What Is GamStop? Complete UK Self-Exclusion Guide 2026
Understanding the differences between these periods is essential before making your choice, as the decision is binding for the duration you select. However, as with any system, determined individuals may find workarounds — which is why GamStop should be viewed as one tool among several in managing gambling behaviour, not as a complete solution on its own. Operators use a combination of identity verification checks to enforce GamStop exclusions.
It is remarkably easy to lose track of time when playing online. Meetings are held across the UK, both in person and online, and are run by people who have experienced gambling addiction themselves. Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free online counselling and support through live advisors and peer support groups.
If you wish to self-exclude from a specific gambling website, there are two ways in which you can do this, with the quickest and easiest being to do so online. By self-excluding from gambling sites, and we would recommend using GAMSTOP to blanket self-exclude, there are several benefits, all pointing to the fact that you can concentrate on addressing problems with gambling. It is possible to self-exclude across all UK gambling sites using the GAMSTOP service. Players at an online casino should be able to self-exclude online by checking a box, or over the telephone in line with the Gambling Commission’s regulations. While SENSE is an effective tool for controlling land-based casino gambling, some players may look for alternative ways to gamble online. If you decide to extend your self-exclusion period, this form will come in handy.
You understand that Gambling Operators do not have to prevent you from accessing gambling platforms during this time, but they may choose to prevent you from accessing gambling platforms outside of GAMSTOP. You understand that if you have withdrawable funds remaining in your gambling accounts once your self-exclusion has been activated, it is the responsibility of the Gambling Operator and not GAMSTOP to return these funds to you. You understand and agree that our ability to assist in preventing you from accessing Gambling Operators’ services may be hampered if you do not provide us, at the point of registration and during your self-exclusion, accurate and up-to-date Registration Information.
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With a Self-Exclusion you can block your account from some or all of our products, from six months to five years, or permanently (only available when selecting an ‘all product’ Self-Exclusion)… If you want to stop gambling for longer than 30 days, you can make that happen. Can I still use your Sky Games (Super 6) if I do an all product self-exclusion?
One form covers slots, casino tables, bingo, poker, and sports betting across the entire licensed market. There are hundreds of UK-licensed casinos, and the moment you ban yourself from one, three others appear in your search results. DISCLAIMER – All offers, promotions, and bonuses featured on this site are governed by the terms and conditions of the respective casino operators and are subject to change. As a reminder, UK-licensed gambling sites are required to follow strict regulations set out by the UK Gambling Commission to protect players. It’s a commitment to block oneself from accessing gambling sites, aiming to prevent further losses. Have you ever wondered if you could reclaim money lost while gambling online after signing up for self-exclusion?
If you self-exclude with either Grosvenor Casinos, or Mecca Bingo, or any other of our online brands, we strongly advise to also exclude yourself from any other gambling venues or websites where you otherwise play or bet. Our Grosvenor Casinos, Mecca bingo clubs and our online sites all offer the option to self-exclude yourself, which is an enforced break from gambling. It blocks access to your account and prevents gambling activity for a set period. It allows you to restrict access to your account for a set period of time, preventing further deposits and gameplay during that period. When you register, you are excluded from all participating casinos for the length of time you choose. Regardless, you play at an online casino or from a land-based venue in the UK; you will be required to register with a self-exclusion scheme.
Non GamStop casinos are online gambling platforms that operate under international licences rather than a UKGC licence. Once your exclusion is lifted, you can reopen your gambling accounts or create new ones at UKGC-licensed operators. GamStop is the United Kingdom’s free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. Everything you need to know about the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. It allows you to register once and be automatically excluded from all online gambling sites that hold a UKGC licence — which includes virtually every legitimate UK-facing operator. GamStop only covers online gambling operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
Can you remove self-exclusion agreement?
Deciding to self-exclude from an online casino can feel like a significant step — and it is. 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. Unlicensed offshore casinos are not bound by GAMSTOP. UKGC-licensed casinos must refund any deposits made by a GAMSTOP-registered player.
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.
Once you have activated a time-out/cool-off, you cannot cancel it. Therefore, you will not be able to deposit or gamble, though you may be able to withdraw funds by contacting customer support. You may also see it referred to by a different name, for example, a time-out. Permanent account closure is recommended if you are sure you never want to use your account again.
Free, instant, and the most comprehensive single-step solution for online gambling. GAMSTOP is the UK’s free national self-exclusion scheme. Total number of self-exclusions added to the scheme during the reporting period. For those with concerns about the time and money they spend gambling in betting shops, we can help you make a commitment to stay away from services and premises. The self-exclusion scheme for betting shops in the UK is run by the Multi-Operator Self Exclusion Scheme Ltd. Self-exclusion is widely accepted as an important tool for customers who have recognised that they have a problem with their gambling and wish to be supported in their decision to stop.
