Self-Exclusion and GAMSTOP Explained
If you want to stop gambling for a while, self-exclusion lets you block your own access. Here are the options, from a short time-out to excluding yourself from every licensed gambling website at once.
Time-outs vs self-exclusion
UK-licensed operators offer two kinds of break:
- A time-out is a short break, from a day up to six weeks. Your account is locked for that period and then reopens.
- Self-exclusion is for a longer break, of at least six months, when you want to stop gambling with that operator altogether.
If you're unsure, a time-out is a good first step. If you've tried to cut down before and found it hard, self-exclusion is the stronger option.
Self-excluding from one operator
You can self-exclude through your account settings, usually under "Safer gambling", or by contacting the operator's customer support. Once you do:
- your account is closed for the period you choose, which is at least six months;
- the exclusion can't be cancelled early;
- the operator must stop sending you marketing and take reasonable steps to stop you opening a new account.
Self-excluding from one site doesn't stop you gambling elsewhere, which is where GAMSTOP comes in.
GAMSTOP for all online operators
GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion scheme covering every online gambling business licensed in Great Britain. Every licensed online operator must take part.
- You choose an exclusion period of six months, one year or five years.
- You register once, online, with details such as your name, date of birth, address and email, which operators use to identify you.
- When the minimum period ends, the exclusion stays in place until you contact GAMSTOP to remove it.
GAMSTOP covers websites and apps licensed in Great Britain. To make it harder to gamble on unlicensed sites, combine it with blocking software and a bank gambling block, as explained in our guide to gambling blocks.
Land-based self-exclusion schemes
If you also gamble in person, there are schemes for land-based venues:
- SENSE covers casinos.
- MOSES covers betting shops.
- The bingo and arcade industries run their own self-exclusion schemes for bingo halls and adult gaming centres.
You can sign up through the venues themselves or through the schemes' websites.
What happens at the end of an exclusion
When an exclusion with an individual operator ends, your account doesn't simply reopen with a flood of offers. Operators have to make sure you've actively chosen to return. With GAMSTOP, nothing changes until you ask for it to be removed.
Before you decide to return, think about what led you to exclude in the first place, and consider setting deposit limits straight away.
Extra support
Self-exclusion works best alongside other support. The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. Our signs of problem gambling guide lists treatment services, and our responsible gambling page has more help.
