Self-Exclusion UK 2026: Tools, Schemes, and How to Use Them

Self-Exclusion UK 2026: Tools, Schemes, and How to Use Them

Self-exclusion is a powerful responsible gambling tool. It blocks your access to gambling for a defined period, helping you take a break or stop gambling entirely.

This guide covers the self-exclusion schemes available in the UK, how to use them, and which scheme is right for different situations.

What is self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a formal request to a gambling operator (or multiple operators) to block your access to gambling for a defined period. Once excluded:

• You cannot open new accounts at the operator
• Existing accounts are closed
• Marketing communications stop
• Funds in existing accounts are returned

Self-exclusion is binding for the chosen period. You cannot cancel it before the period ends.

Types of self-exclusion in the UK

Operator-level self-exclusion

Each UKGC-licensed casino offers self-exclusion from their own platform:

• Period: 6 months to 5 years
• Blocks access to that one operator
• Implemented in account settings
• Funds returned to you

Suitable for players who want to exclude from one specific casino.

GAMSTOP

The UK national self-exclusion scheme:

• Free to register
• Blocks access to all UKGC-licensed online operators
• Period: 6 months to 5 years
• Registration at gamstop.co.uk

Suitable for players who want to exclude from all UK online gambling.

SENSE

The Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion scheme for land-based casinos in the UK:

• Self-exclude from land-based casinos
• Period: 6 months to life
• Registration at SENSE-controlled casinos

Suitable for players who want to exclude from physical casino venues.

Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES)

Self-exclusion from multiple land-based casinos in a specific area:

• Available in some regions
• Period: 6 months to life
• Registration at participating casinos

Suitable for players who want to exclude from land-based casinos in a specific area.

Online bingo and poker self-exclusion

Most UK bingo and poker sites participate in GAMSTOP, so registration with GAMSTOP covers these verticals too.

GAMSTOP: the most powerful tool

For online gambling, GAMSTOP is the most effective self-exclusion tool because it covers all UKGC-licensed operators at once.

If you want to stop online gambling entirely (or take a long break), GAMSTOP is the right choice.

Registration takes 5 minutes. The exclusion is binding for the chosen period.

How to register with GAMSTOP

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

The exclusion is active within 24 hours of registration. You'll receive confirmation emails from each operator with closed accounts.

How to self-exclude from a single casino

If you want to exclude from one specific casino:

• Log in to your casino account
• Go to account settings or responsible gambling section
• Select "Self-Exclusion" or "Close Account"
• Choose the exclusion period
• Confirm

The casino will close your account and return any remaining balance.

For broader exclusion, use GAMSTOP in addition to or instead of operator-level self-exclusion.

SENSE: land-based self-exclusion

SENSE is the land-based equivalent of GAMSTOP. Registration excludes you from UK land-based casinos.

SENSE registration:

• Available at any participating land-based casino
• Period options vary (6 months to life)
• Photo ID captured at registration
• All participating casinos notified
• Photo shared so you can be identified at any SENSE casino

SENSE is the right choice if you want to exclude from land-based gambling specifically.

What happens during self-exclusion

During your self-exclusion period:

Account access

• Online: You cannot log in or play
• Land-based: You cannot enter SENSE-registered casinos

Marketing

• Operators must not send you marketing
• If you receive marketing, report it to the UKGC

Funds

• Online: Remaining balance returned to you (withdrawal processing may take a few days)
• Land-based: No impact (SENSE is about access, not funds)

Re-opening

• You cannot cancel the exclusion before the period ends
• After the exclusion, you can apply to re-open (operator may refuse)
• GAMSTOP can be renewed at the end of the period

Choosing an exclusion period

6 months

A short break to reassess your gambling. Suitable for players who want a defined pause but aren't sure about long-term exclusion.

1 year

A medium-term break. Suitable for players who want to take a longer break from gambling.

5 years

A long-term break. Suitable for players who want a significant break or aren't sure they can gamble responsibly in the future.

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

Why self-exclude if you can just delete the casino app?

The difference between self-exclusion and just deleting the app:

Self-exclusion is binding

You can't change your mind. The operator won't let you re-open the account before the period ends. Deleting an app just means re-downloading it.

Self-exclusion covers marketing

Operators can't market to you during the exclusion. Without self-exclusion, you'll keep getting promotional emails.

Self-exclusion helps with willpower

The decision to gamble has been made for you. You can't be tempted. Deleting the app just means you have to make the decision every time you want to gamble.

For players who recognise the need to stop, self-exclusion removes the temptation.

Self-exclusion and support services

Self-exclusion is most effective when combined with support services:

GamCare

24/7 chat, online forums, one-to-one counselling. Free for anyone affected by gambling.

NHS Gambling Clinics

Specialist treatment for gambling addiction. Available in many areas of the UK.

Gordon Moody

Residential treatment for severe problem gambling.

Self-exclusion blocks access to gambling. Support services address the underlying reasons for problem gambling. Both are needed for effective recovery.

Self-exclusion vs deposit limits

Deposit limits

• Cap how much you can deposit
• Don't block access
• Reversible (with 24-hour cooling-off period for increases)
• Useful for budget control

Self-exclusion

• Blocks access entirely
• Cannot be reversed
• Useful for stopping gambling

Deposit limits are for budget control. Self-exclusion is for stopping gambling. If you want to keep gambling but spend less, use deposit limits. If you want to stop gambling, use self-exclusion.

Common questions about self-exclusion

Can I cancel my self-exclusion?

No. Self-exclusion is binding for the chosen period. The exclusion will not be cancelled before the period ends.

Will my funds be returned?

Yes. UKGC-licensed operators must return any remaining balance after deducting withdrawal fees. Processing typically takes 1-7 days.

Can I self-exclude from gambling but keep playing the National Lottery?

Yes. The National Lottery is not part of GAMSTOP. If you have a National Lottery account, you can keep playing. (SENSE and GAMSTOP don't cover National Lottery.)

Can I self-exclude from one vertical only?

No. GAMSTOP covers all UKGC-licensed online gambling (casino, sports, bingo, poker). If you only want to exclude from one type, you'll need to use operator-level self-exclusion at each specific operator.

What if I gamble at land-based casinos during GAMSTOP exclusion?

GAMSTOP doesn't cover land-based gambling. Land-based self-exclusion requires SENSE or MOSES. If you have a problem with both, use both schemes.

Can I gamble at non-UKGC casinos during GAMSTOP exclusion?

GAMSTOP only blocks UKGC-licensed operators. Non-UKGC casinos are not legal for UK players and won't be covered by GAMSTOP. If you gamble at non-UKGC casinos, you are gambling illegally and at much higher risk (no UK player protection).

Help (UK)

If you're considering 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)
• SENSE: Sense scheme for land-based self-exclusion

You don't have to make this decision alone. Support services can help you think through which exclusion scheme is right for you.