Summary and final advice
Operators who fail to enforce self-exclusion face regulatory action including fines. Self-exclusion operates within a clear legal framework. Most allow removal through the banking app, though Monzo imposes a 48-hour cooling-off period.
- If you are self-excluded from UK casinos and are looking for legal online gambling options, you might consider playing at online casinos not on GamStop.
- Not everyone is ready for full exclusion, and that’s fine—deposit limits are a sensible first line of defence.
- As a reminder, UK-licensed gambling sites are required to follow strict regulations set out by the UK Gambling Commission to protect players.
- If this is not possible to answer…please could you tell me how many people in the UK are self-excluded from M.O.S.E.S – The Multi-operator-self-exclusion-scheme.
- It is considered an important harm-reduction strategy and is often used in conjunction with other measures such as counseling, financial restrictions, and support groups.
- While self-exclusion is a valuable tool, it is not without challenges and limitations.
The obvious difficulties lie in the inherent nature of gambling addiction, because it is the player’s responsibility to inform the operator. Upon re-instating your account, you will enter into a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before being able to gamble. Our team will be able to assist you and re-instate your account after the Self-Exclusion period has ended. Your account will remain excluded until you choose to reach out to us. We will do all we reasonably can to prevent you from setting up new accounts and gambling and you’ll also be unable to undo your Self-Exclusion once it’s started.
Every casino operating legally in the UK must check new registrations and active accounts against the GamStop database. After this period, you need to apply for reinstatement at Grosvenor Casinos or any other casinos you wish to visit. The significance of engaging with SENSE, and self-exclusion schemes in general, transcends mere participation; it embodies a proactive step towards recovery and a deeper understanding of gambling’s impact on individuals and society. As we conclude, it’s imperative to recognize the broader implications of such schemes in cultivating a culture of awareness and support for gambling addiction. Whether it’s reaching out to helplines, embracing self-exclusion schemes, or leveraging technology to shield against gambling triggers, the key is to take that first step towards seeking help. Each of these programs complements the SENSE scheme, offering comprehensive support for individuals seeking to manage their gambling activities across various platforms.
GAMSTOP is an online multi-operator self-exclusion scheme and has been available since April 2018. All bonuses, loyalty points and promotion opt-ins will be forfeited and will not be reinstated if your account is reopened after the self-exclusion period. It is also very simple to self-exclude yourself from our online casino and bingo sites.
Most of these 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.
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.
There is no fee to register, no fee to remain enrolled, and no fee to reactivate when your period ends. If after going through the cooling-off process you find yourself uncertain, you can always re-register with GamStop. Self-exclusion is not designed to be easy to reverse — that’s part of why it works. Free and confidential support is available regardless of where you are in your journey.
This is a process where you can dispute a transaction, potentially recovering funds if they were used improperly. If you suspect your account has been used to gamble fraudulently—perhaps without your knowledge or consent—it opens not on gamstop up a different option. Even if you are self-excluded, losses from normal gameplay remain your responsibility. Always remember, the path to responsible gambling is through understanding and respecting the tools designed to protect you, rather than seeking refunds after the fact. Instead, it’s crucial to focus on the integrity of self-exclusion measures and ensuring they are robust enough to work effectively. Though it may sound promising, the reality is that such a refund policy specific to self-excluded players simply does not exist.
This will block your access to any online gambling sites and as such reduce the temptation of registering with another. For many operators there is an automatic minimum 6 months exclusion period, but you can request more. If you then attempt to access your account it will be blocked by the operator for that predetermined period of time, which is usually between six months and five years. The premise is pretty simple, in that you can choose to contact a gambling operator and block yourself from playing or betting on that site for a specific period of time. This is where the idea of being able to opt out of casino gaming comes into play, by blocking gambling sites; so let us tell you a little more about the self-exclusion process. GamStop covers every single online gambling operator licensed in Great Britain.
A player who registered because of excessive slot play will also be excluded from regulated sports betting, poker, bingo, and every other online gambling product. Six months may feel manageable at the point of registration, but it’s worth noting that the exclusion covers all UKGC online gambling — not just the site or game type that prompted the decision. However, its success largely depends on the individual’s commitment to the process and the comprehensive implementation of the exclusion measures by gambling operators. Through self-exclusion, individuals can restrict their access to both online gambling platforms and traditional gambling establishments, offering a comprehensive approach to safeguarding their well-being. Self-exclusion at Online Casinos is a vital process for promoting responsible gambling, allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gambling activities for a specified period. GAMSTOP is a free service that enables you to self-exclude from participating online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
Recovery from problem gambling is not only possible but is achieved by thousands of people in the UK every year. Third, consider self-exclusion through GamStop as an immediate practical step. Second, contact a professional support organisation such as GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline.