What Is GamStop? Complete UK Self-Exclusion Guide 2026
No single self-exclusion tool covers every form of gambling. A comprehensive breakdown of every self-exclusion tool available to UK residents — from GamStop and MOSES to device-blocking software and bank gambling blocks. We strongly advise that you exclude yourself from all other forms of gambling that you may use, after enrolling onto SENSE. Information can also be found on this website about the wider help and support available for people with gambling issues and also for concerned family members or friends. You will then be excluded from every casino venue in the country. Otherwise you can enrol by visiting a casino venue in person to complete the process with a manager.
Gambling Therapy
You sign up once, choose your duration, and within 24 hours your details propagate to every operator’s systems. So how does GAMSTOP self-exclusion work? GAMSTOP exists precisely because individual exclusions don’t scale. People assume deleting an account does the same job.
Each site runs its own list; you must repeat the process for every platform you frequent. Expect a cold shoulder from the casino’s UI. The system locks your account instantly after verification, and you’ll get an email receipt. That’s why self‑exclusion isn’t a nicety; it’s a lifeline. Every time you click “play now” the line between fun and trap blurs. If you are struggling to control your betting, we recommend that you seek help.
Data safety
Visit gamstop.co.uk and register for free. Self-exclusion is a tool available to anyone who wants to restrict their own ability to gamble. SponsoredBuild your website with Vincony — fast, modern websites, built for you. Bet £10+ in a single real-money bet within 7 days of registration to receive £10 in Free Bets credited within 24 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). 4 x £10 each with betting restrictions.
Step 3: Initiate the Process
Self-exclusion is a facility for those that have decided that they wish to stop gambling for at least six months and wish to be supported in their decision to stop. If your initial 6-month or 1-year exclusion is nearing its end and you do not feel ready to return to gambling, you can contact GamStop to extend your exclusion for a longer period. However, we strongly advise against seeking out non-GamStop casinos to continue gambling if you have registered with GamStop due to a gambling problem. Technically, since non-GamStop casinos operate with licences from jurisdictions outside the UK, they are not bound by the GamStop scheme. For more comprehensive protection, consider combining GamStop with gambling-blocking software like Gamban, bank gambling blocks, and land-based self-exclusion schemes like MOSES. The system also checks new account registrations against the GamStop database to prevent excluded individuals from creating fresh accounts.
The exclusion is typically active across all UKGC-licensed operators within 24 hours, though most operators apply it immediately upon receiving the database update. When your minimum exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years) ends, the process is intentionally slow. SENSE self-exclusion programme offers self-exclusion from all licensed land based casinos in Great Britain. The Gambling Commission mandates every licensed online casino to offer a self‑exclusion programme. Some sites offer self-exclusion from specific areas of their site, such as casinos or poker rooms.
It consists of nine questions about your gambling behaviour over the past 12 months. Scroll down to our support organisations section for free, confidential help. Problem gambling is not a character flaw — it non gamstop is a recognised behavioural condition, and effective treatments are available.
It blocks access to over 50,000 gambling websites and apps across all your devices — Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Software blockers add an extra technical barrier by preventing your devices from accessing gambling websites and apps entirely. It is important to provide all email addresses and contact details you have used with gambling operators to ensure comprehensive coverage. During this time, the casino must close your account, return any balance, remove you from marketing lists, and refuse to re-open your account even if you ask.
Although the scheme started with some challenges where banned gamblers were able to sign-up at several casinos, the problem has been to ensure that all banned people have no access at all. This scheme is run by the National Casino Forum (NFC) on behalf of all brick and mortar casino operators in the UK. The Association of British Bookmakers cited a survey in which 83% of GamStop’s users said that it had reduced or stopped their gambling, and 71% said that they had stopped using their nominated betting sites since joining the scheme.
Self-exclusion forms the most severe measure you can take. Alternatively, you may be able to apply it to just one area of a website or multiple different sites. We provide honest reviews, regulatory analysis, and responsible gambling information for UK players. All of the sites listed on this page are intended for players aged 18 and over. Your registration is not shared with employers, family members, or credit agencies.
This includes sites such as Gamblock, Gamban or Betblocker that will stop you from accessing gambling sites. Once you’ve self-excluded, we strongly recommend that you “unfriend” and / or “un-follow” yourself from any Facebook, Twitter or other social networking accounts that you may be linked to for Grosvenor, Mecca or all other gambling companies. Once you have self-excluded, you may not apply to re-instate your membership or online account for at least six months. The process is usually handled through account settings or customer support. UK regulatory guidance also states that self exclusion should be easy to access and supported by clear information.
Google acts as data processor on our behalf, further information is available in Google Cloud Platform Service Specific Terms (opens in new tab) and Google’s Cloud Data Processing Addendum (opens in new tab). Should you have a concern or complaint about SENSE please email or write to SENSE. You can also find more detailed answers to any questions you may have via our Q&A page, accessible from the button below. If you want to complain about a gambling business or need further help please contact us. We are unable to provide refunds for any money you have spent gambling.
- Please read these Terms carefully before you access our site or use GAMSTOP.
