Loan Essentials
June 2025
If you’re applying for a home loan, bank loans and gambling don’t always go hand in hand. Lenders will look at your income, expenses, and spending habits, including any signs of gambling, to assess your ability to repay your mortgage.
Even low-level gambling can raise questions, and in some cases, it might affect your approval or make it harder to refinance in future.
This guide explains how gambling affects your loan application and what steps you can take to improve your chances of being approved.
When you apply for a home loan, your lender will do an affordability assessment. As part of this, they’ll assess your income (from all sources) against your outgoings (your regular expenses). They’ll also likely check your credit score.
If a lender sees evidence of regular gambling transactions as part of your expenses, it may be a red flag. They’ll look at how much money you’re gambling, how frequently you’re betting and what type of gambling you’re participating in.
If it’s a small amount you’re gambling relatively infrequently for leisure, it probably won’t raise any alarm bells with the lender. The occasional Powerball ticket, for example, will be considered harmless. However, if it’s an ongoing habit that’s getting out of control, it could limit your ability to secure finance.
There are steps you can take to try to maximise your chances of getting approved for a home loan if you do have a history of gambling.
There are many resources available to help you tackle a gambling addiction. GambleAware offers tools and support for those who are looking to stop gambling. The site includes a gambling assessment to see how the habit may be impacting your life, as well as research and links to gambling support groups.
You can also get immediate support from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858. It’s free and confidential. Other options can be found on the Health Direct website.
Need help understanding how gambling might affect your home loan application? At Smartfinn Advisors, we offer confidential, judgment-free advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Depending on your situation, options like a no-deposit home loan, a guarantor loan, or a bad credit loan might be available. Our team will assess your circumstances in detail and provide clear, personalised advice, so you can make informed decisions that support your long-term financial goals.
Call us on 1300 305 101 or get in touch online to speak with our friendly lending experts today.
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