Self-exclusion
The five-year exclusion is the maximum duration and functions as a long-term separation from online gambling. GamStop is the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme. Self-exclusion is a straightforward process that empowers individuals to take control of their gambling habits by voluntarily restricting their access to gambling platforms and venues. Online gambling platforms in the UK are legally required to offer self-exclusion options, making it easier for individuals to block their access to these sites. This article will further explore the self-exclusion process, its benefits, and how it can be applied to both online and traditional gambling environments within the United Kingdom. You should consider self-exclusion from online gambling if you find that your gambling habits are becoming difficult to control.
These support services are available only to Great Britain residents. The Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) covers most betting shops in Great Britain. If you gamble in person, you can ask venues to exclude you. Some banks include a cooling-off period before the block can be removed. If you cannot find the option, contact your bank and ask if they offer a gambling transaction block. This is a measure taken by the UK Gambling Commission to help in curbing the problem of gambling addiction.
All casinos mentioned hold active UK Gambling Commission licences at the time of publication. For some players, the most significant benefit of GamStop isn’t the temporary break — it’s the discovery that life without online gambling is the outcome they actually wanted. If you do return, consider reinstating the responsible gambling tools that are available at every UKGC-licensed casino. The process includes a 24-hour cooling-off period between your request and the actual lifting of the restriction, giving you time to reconsider before the decision takes effect. When your chosen exclusion period ends, GamStop does not automatically lift the restriction. You’ll stop receiving marketing communications from registered operators, though it may take a short period for email suppression to take full effect.
Once activated, your minimum self-exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years) cannot be shortened. Tools like Gamban and BetBlocker install on your phone, tablet, or computer and block access to thousands of gambling websites and apps at the device level. The single biggest gap in GamStop coverage is unlicensed offshore gambling sites. If you have a balance with a bookmaker or casino at the moment of self-exclusion, that money is yours and the operator must return it. When you register, GamStop adds your details to a central database that every UKGC-licensed operator must check before allowing you to log in or open a new account. It is the single most effective tool available to anyone in Great Britain who wants to take a meaningful break from online gambling.
Because they do not hold a UKGC licence, they are not required to participate in the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. While these do not involve real-money gambling, they can maintain gambling behaviours and habits that undermine the purpose of self-exclusion. Many crypto gambling platforms operate without a UKGC licence and may not require the same level of identity verification, making it harder for the system to catch excluded individuals. You may need to contact specific gambling companies separately to reactivate your accounts. The scheme is intentionally designed to be irreversible for the duration you selected, which is precisely what makes it effective as a self-exclusion tool. Your profile and account history will remain on file, but all gambling functionality will be disabled.
March 2020: The UKGC Mandate
GamStop covers UKGC-licensed sites only. The scheme was created because self-excluding casino by casino was impractical and ineffective. This advice explains how operators can make sure they and their employees comply with their obligations under The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). It doesn’t address why you were gambling in the first place—and that’s where support comes in. You’ll find the option in your account settings under responsible gambling or limits.
From that point, if you attempt to log in or register at a participating operator, the system should prevent access. In the UK, self-exclusion is closely tied to regulation and safer gambling. Self-exclusion is one of the most practical, effective tools available in the UK for people who want to pause or stop gambling. If you’re reading this section and recognising yourself in it, the registration is at gamstop.co.uk.
BetBlocker offers free software to block gambling sites and apps. These additional steps can enhance your efforts to maintain control over your gambling habits and support your journey towards responsible gambling. Self-exclusion is not a standalone solution and works best when combined with other support measures like counselling and financial advice.
GamStop registration does not appear on your credit file and does not directly affect your credit score. The service is funded by the UK gambling industry. You must contact GamStop to request removal, which includes a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period. The website includes self-assessment tools, information about treatment options, and links to local support services across Great Britain.
Most of these not on gamstop sectors, apart from the online sector, offer their own industry-wide exclusion schemes, which may be worth considering. If you decide to self-exclude from our businesses, we strongly advise that you also exclude yourself from all other forms of gambling that you may use such as bookmakers, arcades or betting shops. The minimum period of self-exclusion you can request is six months, and your exclusion will automatically remain in force for a further period of six months at which time it will then lapse.
How to Spot a Potential Gambling Problem
You can also email us at , or use the form above. First of all, if you aren’t sure whether your gambling is problematic or not, you could read our post on the signs that you may have a gambling problem. What are the signs that self-exclusion may be helpful for you? This can be a difficult decision when you’ve been grappling with how you feel about your gambling.
