GamStop Self-Exclusion: Complete Guide to How It Works in the UK
GamStop is a vital tool for anyone who feels their gambling is becoming problematic. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how GamStop works, how to register, what to expect during your exclusion period, and where to find additional support. Whether you are considering self-exclusion for yourself or want to understand the system to help someone else, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is GamStop?
GamStop is a free, independent self-exclusion scheme for UK residents who want to restrict their online gambling activity. When you register with GamStop, you are blocked from accessing all online gambling websites and apps that hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The scheme was established in 2018 and is operated by the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited, a non-profit organisation. It is funded by the UK gambling industry but operates independently. All UKGC-licensed online gambling operators are legally required to participate in GamStop as a condition of their licence.
GamStop covers a wide range of online gambling activities, including:
- Online casino games (slots, table games, live dealer)
- Sports betting
- Online bingo
- Online poker
- Spread betting
- Lottery betting (not the National Lottery itself)
- Any other gambling activity offered by UKGC-licensed operators online
Key Facts About GamStop
- Cost: Completely free
- Coverage: All UKGC-licensed online gambling sites
- Periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Cancellation: Cannot be cancelled early
- Eligibility: Any UK resident aged 18+
- Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
It is important to note that GamStop only covers online gambling at UKGC-licensed sites. It does not cover land-based gambling venues, the National Lottery, or gambling sites that are not licensed in the UK. We explain these limitations in detail later in this guide.
How to Register with GamStop
Registering with GamStop is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. The process typically takes around 10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the GamStop Website
Go to www.gamstop.co.uk and click the “Register” or “Self-Exclude” button.
Step 2: Provide Your Personal Details
You will need to enter the following information:
- Full name (including any variations you may have used at gambling sites)
- Date of birth
- Email address (all email addresses you have used for gambling accounts)
- Home address (current and any previous addresses used for gambling accounts)
- Phone number
It is crucial that you provide all variations of your details — every email address, every name variation, every address you have used across different gambling sites. GamStop uses this information to match you against gambling operator databases. If you miss a detail, a gambling site might not identify you as self-excluded.
Step 3: Choose Your Exclusion Period
Select your preferred exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. We discuss the implications of each option in the next section.
Step 4: Confirm and Submit
Review your details, confirm your decision, and submit your registration. You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 5: Activation
Your self-exclusion should take effect within 24 hours of registration. Some operators may block you within minutes, while others may take up to 24 hours. During this waiting period, you should close any open gambling sessions and consider using other blocking tools (discussed in the alternatives section) as an interim measure.
Exclusion Periods: 6 Months, 1 Year or 5 Years
GamStop offers three exclusion periods. The right choice depends on your personal circumstances, the severity of your gambling issues, and your recovery goals.
| Period | Best For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Months | Players who want a cooling-off period or are experiencing early signs of problem gambling | Shortest option; may not be sufficient for severe gambling problems; can be extended to a longer period at any time |
| 1 Year | Players with moderate gambling concerns who need meaningful time away from gambling | Provides a substantial break; allows time for habits to change; recommended by many addiction specialists as a minimum |
| 5 Years | Players with serious gambling addiction or those who want maximum protection | Longest available option; provides the most comprehensive protection; recommended for anyone with a diagnosed gambling disorder |
You Cannot Cancel Early
Once you register with GamStop, you cannot cancel or reverse your self-exclusion before the chosen period ends. This is a deliberate safety feature. Many people experiencing gambling addiction have moments where they feel they can “control it” and want to return to gambling prematurely. The inability to cancel early protects against these impulsive decisions. Choose your period carefully, but if in doubt, opt for a longer period.
You can always extend your exclusion period during an active registration. For example, if you initially chose 6 months but feel you need more time, you can log back into GamStop and extend to 1 year or 5 years. However, you cannot shorten an existing period.
What Happens When You Register
Once your GamStop registration is active, the following things happen:
Your Gambling Accounts Are Suspended
All UKGC-licensed gambling operators will receive your self-exclusion data and must block your access. Your existing accounts will be suspended or closed. You will not be able to log in, deposit, place bets, or play any games.
Your Balance Is Returned
The UKGC requires operators to return any remaining balance to self-excluded customers. This should happen automatically, though the timeline varies by operator. If a casino does not return your funds within a reasonable period (typically 30 days), you should contact the operator directly and, if necessary, file a complaint with the UKGC.
Marketing Stops
All UKGC-licensed operators must stop sending you marketing communications (emails, SMS, push notifications, direct mail) within 72 hours of your GamStop registration. If you continue to receive gambling marketing, report it to GamStop and the UKGC.
