When you decide to stop, the right tools make it much harder to change your mind on a bad day. Most are free and take minutes to set up.
Key points
- GAMSTOP is a free scheme that lets you self-exclude from all online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain.
- You can choose a self-exclusion period of six months, one year or five years.
- Many banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards.
- Blocking software adds another barrier on your phone and computer.
- Separate schemes cover land-based casinos and betting shops.
Self-exclusion means asking to be prevented from gambling for a set period. It’s one of the most effective tools available, especially when combined with other blocks.
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is a free, national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. All online operators licensed in Great Britain must take part.
- Register online with your details, including any past email addresses and addresses you’ve used with operators.
- Choose a period: six months, one year or five years.
- Operators must prevent you from gambling with them for that period and stop sending you marketing.
After the period ends, the exclusion stays in place until you contact GAMSTOP to remove it.
Bank gambling blocks
Many UK banks and card providers let you block gambling transactions, often in their app. Some add a delay before a block can be turned off, which gives you time to reconsider. Check your bank’s app or ask your bank.
Blocking software
Blocking software stops access to gambling websites and apps on your devices. BetBlocker is a free option; there are also paid services. Software adds another layer, particularly against sites not covered by GAMSTOP.
Warning
Unlicensed sites that advertise themselves as “not on GAMSTOP” target people who have self-excluded. They aren’t licensed to serve British players and offer little protection. Bank blocks and blocking software help keep them out of reach.
Casinos and betting shops
- Land-based casinos: the SENSE scheme lets you self-exclude from casinos across Great Britain.
- Betting shops: the Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) lets you exclude from bookmakers in the areas you choose.
Make it stick
- Combine GAMSTOP with a bank block and blocking software.
- Delete gambling apps and unsubscribe from marketing.
- Tell someone you trust, so they can support you.
If you’ve self-excluded, you’ve already taken a big step. Free, confidential support is available too; see our guide to where to get help, and for day-to-day tools, our guide to setting limits.
Questions answered
Can I cancel GAMSTOP early?
No. Once you’ve registered, the exclusion lasts for the period you chose. After it ends, it stays in place until you ask GAMSTOP to remove it.
Does GAMSTOP block every gambling site?
It covers online operators licensed in Great Britain. Unlicensed sites aren’t covered, which is why bank blocks and blocking software are useful too.
Will self-exclusion affect my credit rating?
No. Self-exclusion is about gambling access, not credit.
Can I self-exclude from just one operator?
Yes. Licensed operators must offer self-exclusion from their own services, but GAMSTOP is more effective if you use several sites.
18+ only. This guide is general information for adults in Great Britain, not encouragement to gamble. Gambling involves risk; only gamble with money you can afford to lose. For free, confidential support, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.