Everything you need to know about the UK's free self-exclusion scheme — how it works, who it covers, the registration process, duration options, and what it means for non-GamStop casinos.
JW
James WhitfieldSenior Casino Reviewer| Updated: May 14, 2026
We’ve researched every aspect of the UK’s GamStop self-exclusion scheme — how it works, duration options, limitations, and what it means for players looking at offshore casinos.
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Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links to non-GamStop casinos. If you click through and register, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our editorial content. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only.
What Is GamStop?
GamStop is a free self-exclusion scheme operated in the United Kingdom that allows individuals to restrict their access to all online gambling websites and applications licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It was launched in April 2018 as a centralised tool to help people who feel they may have a problem with online gambling.
Before GamStop existed, players who wanted to self-exclude had to contact each individual gambling operator separately — a tedious and often ineffective process. GamStop changed this by providing a single registration point that simultaneously blocks you from every UKGC-licensed online gambling site.
The scheme is administered by the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited, a not-for-profit company. All operators holding a UKGC licence are legally required to participate in GamStop as a condition of their licence. This means that when you register with GamStop, your self-exclusion is enforced across hundreds of gambling websites simultaneously.
⚠️ Key Point
GamStop is a serious commitment. Once you register, you cannot reverse or shorten your chosen exclusion period. If you select 5 years, you must wait the full 5 years before you can request removal. Think carefully before registering.
At its core, GamStop serves as a safety net for vulnerable gamblers. It removes the temptation of online gambling by ensuring that UKGC-licensed operators prevent you from opening new accounts, depositing funds, or placing bets during your exclusion period. The scheme also requires operators to remove you from marketing communications.
How Does GamStop Work?
Understanding the mechanics of GamStop is important whether you are considering registering or simply want to know how the system operates. Here is a detailed breakdown of how the scheme functions.
The Technical Process
When you register with GamStop, your personal details are added to a centralised database. This database is shared with all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators. Each operator is required to check new registrations and existing accounts against the GamStop database at regular intervals.
If your details match an existing gambling account, the operator must close or suspend that account and prevent you from creating new ones. This matching process uses the personal information you provide during registration, including your name, date of birth, email addresses, home address, and phone number.
What Happens When You Register
Account Closure: All your existing accounts at UKGC-licensed online gambling sites are identified and suspended or closed. Any pending bets may be voided or settled depending on the operator's policy.
Marketing Removal: You are removed from all marketing communications, including promotional emails, SMS messages, and push notifications from UKGC-licensed operators.
New Account Prevention: You are prevented from opening new accounts at any UKGC-licensed gambling site for the duration of your exclusion.
Fund Access: Any remaining balance in your accounts should still be accessible. Operators are required to allow you to withdraw existing funds even after your GamStop exclusion takes effect.
Timeframe for Activation
GamStop states that your self-exclusion should take effect within 24 hours of registration. However, in practice, some operators may take slightly longer to process the exclusion. During this window, it is your responsibility to refrain from gambling. If you find that a particular site has not blocked you after 24 hours, you should contact GamStop directly to report the issue.
💡 Important to Know
GamStop only covers online gambling. It does not prevent you from visiting land-based casinos, betting shops, or buying National Lottery tickets. For land-based self-exclusion, you need to use separate schemes such as SENSE (for casinos) or the Betting Self-Exclusion Scheme (for betting shops).
GamStop Registration Process
Registering with GamStop is straightforward and takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process.
Information You Will Need
Before starting the registration, gather the following information:
Full legal name — including any previous names or aliases you have used at gambling sites
Date of birth
Email address(es) — provide all email addresses you have ever used to register at gambling sites
Home address — including any previous addresses used at gambling sites
Phone number(s) — provide all numbers associated with gambling accounts
Postcode
Step-by-Step Registration
Visit the GamStop website: Navigate to www.gamstop.co.uk and click on the registration button.
Enter your personal details: Complete the registration form with all the information listed above. The more details you provide, the more effective the exclusion will be.
Choose your exclusion period: Select from 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Remember, this choice cannot be reversed or shortened once confirmed.
Confirm your registration: Review your details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation email.
Verify your email: Click the verification link sent to your email to activate your self-exclusion.
⚠️ Accuracy Matters
Provide every email address, phone number, and address you have ever used at any gambling site. GamStop matches your details against operator databases. If you used a different email at a particular site and did not include it in your GamStop registration, that account may not be blocked. Be thorough to ensure complete coverage.
What Happens After Registration
Once registered, your details are circulated to all UKGC-licensed operators. Within 24 hours, your existing accounts should be suspended and you should be unable to create new ones. You will also stop receiving gambling-related marketing from these operators. GamStop will send you a confirmation once the process is complete.
Duration Options: 6 Months, 1 Year, or 5 Years
GamStop offers three self-exclusion periods. Each serves a different purpose depending on your circumstances and the severity of your gambling concerns.
