Essential UK guide

How does GAMSTOP work?

GAMSTOP is the national online self-exclusion scheme for gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain. One registration is designed to restrict access across the licensed online market for a minimum period chosen by the user.

Written by Jodie GibbonsUpdated 30 July 2026Reviewed against GAMSTOP and UKGC sources9 minute read

The short answer

GAMSTOP matches your details across licensed operators

GAMSTOP compares the personal information used during registration with information supplied when someone logs in to an existing gambling account or tries to open a new one. When a match is found, the licensed operator should prevent gambling during the active exclusion.

The UK Gambling Commission says licensed gambling businesses must participate and update their lists of self-excluded consumers every 24 hours.

Sources: GAMSTOP, how the service works and UK Gambling Commission, self-exclusion with GAMSTOP.

What is GAMSTOP?

GAMSTOP is a free multi-operator self-exclusion service for online gambling. It allows a UK resident to register once rather than contacting each licensed gambling company separately.

It covers online accounts operated under a Gambling Commission licence for Great Britain. Participation has been a licence requirement for online operators since 31 March 2020. It is therefore part of the British regulated market, not a voluntary badge that individual licensed casinos can choose to ignore.

Self-exclusion is intended for people who want help stopping gambling. It should be treated as a protective decision, not simply an account preference or temporary marketing opt-out.

How does the matching process work?

GAMSTOP works through identity matching. The service compares registration details with the information held or received by participating operators. Keeping those details accurate is important because the system needs enough information to identify the person reliably.

Register

Provide personal details and complete the identity checks required by GAMSTOP. Photo identification may be requested during registration.

Choose a period

Select six months, one year, five years, or five years with auto-renewal. This becomes the minimum exclusion period.

Licensed operators apply the block

Existing logins and new account attempts should be checked against the exclusion information supplied through GAMSTOP.

Keep details current

Add new names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers through the GAMSTOP account so matching remains effective.

What gambling companies does GAMSTOP cover?

GAMSTOP covers online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. This includes gambling websites and apps provided under those licences. It does not mean every gambling website visible from the UK is included.

A website operating outside the British licensing system may not participate in GAMSTOP. This is one reason that the terms “accessible in the UK” and “licensed in Great Britain” must not be treated as interchangeable.

Key distinction: GAMSTOP coverage follows British licensing. If a website claims to accept UK players but is not on GAMSTOP, check whether it has a UKGC licence. Read our UK legality guide for the full explanation.

What happens to existing accounts and balances?

Once an exclusion is active, the person should not be able to gamble through existing accounts with licensed online operators or open new accounts using matching details.

Self-exclusion should not make withdrawable account money disappear. GAMSTOP states that operators are required to return withdrawable funds remaining in online gambling accounts after the exclusion is activated. The method and timing depend on the gambling company, so the operator should be contacted directly if money has not been returned.

Marketing should also stop. UKGC social responsibility rules require licensed businesses to take reasonable steps to prevent marketing being sent to self-excluded customers.

How long does GAMSTOP last?

The available minimum periods are:

Six months for a shorter minimum exclusion.
One year for a twelve-month minimum exclusion.
Five years for long-term self-exclusion.
Five years with auto-renewal for continued protection without needing to start a new period manually.

The selected period is a minimum commitment. Registering is not the same as setting a limit that can be switched off whenever the user wishes. That stability is a central part of self-exclusion.

Does GAMSTOP end automatically?

No. GAMSTOP says it does not automatically contact users when the minimum period expires. If removal is not requested, the exclusion remains active for a further seven years after the minimum period has ended.

Once the minimum period has expired, a user who wishes to remove the exclusion must sign in and request removal through GAMSTOP. After the removal process is completed, a 24-hour cooling-off period begins. The request can still be cancelled during that period.

Individual gambling companies may continue to block an account even after GAMSTOP removal. GAMSTOP advises contacting the operator if access remains restricted after the cooling-off period and records have had time to update.

During the minimum periodEarly cancellation is not available

After the minimum periodRemoval must be requested

After the removal process24-hour cooling-off period

Why must personal details remain updated?

GAMSTOP relies on personal information to identify excluded users. A change of address, surname, email address or phone number can affect matching if the new information is not added.

The GAMSTOP account allows users to add new contact details, check the minimum exclusion period and extend protection. Details should be updated to improve effectiveness, not changed in an attempt to get around the block.

If a licensed operator appears to have allowed gambling despite accurate and current GAMSTOP details, contact the gambling company first and retain evidence such as dates, account information and correspondence. The Gambling Commission also asks consumers to report evidence of licensed businesses failing to follow self-exclusion rules.

What additional protection can be used with GAMSTOP?

GAMSTOP is strongest as one layer in a broader protection plan. The Gambling Commission and GamCare recommend combining self-exclusion with other tools.

Gambling-blocking software can restrict access across devices and may cover websites outside the UK-licensed network.
Bank gambling blocks can stop transactions classified as gambling and add financial friction.
Device and network controls can restrict gambling websites and apps on phones, computers or home internet.
Marketing controls can reduce gambling emails, text messages and targeted advertising.
Human support can help with urges, debt, relapse and the reasons behind gambling behaviour.

Visit our safer gambling support page for practical resources. That section contains no casino promotions or affiliate links.

Frequently asked questions

What gambling websites does GAMSTOP block?

GAMSTOP restricts access to online gambling websites, apps and services run by gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain. It does not cover every gambling website available on the internet.

Does GAMSTOP block offshore casinos?

Not necessarily. GAMSTOP covers operators licensed in Great Britain. A website outside the British licensing system may not participate, which is why additional blocking software and payment blocks can be important.

How long does GAMSTOP last?

The available minimum exclusion periods are six months, one year, five years, or five years with auto-renewal. The exclusion does not simply disappear when the minimum period ends.

Can GAMSTOP be cancelled early?

A minimum exclusion period is intended to remain in place for the full period selected. Removal is available only after that minimum period has expired and the official removal process has been completed.

What happens to money in existing gambling accounts?

GAMSTOP states that operators are required to return any withdrawable funds remaining in online gambling accounts after self-exclusion is activated. The process depends on the individual operator.

Does GAMSTOP end automatically?

No. GAMSTOP says an exclusion remains active after the minimum period expires unless the user completes the removal process. Without removal, it can remain in place for a further seven years.

How long does GAMSTOP removal take?

After the minimum period has expired, removal must be requested through GAMSTOP. Once the process is completed, a 24-hour cooling-off period begins and the request can still be cancelled during that time.

Primary sources

Sources last checked on 30 July 2026.

Continue learning

Understand why some gambling sites sit outside GAMSTOP.

The next guide explains British licensing, overseas licences and the protections that may be missing.

Read the UK legality guide →