- In total, GamStop covers over 250 UKGC-licensed operators, which between them operate hundreds of individual gambling websites and brands.
- Like self-exclusion, cooling-off periods cannot be reversed early.
- The gambling habit may have been filling significant time, providing emotional relief, or serving as a social activity.
- It is important to provide all email addresses and contact details you have used with gambling operators to ensure comprehensive coverage.
You can exclude yourself from specific operators or all gambling operators in the UK. At Phone Bill Casino the option of online gambling provides an immense thrill and the opportunity to meet other players through the bingo or casino communities. GAMSTOP is a free service that enables you to Self-Exclude from participating online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. All UK-licensed operators are required to check GamStop on registration and at login. You can extend your exclusion period or update your contact details by logging into your GamStop account. It’s a free service that allows you to block yourself from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps with a single registration.
Recognising the signs early and taking action is the most effective way to prevent gambling-related harm. Problem gambling affects approximately 0.3% of the UK adult population, according to the Gambling Commission’s latest statistics. Whether you are a casual player looking to maintain healthy habits or someone who is concerned about their gambling, this page is for you. At Accord Global, we are committed to promoting safer gambling practices. The moment gambling shifts from something you enjoy into something you feel you need to do, or something you rely on as a source of income, it has crossed a line. This integration provides a comprehensive approach to tackling gambling addiction.
This means every legitimate gambling operator in Great Britain must participate and check against the GamStop database. Stay ahead of the game with expert casino and sports betting site reviews, betting tips, where to find the best welcome offers and more on Gambling Zone. A notice is sent directly to all online sites so they will block you without you having to contact them directly.
It offers players the opportunity to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling at a national level through a single registration process. Self-exclusion does not prevent you from gambling with unlicensed operators — always check that any gambling site holds a Gambling Commission licence. Self-exclusion is legally binding on operators — if an operator allows you to gamble during your exclusion period, report it to the Gambling Commission.
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.
When you self-exclude via GamStop, you are excluded from every UKGC-licensed online gambling site in the UK in one step. Registering with GAMSTOP blocks you from accessing every UKGC-licensed online casino, sportsbook, bingo site and lottery for a period you choose — 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. GAMSTOP is the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme covering every UKGC-licensed casino.
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.
If you have listed yourself on GamStop and want to withdraw your remaining balance, you can contact the operator directly. While GamStop may have some slight drawbacks, it has proven to be an effective tool for players who encounter issues with gambling. However, if you do find that you are receiving promotions you can contact customer support of the site you are getting these from and they will ensure they are stopped. This means you will actively need to re-open your accounts.
This means that major brands such as Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Sky Bet, and hundreds of others are all required to honour GamStop registrations. Operators and schemes are expected to handle data responsibly and use it to apply protections. Self-exclusion involves sharing personal identifying information so restrictions can be enforced. If you still receive messages, it can be worth checking your communication preferences and ensuring you are correctly registered with the scheme you chose. This turns self-exclusion into a visible success story you can build on.
We assess these platforms for safety, licensing, game variety, payment methods, customer support, and responsible gambling provisions to help players make informed decisions. However, it is crucial to approach non-GamStop casinos with appropriate caution. Some also offer sports betting, live dealer games, and poker alongside their casino products. These casinos typically hold licences from jurisdictions such as Curacao (through the Curacao eGaming authority), the Malta Gaming Authority, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, or the Government of Anjouan.
Session time limits allow you to set a maximum duration for each playing session — for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours. Once you hit your loss limit, the system blocks further play until the limit period resets. Loss limits cap the net amount you can lose over a daily, weekly, or monthly period.
Upon enrolling in the SENSE scheme, it’s crucial for individuals to understand the implications on casino memberships and marketing communications. Understanding these distinctions ensures individuals can make informed decisions about which scheme best suits their circumstances, reinforcing the gambling industry’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices across all platforms. This comparison highlights the tailored approach each scheme takes to address specific needs within the gambling community. This, coupled with additional support from organizations like GAMCARE, reinforces the network of assistance available, making SENSE a pivotal step for many in their journey towards responsible gambling. This integrated approach not only provides immediate support but also educates on the broader spectrum of resources available, such as MOSES, GAMSTOP, BACTA, and BISES, for informed decision-making regarding gambling habits. The duration of self-exclusion under SENSE is a minimum of six months, extending indefinitely until the individual decides to formally request removal by speaking directly to a casino manager.
It provides an immediate barrier between the individual and gambling activities, reducing the chances of impulsive behavior and financial losses. For the system to be effective, individuals must be honest about their gambling behavior and seek help when needed. One significant limitation is the self-policing nature of self-exclusion, which relies on the individual’s willingness to adhere to the terms of the agreement. While self-exclusion is a valuable tool, it is not without challenges and limitations.
You enter into a formal agreement not to gamble, and it is up to you to stick to your self-exclusion.
When the period ends, the software will either automatically deactivate or prompt you to renew. If you do not request removal, the exclusion auto-extends for 7 years. They also fund research into gambling harm and treatment effectiveness.