Understanding GAMSTOP: A National Tool to Block Gambling Sites

GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion service that lets you block yourself from all online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain. Once registered, you cannot access these sites for a period you choose: six months, one year, or five years. It is run independently and covers casinos, betting sites, bingo rooms and other operators holding a Gambling Commission licence. ABC Vac Sweep explains how the scheme operates, what happens when you register, and what to consider before using it.

Setting up GAMSTOP registration

You register through the GAMSTOP website by providing your name, date of birth, address and email. You also give details such as phone numbers and any usernames you have used on gambling sites. The more information you provide, the more effective the block becomes. Choose your exclusion period during registration; you cannot shorten it once confirmed.

The service checks your details against the databases of participating operators. Licensed sites in Great Britain are required to use GAMSTOP, so your registration reaches every operator under that licence. Within twenty-four hours of completing the form, the block goes live.

Choosing your exclusion period

GAMSTOP offers three fixed terms. Six months suits someone testing whether a break helps. One year gives more distance. Five years is the longest option and cannot be reversed early. Think carefully before selecting, because once the period starts, it runs to the end.

What GAMSTOP blocks and what it does not

The scheme stops you from opening new accounts and logging into existing ones on sites licensed by the Gambling Commission. It applies to all products those sites offer: slots, table games, sports betting, bingo, poker. If a site holds the licence, GAMSTOP covers it.

It does not block sites licensed elsewhere, such as operators based offshore without a British licence. It also does not stop you from gambling in physical venues like betting shops or bingo halls. The National Lottery is outside the scheme's reach. GAMSTOP works only within the online space regulated in Great Britain.

Advertising and marketing after registration

Registered users should stop receiving direct marketing from participating operators. Your details are shared with licensed sites so they can remove you from mailing lists and SMS campaigns. If promotional messages continue, report them to the operator and to GAMSTOP.

How to strengthen the block

GAMSTOP is one layer of protection. Adding blocking software makes the barrier harder to bypass. Gamban is a paid subscription service that blocks gambling sites and apps across all your devices. BetBlocker is free and works on computers, tablets and phones. Both run in the background and cover a wider range of sites than GAMSTOP alone.

If you share a device with someone under eighteen, install parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio. These tools restrict access to age-inappropriate content and give you oversight of what younger users see online.

Steps to take when registering

1. Visit the GAMSTOP website and start the registration form.
2. Enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, postal address, email address.
3. Provide phone numbers and any usernames or email addresses you have used on gambling sites.
4. Select your exclusion period: six months, one year, or five years.
5. Confirm your registration and wait for the confirmation email.
6. Check within a day that you can no longer access your accounts on licensed sites.

What happens when your exclusion period ends

GAMSTOP does not automatically lift the block on the last day. You must contact the service and request removal. Once processed, sites will allow you to register again. You are not contacted or reminded when the period expires; the responsibility to act sits with you.

Before lifting the block, think about whether you are ready. If gambling caused harm before, the same patterns may return. Consider speaking to someone who understands gambling issues before making the decision. Many people choose to extend their exclusion rather than step back in.

Comparing self-exclusion options

Getting support while excluded

Registering with GAMSTOP is a practical step, but it does not address the reasons gambling became a problem. Support services help you work through those reasons and build a life without gambling. GamCare offers free, confidential advice through its website at gamcare.org.uk and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, open every day of the year. BeGambleAware provides information and tools at begambleaware.org.

Gordon Moody runs residential and online treatment programmes for people severely affected by gambling harm; visit gordonmoody.org.uk to learn about their services. If you need to talk, call the helpline first. Someone will listen without judgement and explain what help is available. Gambling is for people aged eighteen and over. If you are under that age and gambling, speak to a trusted adult or contact one of the services above.

This is an information site. We do not sell any goods or services. The article above is for general information only. If you need personal advice on gambling harm, debt, or mental health, contact a qualified professional or one of the organisations listed above.

#Self-exclusion

Download PDF: GAMSTOP Registration Checklist PDF, 31 KB