Self-exclusion
For more detailed information about responsible gambling tools and support, visit our responsible gambling resource page. Self-exclusion tools are most effective when combined with other forms of support. GamStop is just one part of a comprehensive approach to gambling self-exclusion. The longest available period offers the most protection and is typically chosen by those who recognise they have a serious gambling problem or have experienced significant harm. However, research suggests that shorter exclusions are less effective for those with more serious gambling problems.
We are unable to help prevent you from accessing gambling services that are operated by organisations which do not participate in GAMSTOP. It is important for you to understand that GAMSTOP can only assist to exclude you from engaging in gambling services offered by the participating Gambling Operators. GAMSTOP self-exclusion is one of the most powerful tools available to UK players who need to take control of their gambling. The operator may be obliged to refund losses incurred during this period. You should report it to both the operator’s responsible gambling team and the UK Gambling Commission directly at gamblingcommission.gov.uk/contact-us. If a UKGC-licensed operator allows you to gamble while you are registered with GAMSTOP, this is a serious breach of their licence conditions.
Where can I find a self-exclusion form on my betting site?
Self-exclusions remain in place until the minimum term agreed has passed. To do so, you need to get in touch with the premises you wish to be excluded from and they will guide you through the next steps. That means you can lean on people when you are struggling, while it may be you can be the person to provide strength and encouragement when others are in their time of need too. Ultimately, the best step for anyone struggling with gambling addiction is to seek professional help.
You will need to provide necessary information and complete the registration process. By providing a centralised self-exclusion solution, GamStop offers a convenient and effective tool for individuals seeking to make positive changes in their gambling habits. We help British players find safe, fair, and enjoyable casino sites. When your chosen period ends, you must actively contact GamStop to have the exclusion lifted — it does not expire automatically. If you find that gambling is taking time away from hobbies, socialising, exercise, or time with family, that is a sign to reassess. Set a session timer on your phone or use the casino’s built-in reality check feature.
GamStop blocks access to all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators, including casinos, sports betting sites, bingo sites, and lottery platforms that operate under a UKGC licence. Rather than contacting each casino individually, GamStop allows you to exclude yourself from all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators in a single registration. GamStop is a free, nationwide self-exclusion scheme for anyone in the UK who wants to block their access to all UK-licensed online gambling sites and apps. If a betting activity requires authorisation and involves an online gambling operator integrated with GamStop, you will not be able to place bets during your self-exclusion period.
- GAMSTOP is a free service that enables you to Self-Exclude from participating online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
- A cooling-off period is a shorter-term option compared to self-exclusion.
- As you self-exclude it is advisable to also limit exposure to gambling advertising online.
Once the exclusion is removed, your access to UKGC-licensed sites resumes and you can register or reactivate accounts normally. Within 24 hours of registration, UKGC-licensed operators begin blocking your access. The scheme was launched in 2018 and became a mandatory integration for all UKGC-licensed remote gambling operators in 2020.
This means staff should refuse you entry or service during your exclusion period. GamBan blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps worldwide. While there are some casinos that are not included on GamStop, we caution our readers from accessing them.
During this brief period, you may still be able to access some gambling sites. From this point, UKGC-licensed operators have up to 24 hours to implement your exclusion, though most do so within minutes. After reviewing your details and chosen exclusion period, you confirm your registration. The scheme does not cover offshore casinos, the National Lottery, or land-based gambling venues. The scheme was launched in April 2018 and has since become a mandatory requirement for all UKGC-licensed operators.
The self-exclusion scheme is designed to help UK-based players to block themselves from accessing legalized real money gambling and betting platforms. From its launch in 2018, GamStop allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all gambling websites and apps licensed in Britain with a single request, instead of having to self-exclude at each operator one by one. Self-exclusion is an important tool in the promotion of responsible gambling and player welfare and is something that’s offered by every online casino licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
Contact the responsible gambling team at any UK casino or bookmaker to initiate this. Gamban blocks gambling websites and apps at the device level – on your phone, tablet, and computer. This guide explains exactly how to register, what it does and does not block, how long the exclusion lasts, and what comprehensive support looks like beyond GAMSTOP alone. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.
You understand and agree that we are not responsible for implementation of your self-exclusion on Gambling Operators’ systems. You understand that we will separately ask for your explicit consent to use facial recognition technology during the Onfido process. If you select the Onfido process, you understand and agree we will need a photo of you and an official photographic ID document which Onfido will compare using facial recognition technology. If you select the TransUnion process, you understand and agree that you must answer a series of questions about your identity. You will be given the chance to review the information you have provided before you start the identity verification process. After four years and six months has passed, you will be able to turn off auto renewal from your GAMSTOP account to prevent another further five-year Minimum Exclusion Period from beginning.
Importantly, free access is available through partnerships with GamCare and other treatment providers — ask your counsellor or support worker if you qualify for free access. GamBan installs on your devices and blocks connections to gambling-related websites and apps. Unlike GamStop, which works through operators, GamBan works on your actual devices — phones, tablets, and computers. The operator closes your account, removes you from marketing, and should prevent new account creation. Before centralised schemes like GamStop existed, self-exclusion was handled on a site-by-site basis. Your details are then shared with all participating operators of that venue type within your chosen area.