Feature
6 Months
1 Year
5 Years
Duration
6 months from registration
12 months from registration
5 years from registration
Best For
Taking a short break from gambling
Addressing developing gambling habits
Serious gambling problems requiring extended support
Can Be Shortened?
No
No
No
Can Be Extended?
Yes, contact GamStop
Yes, contact GamStop
Yes, contact GamStop
Auto-Expires?
No — must request removal
No — must request removal
No — must request removal
Cooling-Off Period
24 hours after removal request
24 hours after removal request
24 hours after removal request
6-Month Exclusion
The shortest option, a 6-month exclusion is typically chosen by players who recognise they need a temporary break from online gambling. This might suit someone who has been spending more than they intended but does not consider themselves to have a serious addiction. It provides enough time to step back, reassess, and develop healthier habits.
1-Year Exclusion
A year-long exclusion offers a more substantial break. This period is often recommended for players who have developed concerning gambling patterns — such as chasing losses, gambling with money they cannot afford to lose, or feeling unable to stop. A full year provides time for meaningful behaviour change and, if needed, professional counselling.
5-Year Exclusion
The maximum exclusion period is designed for individuals with serious gambling problems. This option is recommended by gambling addiction counsellors for players who have experienced significant financial, emotional, or relationship damage due to gambling. The extended timeframe provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
📚 Expert Advice
If you are unsure which period to choose, err on the side of caution and select a longer period. You can always request removal once the period expires, but you cannot shorten it. Many gambling counsellors recommend the 1-year minimum as 6 months is often not long enough to establish new habits.
Which Operators Participate in GamStop?
All online gambling operators holding a licence from the UK Gambling Commission are legally required to participate in GamStop. This is a condition of their licence under the UKGC's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Failure to comply can result in regulatory action, fines, or licence revocation.
Operators Covered by GamStop
The following types of operators are covered:
Online casinos with UKGC licences (e.g., Bet365, William Hill, 888casino, Betfair Casino)
As of 2026, over 300 online gambling operators participate in GamStop, covering the vast majority of gambling websites that actively target UK players.
Operators NOT Covered by GamStop
The following are not covered:
Offshore casinos licensed by Curaçao, Malta (MGA), Anjouan, or other non-UK jurisdictions
Land-based casinos and betting shops in the UK
The National Lottery and its online products
Society lotteries and charity raffles
Football pools
Peer-to-peer betting on unregulated platforms
Limitations of GamStop
While GamStop is an important tool for player protection, it has several well-documented limitations that users should be aware of.
1. Online Only
GamStop exclusively covers online gambling. If you walk into a Grosvenor Casino, visit a Betfred shop, or purchase a lottery ticket at a corner shop, GamStop will not prevent you. For comprehensive self-exclusion, you need to combine GamStop with land-based schemes.
2. Dependent on Accurate Information
GamStop relies on matching your personal details against operator databases. If you used different details (a different email, an old address, or a nickname) at certain gambling sites, those accounts may not be identified and blocked. This is why providing comprehensive information during registration is critical.
3. Does Not Cover Offshore Operators
Casinos and betting sites that operate under non-UKGC licences are not part of the GamStop scheme. These operators, commonly referred to as "non-GamStop casinos," are licensed by jurisdictions such as Curaçao, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or Anjouan. A player registered with GamStop can still access these sites.
4. No Financial Controls
GamStop does not block gambling transactions from your bank account or payment methods. Even while registered, you could theoretically make payments to gambling-related services. For financial controls, you would need to contact your bank directly and request gambling transaction blocks.
5. Possible Delays in Coverage
New gambling operators entering the UK market may take time to integrate with GamStop. While the UKGC requires compliance before a licence is issued, there can be brief windows where a newly licensed operator has not yet fully implemented GamStop checks.
6. No Mobile App Blocking
GamStop does not remove gambling apps from your phone or tablet. After registering, you should manually delete any gambling apps to reduce temptation. Some players also use third-party software such as Gamban to block gambling websites and apps at the device level.
💡 Complementary Tools
For more comprehensive protection, consider combining GamStop with: Gamban (blocks gambling sites on your devices), bank gambling blocks (prevents transactions), and SENSE/Betting Self-Exclusion (covers land-based venues). Together, these create a much stronger barrier than GamStop alone.
GamStop vs Other Self-Exclusion Schemes
GamStop is just one of several self-exclusion schemes available in the UK. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right combination for your needs.
Scheme
Coverage
Duration Options
Cost
GamStop
All UKGC-licensed online gambling
6 months, 1 year, 5 years
Free
SENSE
Land-based casinos in Great Britain
6 months minimum
Free
Betting Self-Exclusion
Licensed betting shops (high street)
6 months to 5 years
Free
MOSES
Online bingo operators
6 months to 5 years
Free
Gamban
Device-level blocking of gambling websites and apps
1 year or more
Free (funded by GambleAware)
GamStop's primary advantage over other schemes is its breadth of coverage within the online space. A single GamStop registration blocks you from hundreds of online operators, whereas other schemes require separate registration at each venue or operate within a specific sector. However, its limitation to online gambling means that a comprehensive self-exclusion strategy should combine multiple schemes.
