GAMSTOP Self-Exclusion UK: How It Works (2026 Guide)

Q: Does GAMSTOP block all gambling sites?

GAMSTOP blocks all UKGC-licensed gambling sites. Sites that operate without a UK Gambling Commission licence — and some offshore sites — are not covered by GAMSTOP. If you register with these non-licensed sites, GAMSTOP cannot block you.

GAMSTOP is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. It lets you voluntarily block yourself from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites in a single step — no need to contact each operator individually. Registration is free, takes under 5 minutes, and takes effect within 24 hours.

This guide explains exactly how GAMSTOP works, what it covers, what it doesn't cover, and what to do if you need additional support.

Quick Facts

Free to use · Covers all UKGC-licensed online gambling · Minimum 6 months · Takes effect within 24 hours · Registration at gamstop.co.uk

What Is GAMSTOP?

GAMSTOP (National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited) was launched in 2018 and became mandatory for all UK Gambling Commission licensees in 2019. It operates as a central database: when you register, your details are stored and shared with all participating operators, who must check new registrations against it.

Before GAMSTOP, self-excluding from online gambling meant contacting every operator individually — a time-consuming and often ineffective process. GAMSTOP made it a single action that covers the entire UKGC-licensed market simultaneously.

How to Register with GAMSTOP: Step by Step

Go to gamstop.co.uk

Navigate to the official GAMSTOP website. Do not use any third-party site claiming to register you — only the official site is valid.

Enter your personal details

You'll need to provide your full name, date of birth, email addresses used for gambling accounts, and postal address. Using accurate information is critical — operators match against these details.

Choose your exclusion period

Select 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years. You can also choose an indefinite ("until I ask to be removed") option. You cannot reduce this period once set.

Confirm your registration

Complete the email verification step. Your exclusion takes effect within 24 hours of confirmation. Note: it may take up to 24 hours before all operators receive and process the update.

Add multiple email addresses

If you've used different email addresses for different gambling accounts, add all of them. GAMSTOP matches on email address as a key identifier.

What Does GAMSTOP Block?

GAMSTOP blocks access to all online gambling sites that hold a UK Gambling Commission licence. This includes:

Online casinos (slots, live casino, table games)
Sports betting sites and apps
Online poker rooms
Online bingo sites
Spread betting platforms (financial)
Online lottery operators

When you try to create a new account or log into an existing account at a UKGC-licensed site, the operator will check your details against GAMSTOP and block access if there's a match.

What GAMSTOP Does NOT Cover

Offshore/unlicensed gambling sites — sites without a UKGC licence are not in the GAMSTOP network
Land-based gambling — betting shops, arcades, bingo halls, and casinos are separate. Use the land-based self-exclusion schemes (e.g. MOSES for betting shops)
National Lottery online — the National Lottery has its own separate self-exclusion tool
Financial spread betting via non-UKGC-licensed platforms

Important

GAMSTOP only works for UKGC-licensed operators. If you access unlicensed offshore sites during your exclusion period, GAMSTOP cannot block you. Stick exclusively to non-gambling activities during your exclusion period for the best chance of success.

Exclusion Periods Compared

Period	Best For	Can I Cancel Early?
6 months	Short break or first-time self-exclusion	No
1 year	Moderate gambling problem, want a defined end point	No
2 years	Serious habit, need sustained time away	No
3 years	Long-term recovery plan	No
5 years	Significant gambling harm	No
Indefinite	Permanent self-exclusion	No — must request removal

When your period ends, removal from GAMSTOP is not automatic. You must request it, and there is a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period between your request and the exclusion actually ending — giving you time to reconsider.

Additional Support Resources

GAMSTOP is a practical tool, but lasting recovery from gambling harm usually requires human support. These services are free and confidential:

GamCare — national helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) · gamcare.org.uk
BeGambleAware — information and live chat support · begambleaware.org
Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support meetings nationwide · gamblersanonymous.org.uk
National Gambling Helpline — free treatment referrals · 0808 8020 133

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GAMSTOP free to use?

Yes. GAMSTOP is completely free for UK residents. There are no charges to register, and no charges to update or extend your self-exclusion period.

Can I cancel my GAMSTOP registration early?

No. Once you register with GAMSTOP, you cannot cancel early. If you chose a 6-month exclusion, you must wait the full 6 months before requesting removal. This intentional delay gives you time to reflect without acting impulsively.

Does GAMSTOP block all gambling sites?

GAMSTOP blocks all UKGC-licensed gambling sites. Sites operating without a UK Gambling Commission licence are not covered. If you register with these non-licensed sites, GAMSTOP cannot block you.

What happens when my GAMSTOP period ends?

When your self-exclusion period ends, you can request removal from GAMSTOP. There is a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period between submitting the removal request and your exclusion ending. Removal is not automatic — you must actively request it.