GAMSTOP is the United Kingdom’s national online self-exclusion scheme. It enables individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from online gambling services operated by companies licensed in Great Britain. The scheme is a key part of the UK’s safer-gambling framework and is intended to help reduce gambling-related harm by restricting access to online gambling platforms during a self-exclusion period.
This page provides factual information about how GAMSTOP works, who it applies to, its limitations, and its role within the wider regulatory environment. It is intended for informational and compliance purposes only.
Regulatory Background
Self-exclusion is a recognised consumer-protection measure under UK gambling regulation. GAMSTOP operates as a multi-operator online self-exclusion system, meaning that a single registration applies across all participating online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain.
Licensed operators are required to integrate with GAMSTOP and to take reasonable steps to ensure that self-excluded individuals are prevented from:
- Opening new online gambling accounts
- Accessing existing online gambling accounts
- Receiving gambling services during the exclusion period
GAMSTOP applies only to online gambling and only to operators holding a Great Britain licence.
Scope of the Scheme
What GAMSTOP Covers
GAMSTOP applies to:
- Online betting services
- Online casino games
- Online bingo
- Online gambling services licensed in Great Britain
Once registered, a player should not be able to gamble online with any participating operator using the personal details they provided.
What GAMSTOP Does Not Cover
GAMSTOP does not apply to:
- Land-based gambling premises (such as high-street bookmakers, casinos, or bingo halls)
- Gambling operators licensed outside Great Britain
- Illegal or unlicensed gambling websites
- Private betting or informal gambling activities
Separate self-exclusion schemes exist for land-based gambling, and players may need to register with multiple schemes for comprehensive coverage.
Registration Process
Registration with GAMSTOP is free and voluntary. Individuals must provide personal information that allows operators to identify and match them accurately. This typically includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address or postcode
- Email addresses used for gambling accounts
- Phone numbers used for gambling accounts
The effectiveness of the scheme depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. Players are encouraged to include all relevant details and to keep their information up to date.
The registration process is confidential. GAMSTOP does not publicly disclose who is registered and does not contact third parties regarding an individual’s self-exclusion status.
Self-Exclusion Durations
When registering, players must select a minimum self-exclusion period. Available options include:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 5 years with automatic renewal
Once selected, the exclusion period cannot be reduced or cancelled early under any circumstances.
The automatic renewal option is designed for individuals who wish to maintain long-term protection without the need to actively renew their exclusion at the end of the initial period.
End of Exclusion Period
GAMSTOP does not automatically remove a self-exclusion when the minimum period expires. Players who wish to end their self-exclusion must take deliberate steps to request removal, which includes identity verification.
If no action is taken, the exclusion may remain in place for an extended period beyond the original minimum term. This approach is intended to reduce the risk of impulsive returns to gambling.
Operator Responsibilities
Online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain are expected to:
- Integrate GAMSTOP checks into account registration processes
- Prevent access to gambling services for registered individuals
- Ensure reasonable efforts are made to avoid marketing self-excluded players
- Maintain records and systems that support compliance with self-exclusion obligations
Operators should treat self-exclusion as a critical safer-gambling measure and ensure staff and systems are aligned with regulatory expectations.
Limitations and Risk Considerations
While GAMSTOP is an important consumer-protection tool, it has recognised limitations:
Offshore Gambling Access
Websites that are not licensed in Great Britain are not required to participate in GAMSTOP. As a result, self-excluded individuals may still be able to access offshore gambling services.
Marketing Exposure
Although operators should suppress direct marketing to self-excluded players, GAMSTOP does not eliminate all exposure to gambling advertising, such as third-party websites, social media, or broadcast advertising.
Dependence on Accurate Data
GAMSTOP relies on the personal details provided during registration. Using alternative contact details or payment methods not registered with the scheme may reduce its effectiveness.
Role Within a Wider Safer-Gambling Strategy
GAMSTOP is most effective when used as part of a broader approach to safer gambling. This may include:
- Deposit limits and loss limits
- Time-out features
- Bank-level gambling transaction blocks
- Device-based gambling blocking software
- Access to support and treatment services
Operators are encouraged to promote safer-gambling tools in a clear, non-promotional manner and to signpost support options where appropriate.
Compliance Statement
GAMSTOP is a central component of online gambling self-exclusion in Great Britain. Licensed operators are required to participate in the scheme and to respect the self-exclusion choices made by players.
Self-exclusion is intended to support individuals who feel that gambling is negatively affecting their lives. Operators must ensure that self-exclusion requests are treated seriously, implemented promptly, and supported by appropriate internal controls.
Conclusion
GAMSTOP UK provides a nationally recognised mechanism for online self-exclusion and plays a vital role in reducing gambling-related harm. While it does not cover all forms of gambling, it offers significant protection within the licensed online gambling sector in Great Britain.
For players, GAMSTOP represents a clear option for taking a structured break from online gambling. For operators, it is a mandatory and essential element of regulatory compliance and responsible gambling practice.
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