GAMSTOP Self-Exclusion: How It Works and When to Register

GAMSTOP Self-Exclusion: How It Works and When to Register

GAMSTOP is the UK national self-exclusion scheme. Once registered, you cannot open new accounts at any UKGC-licensed online gambling site. Existing accounts may be closed.

This guide explains how GAMSTOP works, the registration process, exclusion period options, and when GAMSTOP is the right choice.

What is GAMSTOP?

GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion service run by the UK online gambling industry. It was set up in 2018 and is funded by licensed operators.

When you register with GAMSTOP:

• You cannot open new accounts at any UKGC-licensed online gambling operator
• Existing accounts may be closed or restricted
• The exclusion lasts a minimum of 6 months
• The exclusion applies to all UKGC-licensed casinos, bingo sites, sports betting, and poker sites

GAMSTOP is the most powerful self-exclusion tool available to UK players because it works across all operators.

How to register with GAMSTOP

The registration process:

• Visit gamstop.co.uk
• Click "Register"
• Provide your personal details (name, address, date of birth, email, phone)
• Choose the exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, 5 years)
• Confirm the registration
• Verify your email address

Registration takes about 5 minutes. Once confirmed, the exclusion is active within 24 hours.

What GAMSTOP blocks

GAMSTOP blocks access to:

• All UKGC-licensed online casinos
• All UKGC-licensed sports betting sites
• All UKGC-licensed online bingo sites
• All UKGC-licensed online poker sites
• Most UKGC-licensed lottery sites

The exclusion covers all gambling verticals. You cannot use GAMSTOP to exclude from one vertical only.

What GAMSTOP doesn't block

GAMSTOP doesn't block access to:

• Land-based casinos (you can use physical exclusion schemes like SENSE)
• National Lottery (not part of the GAMSTOP scheme)
• Gambling on unlicensed operators (which are illegal in the UK anyway)
• Social/sweepstakes gambling (different licensing regime)
• Some international online casinos not licensed by the UKGC

If you want land-based exclusion, separate schemes exist (SENSE, MOSES). For online exclusion, GAMSTOP is comprehensive.

GAMSTOP exclusion periods

GAMSTOP offers three exclusion periods:

6 months

The minimum exclusion period. After 6 months, the exclusion expires and you can request to re-open accounts.

1 year

A middle option. Suitable for players who want a longer break but aren't sure about permanent exclusion.

5 years

The longest standard period. Suitable for players who want a long-term break or aren't sure they can gamble responsibly in the future.

There's no option for permanent exclusion. The longest is 5 years. After 5 years, you can renew or let the exclusion expire.

What happens during the exclusion

During your GAMSTOP exclusion:

New accounts

Any attempt to open a new account at a UKGC-licensed operator will be declined. The operator will see your GAMSTOP registration and reject the application.

Existing accounts

Existing accounts at UKGC-licensed operators will be closed or restricted. The operator will:

• Close the account
• Return any remaining balance (after KYC verification)
• Add you to the operator's internal exclusion list

The closure process is usually completed within 7-14 days. You'll receive email confirmation from each operator.

Marketing

Operators must not send you marketing communications during the exclusion period. If you receive marketing from a UKGC-licensed operator, report it to the UKGC.

Funds

Any remaining balance in your casino accounts must be returned to you. Operators may deduct withdrawal fees but cannot withhold the balance.

What happens when the exclusion ends

When the GAMSTOP exclusion period ends:

• You can apply to re-open accounts at UKGC-licensed operators
• Operators can refuse to re-open your account
• You can re-register with GAMSTOP for another period

Operators typically perform additional checks before re-opening accounts that have been excluded. The re-opening is not automatic.

If you want to continue excluding yourself after the period ends, simply renew your GAMSTOP registration before the period expires.

How to cancel GAMSTOP before the period ends

You cannot cancel GAMSTOP before the exclusion period ends. The exclusion is binding for the chosen period.