You can find out how safe your gambling is via GamCare. To find out more and to sign up with GAMSTOP please visit Paddy Power Betfair and Sky Betting and Gaming accounts for customers located in Isle of Man.
Some even have a function that will automatically log you out after a certain period of time from as little as 10 minutes, so if you are tempted to stay online and keep gambling it will cut you off. However, if you sign up at GamStop there is a much higher chance that this will be successful as you can self-exclude from any gambling site run by an operator with a UK license for a period decided by you. You understand that we have no influence over whether a Gambling Operator prevents you from accessing online gambling platforms outside of GAMSTOP.
The choice is made at registration and cannot be shortened once confirmed. A person registered with GamStop can still walk into a bookmaker or casino and place a bet. It cross-references names, dates of birth, addresses, and email addresses against operator records. The matching system relies on the personal data provided during registration.
By registering at , you block yourself from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for a chosen period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It demonstrates that casinos and online gaming operators recognize the risks of gambling and are willing to support players in managing those risks. Reinstating access to an online gaming platform after the exclusion period can be more complicated than in physical casinos. GAMSTOP self-exclusion is the UK’s free national scheme that lets you block yourself from all UKGC-licensed gambling websites in a single registration. All companies that offer gambling in licensed premises (arcades, bookmakers, bingo and casinos) must be part of a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. To exclude oneself from other gambling activities such as online betting, bookmakers, bingo, or arcades, one must apply separately to each relevant multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.
Your access to our site may be suspended or restricted occasionally to allow for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or the introduction of new facilities or services. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees of any kind regarding the availability or operation of our site or GAMSTOP or that your access will be secure, uninterrupted or free from defects. You are also responsible for ensuring that any individuals who access our site through your internet connection are aware of these Terms and that they comply with them. We may offer links to other third-party websites which we think you may find useful. Alternatively, you may also choose to deactivate your self-exclusion. You agree to provide us with any other personal data we reasonably need for the efficient operation of your self-exclusion.
You can extend at any time before or after your current period expires by contacting GamStop directly. Doing so undermines the purpose of your self-exclusion and may worsen gambling-related harm. Licensed operators are required to facilitate withdrawals of your remaining funds.
Peer-to-peer betting exchanges that hold UKGC licences are covered, but informal gambling (private poker games, friendly bets) obviously falls outside any regulatory scheme. The block covers casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, lottery products, and any other gambling service offered under a UKGC licence. If a player registered with a gambling site using different details (a former address, a nickname, or an alternate email), the match may fail, and access to that specific account might not be blocked. During that window, some operators may still allow access — GamStop explicitly warns that the block is not instantaneous. Services like GAMSTOP, MOSES, SENSE, and others provide effective means to self-exclude from both online and traditional gambling environments. Self-exclusion is when you ask a gambling business to stop you from gambling with them for a certain length of time.
These other multi self-exclusion services cover land-based, bricks-and-mortar betting premises. Indeed, it covers all sites licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Just visit GAMSTOP and complete the short self-exclusion gambling form. Note that some sites list it as responsible gambling, gambling controls or a similar alternative. Indeed, many will offer this tool when you access the safe gambling area. Generally speaking, the minimum period you can exclude yourself for is six months.
- Don’t assume the self‑exclusion is universal across all operators.
- GamStop does not operate through any third-party websites or mobile applications.
- You should contact customer service, explain the circumstances of your self-exclusion and why you wish to reverse it.
- They will provide you with the necessary details regarding the expiration of your exclusion period.
- This structured approach ensures that those who choose to return to casino gambling after a period of self-exclusion are doing so with consideration and awareness of their actions.
- Playing at offshore sites while self-excluded is legal in the UK but defeats the purpose of self-exclusion and means you lose UKGC consumer protections — slow payouts, withdrawal voids and unfair terms become real risks.
We only recommend casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Bet365 is one of the UK’s most trusted online casinos with thousands of games and a world-class live casino. It’s about giving yourself the time and space to change your relationship with gambling, with proper support alongside you. Self-exclusion is most effective when it gives you a genuine period of distance from gambling without ongoing temptation to undo it. Many operators apply longer minimum periods. Any money in your account at the time of self-exclusion should be returned to you.
