Self-exclusion with GAMSTOP

We are operated by a not-for-profit company called The Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme Ltd. Responsibility for sticking with this lies with you, but you can expect the gambling operator to do all they reasonably can to prevent you from gambling. Self-exclusion is a process whereby you can ask a gambling operator to exclude you from gambling with them for a set length of time. I also registered so he can’t use my details to gamble online, which gives me a sense of security. My partner registered with Gamstop to get his gambling under control. Even if you feel in control of your gambling, you might want to take a break to save some money or focus on other things in your life.

When you apply for a mortgage or a significant loan, the lender will typically review your bank statements from the previous three to six months. Cryptocurrency withdrawals are typically completed within minutes, while card and e-wallet transactions are processed within 24 hours. It provides enough time to step back, reassess your relationship with gambling, and develop healthier habits. This option is designed for individuals who feel they need a temporary break from online gambling to regain control. The process is designed to be straightforward, but there are several important nuances that players should be aware of before committing to registration. We shall explore these limitations in considerable detail later in this guide. Take control of your gambling by blocking your access to accounts on gambling websites and apps – it’s free, quick, and easy. There is no process to reverse a six-month exclusion after two months.

In December 2025, The Guardian reported on foreign-registered gambling websites which circumvent the scheme. A 2019 investigation by the BBC found that a gambler who self-referred was still able to gamble by changing their user details, such as misspelling their surname. In early 2026, Gamstop reported a 40% increase in self-exclusion requests from gamblers aged in the second half of 2025. For those with concerns about the time and money they spend gambling in betting shops, we can help you make a commitment to Union Jackpots Casino stay away from services and premises. Our service allows people to self-exclude from multiple betting shops with just one phone call.

The Registration Process

The scheme represents a significant step forward in responsible gambling infrastructure. GamStop currently covers over 400 gambling websites and applications across the United Kingdom. Those operators are legally obligated to check the GamStop database and prevent anyone who is registered from opening an account, placing a bet, or accessing gambling services on their platform. Before GamStop was introduced, anyone wishing to self-exclude from online gambling had to contact each individual operator separately — a process that was both time-consuming and easily circumvented. GamStop is a free, independent self-exclusion scheme designed specifically for residents of Great Britain.

One year is often recommended for individuals who have identified a more established pattern of problematic gambling behaviour. After six months, you can request removal, subject to the 24-hour cooling-off period. New operators are added to the scheme as they obtain their UKGC licences, meaning the coverage continues to expand over time. As of 2026, the scheme covers over 400 individual gambling websites and applications. This includes standalone bingo sites as well as bingo sections operated within larger gambling platforms. This includes household names and well-established brands that British players will be familiar with.

UK Gambling Guides

GamStop is suitable for people experiencing problem gambling, those who want a preventative measure, or anyone who simply wants to take time away from online betting. Problem gambling, sometimes called gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is characterised by an inability to control gambling behaviour despite negative consequences. While six months may seem short, it provides enough time for most people to break the habit cycle and reassess their relationship with gambling. However, it is worth noting that six months can pass quickly, and some people find that a longer exclusion gives them more time to establish genuinely sustainable changes in their behaviour. Learn exactly how GamStop works, what it blocks, its limitations, and what alternatives exist for players who want to gamble outside the system. GAMBAN (gamban.com) blocks gambling websites at the device level.

Everything you need to know about the UK's national self-exclusion scheme — how it works, how to register, exclusion periods, cancellation, limitations, and what alternatives exist for players. During that time, UKGC-licensed operators are legally required to block your account, prevent you from creating new accounts, and cease sending you marketing communications. Their website at offers practical tools and advice for managing gambling behaviour, including self-assessment questionnaires, budgeting tools, and information about treatment services. However, Gamban only works on devices where it is installed, so it does not prevent gambling on devices that you do not own or control. Gamban is a device-level blocking tool that prevents access to gambling websites and applications across your computers, smartphones, and tablets. Below is a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire registration process from start to finish.