A national self-exclusion register is a single list, run by or for the state, of people who have asked to be barred from gambling. Every licensed operator must check it and turn away anyone on it. For a person trying to stop, the difference from operator-by-operator exclusion is large: one request instead of dozens, with no gaps when a new brand launches. This guide compares the main registers as of October 2026. For step-by-step help in a particular country, go to our self-exclusion manuals, and for the concept itself see self-exclusion explained.
At a glance
| Country | Scheme | Periods | Scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GAMSTOP | 6 months, 1 year or 5 years | Online operators licensed in Great Britain | Free; exclusion stays until you ask to remove it after expiry |
| Germany | OASIS | Self-exclusion minimum 3 months; third-party exclusions minimum 1 year | Online and land-based, including arcades and betting shops | 24-hour short-term “panic button” also required online |
| Netherlands | CRUKS | Minimum 6 months | Online plus land-based casinos and arcades | Third-party requests possible, assessed by the regulator |
| Sweden | Spelpaus | 10 days, 1, 3 or 6 months, or indefinite (minimum 12 months) | All Swedish-licensed gambling | Fixed periods end automatically |
| Denmark | ROFUS | Temporary periods, or permanent (can be lifted after at least 1 year) | Danish-licensed online gambling and land-based casinos | Run by the Danish Gambling Authority |
| Spain | RGIAJ | Indefinite; removal possible after 6 months | Nationally licensed online gambling and some land-based venues | Regional registers also exist |
| Italy | RUA | Fixed periods or indefinite | ADM-licensed online operators | 2026 changes reportedly added more durations and selective exclusion |
| France | Interdiction volontaire de jeux | 3 years, renewable | Licensed online operators and land-based casinos | Managed by the ANJ |
| Australia | BetStop | 3 months to lifetime | All licensed online and phone wagering providers | Launched 21 August 2023 |
| Brazil | Centralised SPA platform | 1–12 months or indefinite | Federally licensed betting and gaming operators | Launched 10 December 2025 via the Gov.br portal |
| Ireland | National Gambling Exclusion Register (planned) | To be set | GRAI-licensed operators | Not yet operating as of October 2026 |
How the main models differ
Online-only versus all gambling
GAMSTOP and BetStop cover only remote gambling. Someone excluded via GAMSTOP can still walk into a British betting shop or casino, which run their own multi-operator schemes. Germany’s OASIS and the Dutch CRUKS cover land-based venues as well, and many people find that more robust.
Fixed versus indefinite
Sweden’s Spelpaus offers short “pauses” (10 days to six months) that end automatically, plus an indefinite option with a 12-month minimum. Spain’s RGIAJ is indefinite by default, with removal possible after six months. GAMSTOP’s periods end, but the exclusion only lifts when the person actively asks for it. Choosing a period you cannot shorten is a deliberate design feature. It protects you from decisions made during an urge.
Third-party exclusion
Germany and the Netherlands allow relatives or operators to request an exclusion in defined circumstances, such as evidence of over-indebtedness or neglect of obligations. In Germany, operators must also impose exclusions where they know or suspect a player is at risk. Most other countries rely on voluntary self-exclusion only.
Short-term breaks
Germany requires online operators to offer a 24-hour “panic button” that excludes the player immediately across the OASIS system. Most countries also require operator-level time-outs. See reality checks and cooling-off periods.
What happens when you register
Registration is usually quick: you give your identity details online, often confirmed through a national digital ID, and the exclusion reaches operators within 24 to 72 hours. During that window it is wise to close existing accounts directly and remove gambling apps. Once active, licensed operators must refuse new accounts, block log-ins and stop sending you marketing. Most also return any remaining balance. If an operator lets you gamble while you are excluded, report it to the regulator. Our country manuals explain each scheme’s exact steps.
Where national registers fall short
- Unlicensed sites. Offshore operators do not check national registers. In some markets, a meaningful share of online play takes place on unlicensed sites (see spotting unlicensed operators).
- Cross-border play. Each register is national. A self-excluded person in Germany is not excluded in Austria or online in Malta.
- Lotteries and other products. Some registers exclude lotteries or low-stake products.
- Identity checks. Registers rely on accurate identity data. Using someone else’s identity is an offence for the user, but it still happens.
For these reasons, treatment services routinely recommend combining self-exclusion with gambling blocking software and bank gambling blocks.
Trends to watch
- Ireland plans a National Gambling Exclusion Register under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
- Brazil launched its centralised register in December 2025. Registrations quickly passed a million, according to industry reports.
- Italy’s reported 2026 changes allow exclusion from a single game category or operator, a more flexible but potentially weaker approach.
- The Netherlands has proposed a central limit-monitoring system to sit alongside CRUKS.
Getting help
Self-exclusion works best as part of a wider plan. Our help directory lists free, confidential helplines by country, and relapse prevention and urges offers practical strategies for the period after you exclude.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel a national self-exclusion early?
Generally no. Most registers are designed so the chosen period cannot be shortened. Indefinite exclusions can usually only be lifted after a minimum period, sometimes with a cooling-off delay.
Does self-exclusion in one country apply abroad?
No. Each register covers only operators licensed in that country. If you travel or use foreign-licensed sites, you need to exclude separately and use blocking tools.
Can a family member exclude me?
In most countries, no. Germany's OASIS and the Dutch CRUKS allow third-party exclusion requests in defined circumstances, subject to checks.
Is self-exclusion enough on its own?
It is a strong tool but works best alongside support. Counselling, peer support, blocking software and bank blocks all reduce the chance of finding a way around it.
Important: This article is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice. Rules change — always confirm with the relevant regulator. If gambling is causing you harm, free support is available.