New Account Creation Is Blocked
You will not be able to open new accounts at UKGC-licensed gambling sites during your exclusion period. Operators are required to check new registrations against the GamStop database and reject anyone who is self-excluded.
It is worth noting that some operators are more diligent than others in implementing GamStop checks. While the vast majority of reputable UKGC-licensed casinos — including all of the sites featured in our best casino sites UK rankings — have robust GamStop integration, occasional failures can occur. We discuss what to do if this happens in the section below.
Limitations of GamStop
While GamStop is an invaluable tool, it is important to understand what it does not cover:
1. Land-Based Gambling
GamStop does not cover physical casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, arcades, or any other land-based gambling venues. For these, you need the MOSES scheme.
2. The National Lottery
GamStop does not block you from purchasing National Lottery tickets (including online via the National Lottery website or app). The National Lottery has its own self-exclusion process available through their website.
3. Non-UKGC-Licensed Sites
GamStop only covers gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Offshore or unlicensed gambling sites are not part of the scheme. This is one of many reasons we strongly advise UK players to only gamble at UKGC-licensed operators, as detailed in our UK casino regulations guide.
4. Gambling-Like Products
GamStop does not cover products that have gambling-like characteristics but are not technically regulated as gambling, such as some cryptocurrency trading platforms or certain loot box mechanics in video games.
5. International Gambling Sites
If you travel abroad, GamStop will not prevent you from accessing gambling sites that are licensed in other jurisdictions but not in the UK.
Strengthening Your Self-Exclusion
Because of these limitations, we recommend using GamStop as part of a broader self-exclusion strategy. Combine it with MOSES for land-based venues, National Lottery self-exclusion, and software blocking tools like Gamban or BetBlocker. See our alternatives section for details.
MOSES: Self-Exclusion for Land-Based Gambling
MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme) is the land-based equivalent of GamStop. It allows you to self-exclude from betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and adult gaming centres in your local area.
Unlike GamStop, which covers all online operators nationally, MOSES works on a regional basis. When you register, you choose the geographical area you want to be excluded from, and all participating venues in that area will be notified.
How MOSES Works
- Visit self-exclusion.co.uk to find your local scheme
- There are separate schemes for betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, and arcades
- You may need to provide a photograph so that venue staff can identify you
- The exclusion period is typically 12 months but can vary by scheme
- Like GamStop, you cannot reverse it early
For comprehensive protection, we strongly recommend registering with both GamStop and MOSES if you are struggling with gambling across online and offline channels.
How to End Your Exclusion
When your chosen GamStop exclusion period expires, your self-exclusion does not automatically end. This is another important safety feature. Here is what happens:
After Your Period Expires
- You remain excluded until you actively request removal
- To end your exclusion, you must log into GamStop and request removal
- There is a 24-hour cooling-off period after you request removal before it takes effect
- During this 24-hour period, you can change your mind and keep the exclusion in place
- Once the 24-hour period passes, your exclusion is lifted and operators may allow you to reactivate your accounts
Important Considerations Before Ending Self-Exclusion
Before ending your GamStop self-exclusion, we strongly recommend:
- Speaking to a counsellor — contact GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline to discuss whether you are ready
- Assessing your financial situation — are you in a stable financial position?
- Considering your emotional state — are you returning to gambling because you genuinely enjoy it as entertainment, or are you feeling the pull of addiction?
- Setting up safeguards — if you do return to gambling, use deposit limits, reality checks and time limits from day one
- Starting small — if you choose to gamble again, start with small stakes and strict limits
Remember: there is no obligation to end your self-exclusion. If you are happy without gambling, you can simply leave your GamStop registration in place indefinitely.
What to Do If a Casino Ignores GamStop
If a UKGC-licensed casino allows you to gamble after you have registered with GamStop, this is a serious regulatory breach. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Document Everything
Take screenshots of your activity, including the casino’s licence number, your account details, and any transactions that occurred after your GamStop registration date.
2. Contact GamStop
Report the breach directly to GamStop via their website or by emailing them. They will investigate and liaise with the operator.
3. Complain to the Casino
File a formal complaint with the casino, clearly stating that you were registered with GamStop at the time of the activity and requesting a refund of any losses.
4. Escalate to the UKGC
If the casino does not resolve your complaint satisfactorily, escalate it to the UK Gambling Commission. You can report a concern via the UKGC website.
5. Contact an ADR Provider
All UKGC-licensed casinos must be registered with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider. You can take your complaint to the ADR provider if direct negotiation with the casino fails.
Your Rights
If a UKGC-licensed casino allowed you to gamble while you were GamStop self-excluded, you may be entitled to a full refund of losses incurred during the period of breach. The UKGC has previously imposed significant fines on operators who failed to implement GamStop correctly. Do not hesitate to pursue this — the regulations exist to protect you.
Alternatives and Additional Tools
GamStop is one part of a comprehensive toolkit available to UK players. Consider using the following tools alongside GamStop for maximum protection:
Gamban
Gamban is a software tool that blocks access to gambling websites and apps on your devices. Unlike GamStop (which relies on operators blocking your accounts), Gamban works at the device level by preventing your phone, tablet or computer from connecting to gambling sites. It is available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Gamban costs a small annual fee, though subsidised and free options may be available for those in treatment.
BetBlocker
BetBlocker is a free, charity-backed gambling blocking app. It works similarly to Gamban, blocking access to over 14,600 gambling websites. It is available on all major platforms and is entirely free to use.
Bank Card Gambling Blocks
Many UK banks now offer the ability to block gambling transactions on your debit card. This prevents you from depositing to gambling sites even if you manage to access them. Banks offering this feature include Monzo, Starling, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and others. Check with your bank about enabling a gambling block.
Individual Casino Self-Exclusion
You can also self-exclude directly with individual casinos through their responsible gambling tools. This adds an extra layer of protection alongside GamStop, particularly at sites where you had active accounts.
National Lottery Self-Exclusion
Since GamStop does not cover the National Lottery, you can self-exclude separately via the National Lottery website if needed.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling problems, the following organisations offer free, confidential support:
| Organisation | Contact | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline | 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) | Confidential advice and support for problem gamblers and their families |
| GamCare | gamcare.org.uk | Counselling, online chat, forums, and treatment referrals |
| BeGambleAware | begambleaware.org | Information, treatment directory, self-assessment tools |
| Gamblers Anonymous | gamblersanonymous.org.uk | Peer support groups (online and in-person) |
| Gordon Moody | gordonmoody.org.uk | Residential treatment programmes for severe gambling addiction |
| Citizens Advice | citizensadvice.org.uk | Free legal and debt advice related to gambling |
For more information, visit our dedicated responsible gambling page.
Frequently Asked Questions About GamStop
Answers to the most common questions about GamStop self-exclusion in the UK.
GamStop is a free, independent self-exclusion scheme that allows UK residents to block their access to all UKGC-licensed online gambling websites and apps. When you register, you choose an exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. All licensed online gambling operators in the UK are required to participate in GamStop as a condition of their licence. The scheme is funded by the gambling industry but operated independently.
No. Once you register with GamStop, you cannot cancel or reverse your self-exclusion before the chosen period ends. This is a deliberate design feature to protect vulnerable players from impulsive decisions to return to gambling prematurely. You can, however, extend your exclusion period at any time. For example, if you chose 6 months, you can extend to 1 year or 5 years.
No. GamStop only covers online gambling at UKGC-licensed websites and apps. For self-exclusion from land-based venues (casinos, betting shops, bingo halls and arcades), you need to use the MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme). You can find your local MOSES scheme at self-exclusion.co.uk. We recommend registering with both GamStop and MOSES for comprehensive protection.
Yes. GamStop is completely free for all UK residents. There is no cost to register, maintain or eventually end your self-exclusion. The service is funded by contributions from the gambling industry and administered independently. You will never be asked to pay any fee at any stage of the process.
When you register with GamStop, your existing gambling accounts will be suspended. The UKGC requires licensed operators to return any remaining balance to self-excluded customers. This should happen automatically via your original deposit method. If an operator fails to return your balance within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days), contact them directly. If they still do not cooperate, file a complaint with the UKGC.
This is a serious regulatory breach. Document everything (screenshots of your activity, deposit receipts, the casino’s licence number). Report the issue to GamStop, file a formal complaint with the casino requesting a refund of losses, and escalate to the UKGC if needed. You may be entitled to recover all losses incurred during the period when the casino should have blocked you. The UKGC takes these breaches very seriously and has issued significant fines to non-compliant operators.
No. GamStop registration is completely confidential and has no impact on your credit score, credit history or any financial records. Your GamStop status is not shared with credit reference agencies, employers, insurers or anyone outside the GamStop system. The only organisations that receive your GamStop data are UKGC-licensed gambling operators, and they use it solely for the purpose of blocking your access to their services.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal or financial advice. If you are experiencing gambling problems, please seek professional help from the organisations listed above. GamStop procedures and policies may change — always refer to the official GamStop website for the most current information. For help with gambling-related issues, call the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) or visit BeGambleAware.org.