GamStop: the complete UK self-exclusion guide

Whether you're registering right now or just researching your options, you'll find clear, honest answers below. We cover what GamStop does and doesn't block, the step-by-step registration process, how to strengthen your exclusion with additional tools, and what happens when your period expires — including a detail most guides miss about automatic extensions.

If you want to register immediately, head to gamstop.co.uk — you can come back to this guide afterwards.

What is GamStop and how does gambling self-exclusion work?

GamStop is a free, voluntary self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from all online gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It's run by the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited (NOSES), an independent non-profit backed by the Gambling Commission.

When you register, your personal details are added to a central database. Every UKGC-licensed operator checks this database when someone tries to log in or create a new account. If your details match, access is denied. This happens across all UKGC-licensed online casinos, betting sites, bingo sites, and gambling apps — not just the ones you've used before.

Registration is entirely your decision. Nobody else can sign you up, and the service is completely confidential. It doesn't appear on any credit file, employment record, or background check.

How long does GamStop last?

You choose one of three exclusion periods when you register:

• 6 months — a short break, useful if you want time to reassess your habits
• 1 year — a more substantial reset period
• 5 years — the longest option, suited to those who want a firm, extended commitment

Once you've chosen, the period cannot be shortened. You can't contact GamStop three months into a one-year exclusion and ask to end it early — this is deliberate, and it's what makes the scheme effective. If you're unsure which to pick, choosing the longer period is generally the safer option. You can always let the full period run its course, but you can never cut it short.

What GamStop covers — and what it doesn't

GamStop covers all UKGC-licensed online gambling, which includes online casinos, sports betting sites, bingo sites, poker rooms, and their associated mobile apps. If a site holds a UKGC licence, it must participate in GamStop.

However, there are notable gaps. GamStop does not cover:

• The National Lottery — including online play at national-lottery.co.uk. To restrict lottery play, you need to self-exclude directly with the lottery operator.
• Land-based betting shops — high-street bookmakers are covered by a separate scheme (see the table below).
• Land-based casinos — physical casinos use the SENSE scheme, which is also separate.
• Non-UKGC-licensed sites — international or offshore operators that don't hold a UK licence are outside GamStop's reach.
• Spread betting platforms — some financial spread betting products are exempt from UKGC licensing.

GamStop also relies on matching your personal details. It's effective, but not infallible — which is why combining it with additional tools (covered below) provides stronger protection.

How to register for GamStop

What you'll need

Registration happens online at gamstop.co.uk. You'll need to provide:

• Your full name (as it appears on gambling accounts)
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Email address
• Mobile phone number

The process takes approximately five minutes. You don't need to provide ID documents, proof of address, or any financial information.

What happens after you register

Once you submit your registration, here's what to expect:

• Your existing accounts will be blocked, typically within 24 hours. Most operators process GamStop registrations within minutes, but some may take up to 24 hours. If you're logged in at the time of registration, you'll be timed out within a few hours.
• Open bets are settled normally. If you have bets running when you register, they'll play out and any winnings will be returned to you.
• Account balances are returned via your most recent deposit method. If the operator can't return funds to that method, they'll contact you to arrange an alternative. If you have funds stuck in an account, contact the operator's customer service directly.
• Marketing from gambling operators should stop, but this isn't always immediate. It's worth contacting any operators you've used directly to confirm your account is closed and marketing is cancelled.

Your GamStop account gives you a dashboard where you can check your exclusion status, update your personal details, and extend your exclusion period. Keep your details current — if you move house, change your name, or get a new email address, update GamStop so the block stays effective.

Making your exclusion stronger

GamStop is effective for what it covers, but combining it with additional tools closes the remaining gaps.

GamBan is free device-level blocking software that prevents your phone, tablet, and computer from accessing gambling websites — including sites that aren't covered by GamStop. Through the TalkBanStop partnership between GamCare, GamStop, and GamBan, you can get GamBan for free. This is the single most effective combination: GamStop blocks your accounts on the operator side, while GamBan blocks access on your device side.

Beyond software, practical steps help too:

• Delete all gambling apps from your devices
• Unsubscribe from gambling email lists and text alerts
• Block or mute gambling accounts on social media
• Ask a trusted person to help you review bank statements for any gambling transactions you might have missed

These aren't signs of weakness — they're practical measures that remove friction. The fewer opportunities you have to act on an impulse, the more effective your exclusion will be.

What happens when GamStop ends — and how to remove self-exclusion

How to remove your exclusion

Once your minimum period has expired, follow these steps:

1. Log into your GamStop account at gamstop.co.uk and confirm your exclusion period has ended
2. Call GamStop on 0800 138 6518 (available Mon–Sun, 10am–8pm, free to call)
3. Verify your identity — GamStop will ask for personal details to confirm you are the account holder
4. A mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period begins — during this time, your exclusion remains active and you can cancel the removal request if you change your mind
5. After 24 hours, your exclusion is lifted and you can access UKGC-licensed gambling sites again
6. Allow a few hours for all operator systems to update — some sites may take slightly longer to reflect the change

How to extend your exclusion

If your period is ending and you'd rather stay excluded, you can extend at any time through your GamStop account. You don't need to call — just log in and select a new period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years). You can also extend before your current period expires if you decide early that you want to continue.

Not sure if you're ready to return?

Deciding whether to remove your exclusion is a significant choice. Before you do, consider taking our PGSI self-assessment quiz — it's a confidential 9-question screening tool used by researchers worldwide that can help you understand your current relationship with gambling. If your score suggests any level of risk, speaking with a GamCare counsellor before making the decision is a sensible step.

There's no rush. If you're not sure, the safest choice is to let the exclusion continue.