Guide
GAMSTOP: how national self-exclusion works
How the free national self-exclusion scheme works, how long an exclusion lasts and what to put in place alongside it.
GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. One registration blocks your access to accounts on every participating gambling website and app, and since 31 March 2020 every online operator licensed by the Gambling Commission has been required to take part. You choose an exclusion of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and it cannot be cancelled early.
If you are thinking about GAMSTOP because gambling has stopped feeling like a choice, the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day. More support is listed on the responsible gambling page.
What GAMSTOP does
Registering with GAMSTOP blocks your access to accounts with participating operators for the length of the exclusion you choose. Operators also state it in their own terms; 666 Casino's, for example, say that players registered with GAMSTOP cannot open an account. The scheme covers online casinos, slots, bingo and betting run by GB-licensed businesses, through both websites and apps.
A separate scheme covers betting shops on the high street. GAMSTOP itself is for online gambling only.
How to register
Registration takes place at gamstop.co.uk and costs nothing. You provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, address and email so that operators can match you. You then pick an exclusion period and confirm. While it takes effect, it is sensible to log out of any open gambling sessions and remove gambling apps from your phone.
Giving accurate details matters, because operators need to be able to match the accounts they hold to your registration. Use the same name, address and email you use with gambling sites, including any previous addresses where you have held accounts.
Exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year or 5 years
| Period | Can it be shortened? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | No | The minimum period |
| 1 year | No | A middle option |
| 5 years | No | Can be set to renew automatically |
The fixed minimum is deliberate. The urge to gamble often returns in waves, and a block that could be lifted on request would offer little protection on a bad day. Before choosing, think about which period gives you time to rebuild habits and finances, rather than the shortest one that feels manageable.
GAMSTOP, operator self-exclusion and time-outs
GAMSTOP is one of several tools, and they work at different levels:
- Time-out or take a break. Pauses one account for a short period, often from 24 hours to around six weeks.
- Operator self-exclusion. Closes your account with one operator, and often its sister brands, for months or years. Magical Vegas, for instance, lists its own self-exclusion of 6 months to 5 years.
- GAMSTOP. Applies the exclusion across all GB-licensed online operators at once.
Many people use more than one. Self-excluding with an operator closes that account immediately, while GAMSTOP stops new accounts being opened elsewhere. The deposit limits and time-outs guide explains the lighter tools for people who want to keep playing within firm limits.
Making the exclusion stronger
GAMSTOP covers licensed online gambling, but other steps help close remaining gaps:
- Ask your bank about a gambling block on your debit card or account. Many banks offer one in their app.
- Install blocking software on your phone and computer.
- Unsubscribe from gambling emails and texts. Operators must remove self-excluded customers from marketing, and that includes affiliate lists.
- Tell someone you trust, so you are not managing it alone.
- Talk to GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) about free counselling and support.
What this site does
Every casino reviewed here is licensed by the Gambling Commission and takes part in GAMSTOP. This site does not list, review or link to gambling sites outside that system, and it does not publish anything about getting round self-exclusion. If you are excluded, the right thing for us to do is to stay out of your way. If you are close to someone who gambles, GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline also support family and friends.
Questions readers ask
Does it cost anything to register with GAMSTOP?
Yes. Registration at gamstop.co.uk costs nothing.
Can I cancel GAMSTOP early?
No. Once registered, an exclusion of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years runs for its full length and cannot be cancelled early.
Does GAMSTOP cover all UK gambling sites?
It covers websites and apps of all online operators licensed by the Gambling Commission, which have had to take part since 31 March 2020. Betting shops have a separate scheme.
Does GAMSTOP close accounts I already have?
GAMSTOP blocks access to accounts with participating operators for the length of the exclusion. Self-excluding directly with an operator as well closes that account straight away.
Where can I get help alongside GAMSTOP?
The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare, is free and open 24 hours a day by phone and live chat.