Control your gambling
With hundreds of brands participating, GamStop provides comprehensive coverage across the entire UK online gambling market. They will provide you with the necessary details regarding the expiration of your exclusion period. To obtain information about the duration of your self-exclusion period, you will need to contact GamStop. Online gambling operators in the UK are required by the Gambling Commission to integrate with GamStop. GamStop offers the flexibility to choose the duration of their self-exclusion period. It promotes a safer and more responsible gambling environment, prioritising the well-being of players and encouraging a balanced approach to enjoying online gambling activities.
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.
Self-exclusion removes access, but it doesn’t remove urges — at least not immediately. You must actively contact GamStop to reinstate access, and there is a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period between your request and re-gaining access. At the end of the period, your exclusion does not automatically lift.
Are you concerned about the time and money you spend gambling?
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. It is particularly effective for those struggling with gambling addiction or those who want to take proactive steps to prevent potential gambling-related problems. Gambleaware are another charity that deals with gambling addiction and they have a lot of information and advice on their website. The company is a registered charity and the support team are all trained, experienced and professional. There are also support chat rooms, face to face counselling services, and they will have knowledge of where you can go for help in your specific area.
Is Self-Exclusion the right option for me?
You can request self-exclusion from individual casinos or groups of casinos by speaking to the customer services team. By registering with MOSES, you can exclude yourself from all licensed betting shops within a chosen radius of your home, workplace, or regular route. Contact each operator’s customer support team if you encounter difficulties accessing your funds. However, other online lottery betting services that hold a UKGC gambling licence will be covered. Understanding the practical impact of GamStop on your existing betting accounts is important for anyone considering registration.
If you are looking for a trusted non GamStop casino, we have tested and ranked the best options for UK players. GamStop exists to protect you during vulnerable periods. If you registered with GamStop because of a gambling addiction or financial difficulties caused by gambling, please consider carefully before seeking alternatives.
However, other forms of betting such as arcade slots, bookmakers, bingo parlors, or land-based casinos not requiring online authorisation will remain unaffected. If you wish to resume gambling after your self-exclusion period expires, you need to contact GamStop to unregister yourself from the program. It provides the option to voluntarily exclude yourself from participating in online gambling activities for a specific duration. A cooling-off period (sometimes called a “time-out”) temporarily blocks you from accessing your account. The effectiveness of self-exclusion depends not only on the commitment of individuals but also on the continued development of systems that are robust, accessible, and supported by a culture of care and responsibility within the gambling industry.
The tools that existed before your exclusion still work, and using them from day one establishes a framework that the pre-exclusion version of you might not have had in place. Your exclusion remains in place until non gamstop you actively request removal. You cannot cancel, pause, or shorten it during the active period, regardless of your circumstances.
It is not directly linked to an individual operator but rather encompasses online betting as a whole. Gambling responsibly is crucial, and self-exclusion schemes provide a valuable tool for those struggling with problem gambling. Log in to your casino account, navigate to the responsible gambling or account settings section, and set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Once your GamStop self-exclusion period is set, it cannot be shortened or reversed early. While not gambling-specific, it can be a useful additional layer, particularly for parents who want to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites.
Any operator found to have accepted a GAMSTOP-registered player faces significant regulatory consequences. If gambling is causing you harm – financially, emotionally, or in your relationships – GAMSTOP is one of the most effective immediate interventions available. To provide a ‘full picture’ of all the land-based self-exclusions as per your request, we have included IHL in the information below. This information which is provided by self-exclusion providers on a voluntary basis.
This means that individuals registered with GamStop can technically access these platforms. One of the most commonly searched questions about GamStop is how to cancel or end a self-exclusion. It is also recommended by gambling charities for those with diagnosed gambling addiction. Many problem gambling counsellors recommend at least a year away from gambling as a minimum for meaningful behavioural change. It offers sufficient time to develop new habits and routines while not feeling as daunting as a five-year commitment. The 1-year exclusion represents a middle ground and is the most popular choice according to GamStop’s published data.
You are responsible for making all arrangements necessary to access our site and use GAMSTOP (including in relation to your GAMSTOP account), such as ensuring you have adequate internet connectivity. Although we provide on our site information about gambling and gambling support services that we hope you will find helpful, this information, together with all other content on our site, is provided for general information only. You understand and agree that during the minimum 24-hour cooling-off period, your self-exclusion will remain active. If you have not selected the auto-renewal option, on expiry of your Minimum Exclusion Period, you may, via your GAMSTOP account or the GAMSTOP Contact Centre, extend your self-exclusion for a further Minimum Exclusion Period of six months, one year or five years. We may make reasonable updates to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy from time to time where necessary for compliance with a legal obligation or the effective operation of GAMSTOP or your self-exclusion. You specifically agree to us using your personal data for the purposes of GAMSTOP and your self-exclusion as described in the Terms and our Privacy Policy (as it may be updated from time to time).