Focuses on player protection and self-exclusion awareness. Certified responsible gambling advisor and former GamCare counsellor. The important thing is to reach out for additional support immediately. GamStop registration is not reported to credit agencies.
For an overview of the wider regulatory framework that protects consumers in these situations, our responsible gambling resource covers the relevant standards and points to additional support. You complete the entire process at gamstop.co.uk — there is no fee, no app to download, and no third party involved. You must actively contact GamStop to begin a reactivation process — and even then, there is a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before you can gamble again. It has been a mandatory part of every UKGC licence since 31 March 2020, which means no licensed UK casino, sportsbook, or bingo site can let you slip through the cracks once you sign up.
If you believe that you have a problem with gambling, and the tools available, such as deposit limits and reality checks or taking a shorter break from gambling have not helped, then self-exclusion might be the best option. It is designed as part of a broader framework of responsible gambling measures that support player control and awareness. By restricting access to accounts and limiting interaction with the platform, it creates a defined break that cannot easily be reversed. Self exclusion is intended to provide a clear and enforceable way to step away from gambling activity.
If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available. To self-exclude, use GAMSTOP. This is by design — being unable to reverse the decision in a moment of impulse is one of the things that makes the scheme effective.
By making these options visible and accessible, the gambling industry can encourage more people to reflect on their behavior and seek help if needed. Self-exclusion is often part of a broader network of support services, including counseling, financial advice, and peer support groups. The availability of self-exclusion options promotes a culture of responsible gambling within the industry. Self-exclusion empowers individuals to take control of their gambling behavior, allowing them to make a conscious decision to step back from gambling and seek healthier alternatives. Despite its challenges, self-exclusion offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with gambling problems. Moreover, self-exclusion alone is often insufficient to address the underlying issues of gambling addiction.
If you attempt to access a site and your details are matched, you’ll be prevented from logging in. You must actively contact GamStop to reinstate your account. It’s free, it’s run by the gambling industry under UKGC regulation, and it takes effect quickly. uk casinos You don’t need to hit rock bottom to deserve support. Knowing where to get help with a gambling problem in the UK turns a temporary block into lasting change. Self-exclusion handles the mechanics.
Time Limits or Reality Checks
This is an important tool to protect yourself from the effects of gambling if it begins to have a negative impact on your life. It is important to understand that self-exclusion remains in force until the player initiates its termination. In the UK, the gambling industry is actively developing tools and mechanisms to help players control their participation in gambling. Responsible gambling is a key principle that helps to maintain a balance between the enjoyment of gambling and the potential negative consequences. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Many UK banks now offer gambling transaction blocks through their apps.
Firstly, for context, self-exclusion is a tool used by those who have recognised that their gambling is harmful to them. I would like to know how many people in the UK are self-excluded from land-based gambling, in total, please. By identifying the betting shops someone uses or might realistically try to use we can tailor self-exclusions to specific needs. Our service allows people to self-exclude from multiple betting shops with just one phone call.
By acknowledging this you can start to put the time in to repair relationships and strengthen them once again. Recognising you have a problem is an important step and whether you’re using the 12 Step Programme to recovery or not, recognising that you may have damaged relationships as a result of gambling is important. This can be finding new coping mechanisms, managing finances more effectively and rebuilding relationships, while groups such as Gamblers Anonymous provide peer-to-peer support from people going through exactly the same issues. There are dozens of incredible help organisations across the UK that can provide guidance and workshops to help you with the different aspects of gambling addiction.
Covers all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites. Many UK casinos offer a cooling-off period as a responsible gambling tool distinct from self-exclusion. GAMSTOP covers all operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission – that is thousands of gambling websites and apps. One registration blocks your access to all 1,600+ UKGC-licensed gambling sites. GamStop only covers online gambling at UKGC-licensed websites. Prior to GamStop, players who wanted to self-exclude from online gambling had to contact each operator individually.
GAMSTOP is an online multi-operator self-exclusion scheme and has been available since April 2018. All bonuses, loyalty points and promotion opt-ins will be forfeited and will not be reinstated if your account is reopened after the self-exclusion period. It is also very simple to self-exclude yourself from our online casino and bingo sites.
The system isn’t voluntary for operators — participation is a licence condition, and failure to integrate with GamStop is a compliance breach that the UKGC can and does penalise. If your details match a GamStop registration, your account is suspended and you’re prevented from opening new ones. This can be done at any casino that participates in the SENSE scheme, not necessarily the one where you initially registered.
One of the simplest and most effective responsible gambling tools available is a gambling transaction block on your bank account. It maintains a database of over 84,000 gambling websites and is regularly updated. It is the most comprehensive online self-exclusion tool available to UK players. Like self-exclusion, cooling-off periods cannot be reversed early.