If you're considering cancelling your exclusion, take time to think about whether you're ready to return to gambling. Talk to a support service before re-opening accounts.

Why GAMSTOP is the right choice

GAMSTOP is the right choice when:

You've tried casino-level tools

If deposit limits and time-outs haven't worked, GAMSTOP is the next step. It's more comprehensive than operator-level tools.

You have multiple casino accounts

If you're gambling across multiple casinos, GAMSTOP blocks all of them at once. Operator-level tools only work at one casino.

You want to stop gambling entirely

If you want to stop gambling for a significant period, GAMSTOP is the most effective way to enforce that decision.

You can't trust yourself

GAMSTOP removes the temptation. Even if you want to gamble, you can't easily do so at UKGC-licensed operators.

When GAMSTOP may not be enough

GAMSTOP is powerful but limited:

It doesn't address the underlying issue

GAMSTOP blocks access to gambling but doesn't address the reasons why you gamble. For problem gambling, support services (GamCare, NHS clinics) are also important.

It doesn't block all gambling

GAMSTOP doesn't block land-based gambling, the National Lottery, or unlicensed operators. If you gamble in other ways, GAMSTOP won't help.

It doesn't cover all forms

If you have a problem with a specific form of gambling (e.g., sports betting), GAMSTOP blocks all UKGC-licensed gambling. You can't exclude from one type only.

It can be circumvented

GAMSTOP can be circumvented by using someone else's account, gambling at unlicensed operators, or using offshore sites. None of these are recommended.

For comprehensive help, combine GAMSTOP with support services.

GAMSTOP vs operator-level self-exclusion

Operator-level self-exclusion

• Self-excludes from one operator
• Period options: 6 months to 5 years
• Operator's internal exclusion list
• Marketing blocked at that operator

GAMSTOP

• Self-excludes from all UKGC-licensed operators
• Period options: 6 months to 5 years
• National exclusion list
• Marketing blocked at all operators

For most players, GAMSTOP is more effective because it covers all operators. Use operator-level self-exclusion only if you want to exclude from one specific site.

GAMSTOP for affected others

GAMSTOP is for the player themselves, not for family members. If you're concerned about someone else's gambling:

• You can't register them with GAMSTOP
• You can support them in registering
• You can seek support for yourself from GamCare (services for affected others)

The decision to register with GAMSTOP must come from the player. Family pressure to register may not be sustainable in the long run.

Help and support while registered with GAMSTOP

Registration with GAMSTOP doesn't replace support services. The underlying reasons for problem gambling need to be addressed.

During your GAMSTOP exclusion, support services can help:

• GamCare: 24/7 chat, online forums, one-to-one counselling
• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• NHS Gambling Clinics: specialist treatment for gambling addiction
• Gordon Moody: residential treatment

Combining GAMSTOP with support services is the most effective approach for problem gambling.

Re-opening accounts after GAMSTOP

If you decide to re-open accounts after the exclusion period:

• Contact the operator's customer service
• Provide any requested verification
• The operator will perform additional checks
• The operator may refuse to re-open your account

Operators have the right to refuse re-opening. If you've had a serious gambling problem, the operator may decline to re-open even after the exclusion expires.

If you want to return to gambling but aren't sure you're ready, talk to GamCare first. The re-opening decision should be made carefully, not impulsively.

When to register with GAMSTOP

Consider GAMSTOP if:

• You've tried to control your gambling with deposit limits and time-outs but keep exceeding them
• You're borrowing money to gamble
• You're lying about your gambling to family or friends
• You're spending more time and money on gambling than you can afford
• You feel anxious or depressed when not gambling

If any of these apply, GAMSTOP is worth considering. The 6-month minimum is a chance to take a step back and reassess.

Help (UK)

If you're considering GAMSTOP or have questions about self-exclusion, free confidential help is available:

• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamCare: gamcare.org.uk (live chat, counselling, online forums)
• BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org
• GAMSTOP: gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion registration)

You don't have to make this decision alone. Support services can help you think through whether GAMSTOP is the right choice.