SC cleared Job & Gambling

**Netraider** · 25 June 2021, 07:48

Gambling itself isn't an issue. Gambling and getting into serious debt is though. The bank doesn't report this to anybody, however, as part of the SC application or renewal you have to complete a financial questionnaire and if I remember correctly they can come back and request bank statements etc. They also go to the credit agencies to get you credit record. There is also a question around gambling on the questionnaire. Honesty is your best policy.

So, are you at risk of losing your job? If you already hold the clearance probably not. Although you are supposed to report a change in your circumstances (that may only be DV clearance) to your security team.

Will they know you have gambled and lost nearly 10k? Probably not.

If you keep gambling and sustaining those levels of losses you may have more to worry about.

The above is only from my experience of holding SC and DV cleared roles for the last 21 years.

**malvolio** · 25 June 2021, 07:48

The whole point of clearance is that (a) you are honest and (b) that you can't be coerced into disclosing things you shouldn't be disclosing (and owing lots of unsecured money is an easy route in to that scenario).

You may decide you can pass test (b) if your debts are under control and you are managing to control your gambling (always possible, but ultimately unlikely, to be a little harsh), but then you would fail on (a).

It's your call. IF they find out your clearance is gone. If you tell the site's SSO then it probably won't be but it depends on what criteria you are assessed on.

We don't know if the clearance agencies or anyone else is actively monitoring the people they have cleared, but it would be silly to assume they don't.

Your call, I'm afraid.

**PerfectStorm** · 25 June 2021, 08:33

As long as your credit report doesn't look too fishy (multiple loans being taken out all the time, defaulting on them) then you should be alright.

**hobnob** · 25 June 2021, 08:34

I'm only speculating here, but I think it's less about the absolute numbers involved and more about proportions. E.g. if you're a billionaire like Jeff Bezos and you lose £10k in an evening, you wouldn't even notice. On the other hand, if that's more money than you make in a month, it's more significant.

**malvolio** · 25 June 2021, 08:47

Originally posted by hobnob View Post

I'm only speculating here, but I think it's less about the absolute numbers involved and more about proportions. E.g. if you're a billionaire like Jeff Bezos and you lose £10k in an evening, you wouldn't even notice. On the other hand, if that's more money than you make in a month, it's more significant.

No it's not about the amounts, it's about exposing yourself to risks around coercion and blackmail. If you have clearance it's up to you not to do anything that's likely to result in a breach, and doing so is the reason that your clearance may be at risk.

**mail2me** · 25 June 2021, 08:55

Hi all thank you for replies .
1. I didn’t gamble before , Just for the last 5 months , then I realised that I am loosing , so completely stopped . The bank which shows off the transactions is my 2nd bank don’t use that frequently . Also the debts incurred paid off from my savings which is 5k . But if I see the transactions over 5 months it’s neatly 20k .. if the bank doesn’t report that to anybody , they have been paid off .. Do I STILL WORRY
2. Do I still need to report to security team that I gambled .. although it was just for few months and I don’t think there is any Major change in circumstance ?
3. checked the credit file , the bank balance shows positive , no debt . Although had taken a loan for something else , have prove that the money is paid for the purpose I took rather than financing the debt from gambling . Do I still worry ?
4. Regarding carrying on .. I have stopped completely .. only did it for last 5 months … do I still worry ?
5. read that .. bank doesn’t report to anybody , nor the casino reports to anybody .. Further , gambling is legal in . no Debts shows from bank as I paid off … do I still worry ?

**mail2me** · 25 June 2021, 10:02

Hi all,
FUrther to my understanding ..
1. Over 5 months .. there was 20 k worth transaction, lost 5k .. paid that off from savings .. Bank doesn’t report to anybody , just to credit agency about the negative balance .. it’s shows positive .. no debt .. so , is that a reason of worry ?? Even if the guys look at the credit file ??
2. Never defaulted on any payments , so it’s look ok in credit file too ? ..
3. No major change in circumstance , as stopped completely what I did blunder for past 5 months .. So why do I report anything to any body .. so serious debt , no change of circumstance ( anything major )

any thoughts??? ..,

**Paralytic** · 25 June 2021, 10:06

Just answer the thing truthfully.

**mail2me** · 25 June 2021, 10:14

Hi . Already have the clearance . Hold that for next 7 years .. Just to get a little more clarity .. answer to ??
I was just wondering in case they find out what happened in last 5 months

SC cleared Job & Gambling