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Step-by-step manual

Self-exclusion in United Kingdom

Great Britain has a national online self-exclusion register, GAMSTOP, which every online operator licensed by the Gambling Commission must check. One registration blocks you from opening or using accounts with all of them for a minimum period you choose: 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. The block does not lapse automatically at the end of that period; you must actively ask to be removed. GAMSTOP does not cover land-based venues, so separate schemes exist for casinos (SENSE), bingo halls and betting shops. It also cannot block offshore sites that are unlicensed in Britain, which is why blocking software and bank gambling blocks are recommended alongside it. The service is free.

Scheme
GAMSTOP
Type
National register
Minimum
6 months
Cost
Free

The steps

  1. 1

    Prepare your details

    Have to hand your full name, date of birth, email address, mobile number and current postcode. Add any previous addresses and email addresses you may have used for gambling accounts, because operators match on these details.

  2. 2

    Register with GAMSTOP

    Register on the GAMSTOP website. No document upload is normally required at sign-up; GAMSTOP verifies your identity using the details you provide.

  3. 3

    Choose your period

    Select 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. You cannot shorten the period once it is set, so choose the length you need, not the one you think you can tolerate.

  4. 4

    Allow time to take effect

    Registration can take up to 24 hours to take full effect across all operators. During that window, avoid logging in to any gambling account and consider deleting apps.

  5. 5

    Close the gaps

    Install gambling blocking software on your phone and computer and switch on your bank's gambling block. For land-based venues, self-exclude through SENSE (casinos), the Bingo Association scheme, or the multi-operator scheme for betting shops.

  6. 6

    Understand what happens next

    Operators must stop marketing to you and prevent you from gambling. Any existing balances should be returned to you. If an operator lets you gamble, keep evidence and complain to the operator, then to its ADR provider.

  7. 7

    Ending the exclusion

    After the minimum period, the exclusion continues until you contact GAMSTOP and ask for it to be removed. Your identity is verified and a 24-hour cooling-off period applies before you can gamble again. Talk to a support service before you decide.

Before you start — what to know

  • GAMSTOP covers online gambling licensed in Great Britain only. Northern Ireland residents can register, but local land-based gambling there is governed by separate law.
  • Offshore, unlicensed sites do not check GAMSTOP. Sites advertising themselves as 'not on GAMSTOP' are operating illegally in Britain and offer no British consumer protection.
  • Land-based self-exclusion is separate: SENSE for casinos, the Bingo Association scheme for bingo halls, and multi-operator schemes for betting shops.
  • Most UK banks offer a free gambling transaction block in their app; some include a cooling-off delay before it can be turned off.
  • The exclusion does not end automatically after the minimum period; it keeps running until you ask for removal.

Make it stronger: add more barriers

Blocking software

Blocks gambling sites and apps on every device — including unlicensed ones.

Bank gambling blocks

Stop card payments to gambling merchants at the source.

Handling urges

Practical tactics for the moments when exclusion is tested.

Frequently asked questions

Is online gambling legal in the UK?

Yes, for adults aged 18 and over using operators licensed by the Gambling Commission. Offering gambling to British consumers without a licence is a criminal offence.

What are the online slot stake limits?

Since 2025, online slots are capped at £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over and £2 per spin for those aged 18 to 24.

Can I cancel GAMSTOP early?

No. The minimum period you choose cannot be shortened. After it ends, you must contact GAMSTOP to request removal, and a 24-hour cooling-off period applies.

Are gambling winnings taxed in the UK?

No. Players do not pay tax on gambling winnings; duties are paid by operators. This is general information, not tax advice.

Who regulates gambling in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland is outside the Gambling Act 2005 for most purposes and has its own legislation, though GB-licensed online operators serve NI customers and GAMSTOP is available there.

Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.