GamStop and Non-GamStop Casinos
One of the most frequently discussed aspects of GamStop is its relationship with non-GamStop casinos. This section explains what non-GamStop casinos are and how they relate to the self-exclusion scheme.
What Are Non-GamStop Casinos?
Non-GamStop casinos are online gambling sites that are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Instead, they hold licences from international gambling authorities such as the Curaçao eGaming Authority, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or the Anjouan Gambling Licensing Authority. Because they do not hold UKGC licences, they are not legally required to participate in the GamStop scheme.
Why Do People Use Non-GamStop Casinos?
People choose non-GamStop casinos for various reasons:
Fewer restrictions: Non-GamStop casinos typically offer larger bonuses, higher deposit limits, and fewer mandatory affordability checks than UKGC-regulated sites.
Wider game selection: Many non-GamStop casinos offer games from providers that are not available at UK-regulated sites, including crypto-native games and higher-RTP slots.
Cryptocurrency support: Non-GamStop casinos often offer comprehensive crypto payment options, which many UKGC-licensed sites do not.
Privacy: Some players prefer the reduced identity verification requirements at certain offshore casinos.
Our Recommended Non-GamStop Casinos
If you are looking for reputable non-GamStop casinos, we have personally tested and verified the following operators for safety, game quality, and payout reliability:
If you have registered with GamStop because you have a gambling problem, we strongly encourage you to seek help rather than looking for ways to gamble at non-GamStop sites. GamStop exists to protect vulnerable players. If you need support, contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7) or visit BeGambleAware.org.
How to Cancel GamStop
Cancelling your GamStop self-exclusion is not as simple as unregistering. The process has been deliberately designed with safeguards to prevent impulsive decisions. Here is how it works.
When Can You Cancel?
You can only request removal from GamStop after your chosen exclusion period has fully elapsed. If you registered for 6 months, you must wait the full 6 months. If you selected 5 years, you must wait the full 5 years. There is no early cancellation process under any circumstances.
The Removal Process
Confirm your period has expired: Check that your chosen exclusion period has passed. If you are unsure of your registration date, contact GamStop directly.
Contact GamStop: Reach out to GamStop via their website, email, or telephone to request removal from the scheme.
Mandatory cooling-off period: After your request, there is a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period. This gives you time to reconsider. Your exclusion remains active during this period.
Removal confirmation: After the cooling-off period, GamStop will process your removal and notify all participating operators. You should then be able to reactivate or create new accounts at UKGC-licensed sites.
It is important to note that even after removal from GamStop, individual operators may retain their own records of your self-exclusion. Some operators have policies that prevent reactivation of previously self-excluded accounts, regardless of GamStop status. This varies between operators.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Whether or not you decide to use GamStop, responsible gambling should always be a priority. Here are the key organisations that offer free, confidential support to UK residents.
📞
GamCare
Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families. Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7). Also offers online chat support at gamcare.org.uk.
🌐
BeGambleAware
Information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling. Provides access to free treatment and support services across the UK. Visit begambleaware.org.
🤝
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Free peer support group meetings (in-person and online) for anyone who wants to stop gambling. No registration required. Visit gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
For our full responsible gambling resource page, including self-assessment tools and further guidance, visit: Responsible Gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions About GamStop
GamStop is a free self-exclusion scheme for UK residents that allows you to restrict your access to all UKGC-licensed online gambling websites and apps. Once registered, all participating operators must block you from gambling for your chosen period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
GamStop offers three self-exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Your exclusion does not automatically expire at the end of the period. You must actively contact GamStop to request removal, and there is a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before the exclusion is lifted.
No. Once you have registered with GamStop, you cannot cancel or reduce your chosen self-exclusion period. If you selected 5 years, you must wait the full 5 years before you can request removal. This is by design to protect vulnerable players from impulsive decisions.
No. GamStop only covers online gambling operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It does not cover land-based casinos, betting shops, the National Lottery, non-UKGC licensed offshore casinos, or gambling sites licensed in other jurisdictions such as Curaçao or Malta.
GamStop covers online gambling only. SENSE covers land-based casinos in Great Britain. The Betting Self-Exclusion Scheme covers licensed betting shops. MOSES covers online bingo sites specifically. GamStop is unique in being a single registration that covers all UKGC-licensed online operators simultaneously.
No. Non-GamStop casinos are licensed by international authorities such as Curaçao, Malta (MGA), or Anjouan rather than the UKGC. Since they do not hold UK gambling licences, they are not required to participate in the GamStop scheme, and your GamStop registration will not block access to these sites.
Yes. Registering with GamStop is completely free. There are no charges for signing up, maintaining your self-exclusion, or requesting removal after your exclusion period has ended. The service is funded by the gambling industry through licence conditions.
Visit www.gamstop.co.uk and complete the registration form. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, email address(es), home address, and phone number. You must also select your exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years). Registration takes effect within 24 hours.
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