GAMSTOP is a UK-wide self-exclusion scheme that covers many online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Any funds remaining in your casino accounts should be returned to you — operators are required to process withdrawals for self-excluded customers, not confiscate their balances. It does not cover retail gambling — physical casinos, betting shops, and bingo halls operate separate self-exclusion schemes administered through local or regional programmes. GamStop covers all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators. When the time comes to step back into the casino lights after a period of self-exclusion via the SENSE scheme, the process requires a bit more than just showing up.
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.
When you self-exclude via GamStop, you are excluded from every UKGC-licensed online gambling site in the UK in one step. Registering with GAMSTOP blocks you from accessing every UKGC-licensed online casino, sportsbook, bingo site and lottery for a period you choose — 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. GAMSTOP is the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme covering every UKGC-licensed casino.
This is the length of time that you wish to be banned from gambling. If any of these signs apply to you, we highly recommend that you get in touch with us for free support and advice as well as trying self-exclusion. However, it is important to remember that self-exclusion can be a positive first step towards taking control of your gambling behaviour. The first step in the self-exclusion process is to make the decision to do so.
What This Covers
Upon enrolling in the SENSE scheme, it’s crucial for individuals to understand the implications on casino memberships and marketing communications. Understanding these distinctions ensures individuals can make informed decisions about which scheme best suits their circumstances, reinforcing the gambling industry’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices across all platforms. This comparison highlights the tailored approach each scheme takes to address specific needs within the gambling community. This, coupled with additional support from organizations like GAMCARE, reinforces the network of assistance available, making SENSE a pivotal step for many in their journey towards responsible gambling. This integrated approach not only provides immediate support but also educates on the broader spectrum of resources available, such as MOSES, GAMSTOP, BACTA, and BISES, for informed decision-making regarding gambling habits. The duration of self-exclusion under SENSE is a minimum of six months, extending indefinitely until the individual decides to formally request removal by speaking directly to a casino manager.
- Self exclusion affects bonuses and promotions.
- Sarah Mitchell is a GamCare-certified responsible gambling specialist with six years working alongside UK gambling harm charities and regulators.
- If a betting activity requires authorisation and involves an online gambling operator integrated with GamStop, you will not be able to place bets during your self-exclusion period.
- Self-exclusion tools are most effective when combined with other forms of support.
- GamStop recommends providing all variations of personal information used across gambling accounts to maximise coverage.
Every UK-licensed operator must let you cap how much you deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Learning how to set deposit limits on a casino account gives you control without shutting everything down. On top of that, delete every betting and casino app, log out of mobile browsers, and clear saved passwords so nothing autofills. Gamban and BetBlocker both run on iOS and Android, blocking gambling sites and apps across the device.
This includes sites such as Gamblock, Gamban or Betblocker that will stop you from accessing gambling sites. Once you’ve self-excluded, we strongly recommend that you “unfriend” and / or “un-follow” yourself from any Facebook, Twitter or other social networking accounts that you may be linked to for Grosvenor, Mecca or all other gambling companies. Once you have self-excluded, you may not apply to re-instate your membership or online account for at least six months. The process is usually handled through account settings or customer support. UK regulatory guidance also states that self exclusion should be easy to access and supported by clear information.
After you request removal, there is a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before your exclusion is actually lifted. To end your GamStop self-exclusion after the period has expired, you must contact GamStop directly. You will not be automatically re-enrolled on gambling sites.
No single self-exclusion tool covers every form of gambling. A comprehensive breakdown of every self-exclusion tool available to UK residents — from GamStop and MOSES to device-blocking software and bank gambling blocks. We strongly advise that you exclude yourself from all other forms of gambling that you may use, after enrolling onto SENSE. Information can also be found on this website about the wider help and support available for people with gambling issues and also for concerned family members or friends. You will then be excluded from every casino venue in the country. Otherwise you can enrol by visiting a casino venue in person to complete the process with a manager.
It does not extend to land-based casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, or amusement arcades. GamStop uses these details to match your identity across all UKGC-licensed operators. To register with GamStop, you need to provide your full name, date of birth, email address, home postcode, and choose your preferred exclusion period. There are no fees to register, no charges during your exclusion period, and no costs when you request removal after your exclusion expires. Even GamStop staff cannot override the minimum exclusion period.
After you submit your request, the self-exclusion is activated and operators are required to apply restrictions. This information is used to match and block your access across participating operators. The longer the period, the more space you give yourself to reset habits and build supportive routines that do not rely on gambling. Once you register, the scheme is designed to restrict your access across participating online brands for the duration you select.