Re: Does extensive gambling affect mortgage application? I write poker software (HUD's and Trackers) and have software listed on both Pokerstars.com and Fulltilt.com (and some that is banned). I personally know quite a few people who play for an income.
Generally speaking, gambling and mortgages do not mix well. Taking out a mortgage means that a bank or building society trusts that you’re able to pay the money back. But if they see that you’re an active gambler, then this may go against your application.
However, there is a difference between those who gamble large amounts of money on a regular basis (including those who are professional gamblers), compared to those who might put a small bet on every now and then.
When will gambling affect a mortgage application?
Does Matched Betting Affect Credit Score And/Or Mortgage Application? 7 mins Buschra Rudd Queen Of Matched Betting This is by far one of the most popular questions we get asked. We listened and so have put together this article to. There are multiple factors that can affect a mortgage application, some of which you may not have considered previously. One of the first things a lender will look at is your credit score. Again, this can be affected by various circumstances, but you may not have considered that a leisurely gambling habit could have its own consequences. How to Explain Gambling Winnings on a Mortgage Application. Especially after the housing crash in the mid-2000s, mortgage lenders are careful when confirming whether potential customers are able to make their house payments. This means that, as a mortgage applicant, you are responsible for proving all income or assets. As there is the effects on mortgage application through the online gambling transaction so the wager has to be careful related to this. As the different bank have different types of policy so the wager should know how to deals with that bank related to his money.
If you’re a professional gambler wanting to use your winnings as evidence that you can afford to take out a mortgage, then you might come up against a few hurdles, as this is considered far more risky than someone who has a job and gambles occasionally on the side. That’s not to say that it isn’t impossible though. Those lenders who are willing to lend you the money might alleviate this risk by increasing the interest rate and only lending a small amount of money.
Whilst you may argue that professional gambling is no different to getting a mortgage when self-employed, gambling is still deemed as a riskier business than self-employment, especially if there’s no trace of regular savings but a build-up of debt instead.
Ultimately, you need to be aware that if you’re a professional gambler, this activity is seen as a risk and could result in your mortgage being declined.
When won’t gambling affect a mortgage application?
When lenders carry out their affordability checks, they look at your bank statements from the previous 3-6 months. Therefore, any gambling on your bank statements during this period will be seen by your potential lender. However, the lender is not going to judge you on what you chose to spend your money on. Their primary concern is that you aren’t getting into debt in order to fund the gambling, so if you’re betting using your own money, and you aren’t in debt, then this shouldn’t affect your mortgage application.
Similarly, if you only put the odd bet on here and there, then you don’t need to worry about gambling affecting your mortgage application. Just be mindful that if your finances begin to suffer because of it, then this may affect things.
How to get mortgage approved
If you do gamble and you’re worried about getting a mortgage, you could try the following things to help improve your situation and get yourself mortgage ready:
Clear your debts - Clearing off any debt you have shows that you’re responsible when it comes to your finances.
Regular savings - Again, it’s all about responsible lending, so if you can show that you have a savings account that you pay into regularly, the lender will see you as a low-risk borrower.
Good credit history- Having a good credit history improves your chances of getting a mortgage, so you should work to improve your credit score.
Stop gambling - The most obvious, but this can only happen if you want to stop gambling.
Get the right mortgage advice
Speaking to a mortgage broker can help you get the right advice that you need in order to fulfil your dream of getting on the property ladder. They’ll be able to address any worries or concerns that you may have about your spending habits.
At Mortgage Advice Bureau, we deal with people from all walks of life and we do not judge anyone's personal circumstances - we are simply here to help.
Get help for your gambling addiction
If you’ve been refused a mortgage due to gambling, then now might be the right time to turn things around and seek advice. Visit the GambleAware website for help with a gambling addiction.
It probably won’t surprise you that gambling and mortgages generally don’t mix well. When a bank lends you money for a mortgage loan, it means they trust you will be able to pay it back. However, if they see that you’re an active gambler, then this may go against your application.
However, it is important to note that there is a difference between those who gamble large amounts of money on a regular basis (including those who are professional gamblers), compared to those who put a small bet on every now and then.
How will gambling affect my mortgage application?
If you’re a professional gambler and you want to use your winnings as evidence that you can afford to take out a mortgage, the banks see this as being a lot riskier than someone who has a job and gambles occasionally, so you may come across a few challenges. However, being a professional gambler and getting a mortgage isn’t impossible. Some lenders who are willing to lend you the money might alleviate this risk by increasing the interest rate and only lending a small amount of money.
You may argue that professional gambling is no greater risk than being self-employed…but lenders see it differently. Gambling is deemed more of a risk than being self-employed especially if there is no trace of regular savings but a build-up of debt instead.
You need to be aware that if you’re a professional gambler, this activity is seen as a risk and could result in your mortgage application being declined.
When won’t gambling affect a mortgage application?
When lenders conduct their affordability checks, they will look at your bank statements from the previous 3-6 months. This means that any gambling during this period will be seen by your potential lender. The primary concern of the lender is that you aren’t getting yourself into debt by funding your gambling. If you’re gambling using your own money and you’re not in any debt, then this is unlikely to have an impact on your mortgage application.
If you only put the odd bet on here and there, you won’t need to worry about gambling affecting your mortgage application. However, it is important to be mindful, if your finances begin due to betting, then this may begin to affect things.
How to get mortgage approved
If you do gamble and you’re worried whether you can get a mortgage, you could try the following things to help improve your situation and get yourself mortgage ready:
- Clear your debts - Clearing off any debt shows that you’re responsible when it comes to your finances.
- Make regular savings- If you can evidence that you have a savings account that you regularly pay into, the lender will see you as a low-risk borrower.
- Good credit history- Work on your credit score if required. Having a good credit history improves your chances of getting a mortgage.
- Stop gambling- The most obvious, but this can only happen if you want to stop.
Get the right mortgage advice
Booking an appointment with a mortgage broker can help you get the advice you need to get yourself onto the property ladder. Your broker will be able to address any queries you may have about your spending habits.
At Mortgage Advice Bureau, we deal with people from all walks of life and we do not judge anyone's personal circumstances - we are simply here to help.
Get help for your gambling addiction
If you’ve previously been refused a mortgage due to gambling, then it may be the right time to seek advice. Visit the GambleAware website for help with a gambling addiction https://about.gambleaware.org/.
For further information call: 0800 652 6649
Email: scotland@mab.org.uk or visit: mortgageadvicebureau.com/scotland
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Gambling Affect Mortgage Application Form
There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.
Gambling Affect Mortgage Application Status
The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.