recent and has resulted in financial strain or a negative credit record, this may present greater challenges. Applicants with a history of mortgage arrears linked to gambling may find that only a limited number of lenders are willing to consider their application until their credit report has been clear for six years.
If you have actively taken steps to address the issue—such as undergoing treatment and implementing gambling blocks on your bank accounts and devices—some lenders may consider your application sooner. In such cases, seeking advice from a mortgage broker with experience in supporting clients with a history of gambling is strongly recommended.