Self-exclusion from land-based gambling
For more detailed information about responsible gambling tools and support, visit our responsible gambling resource page. Self-exclusion tools are most effective when combined with other forms of support. GamStop is just one part of a comprehensive approach to gambling self-exclusion. The longest available period offers the most protection and is typically chosen by those who recognise they have a serious gambling problem or have experienced significant harm. However, research suggests that shorter exclusions are less effective for those with more serious gambling problems.
No single self-exclusion tool covers every form of gambling. A comprehensive breakdown of every self-exclusion tool available to UK residents — from GamStop and MOSES to device-blocking software and bank gambling blocks. We strongly advise that you exclude yourself from all other forms of gambling that you may use, after enrolling onto SENSE. Information can also be found on this website about the wider help and support available for people with gambling issues and also for concerned family members or friends. You will then be excluded from every casino venue in the country. Otherwise you can enrol by visiting a casino venue in person to complete the process with a manager.
- GamStop offers three distinct self-exclusion periods, each designed to cater to different levels of need.
- This shorter period might be suitable if you want to take a brief break to reassess your gambling habits or get through a particularly challenging period.
- Our free support services provide guidance, resources, and assistance to make the process easier, opening the door to a healthier future.
- Session time limits allow you to set a maximum duration for each playing session — for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours.
- On the other hand, some self-exclusion will include not just the whole website, but partner brands/sites too.
- Independent UK casino reviews built on real-money testing, transparent methodology, and editorial integrity.
If you have listed yourself on GamStop and want to withdraw your remaining balance, you can contact the operator directly. While GamStop may have some slight drawbacks, it has proven to be an effective tool for players who encounter issues with gambling. However, if you do find that you are receiving promotions you can contact customer support of the site you are getting these from and they will ensure they are stopped. This means you will actively need to re-open your accounts.
Block gambling payments through your bank
Therefore, you will not be able to access your account until the time has passed. Normally, you will not have access to your account at this time. These cover casinos, betting shops, bingo halls and adult arcades. Many sites offer a range of cooling-off periods and shorter time-outs. They can provide additional protection from unlicensed sites and “gambling adjacent” areas like trading or crypto. GAMSTOP is free and easy and covers all legal UK bookies, casinos, poker rooms, and bingo sites.
When the period ends, the software will either automatically deactivate or prompt you to renew. If you do not request removal, the exclusion auto-extends for 7 years. They also fund research into gambling harm and treatment effectiveness.
How can I withdraw my balance if I have listed at GamStop?
Returning to gambling after a period of self-exclusion is a decision that deserves careful thought — ideally with the support of someone you trust or a professional advisor. It also does not cover offshore operators that aren’t licensed by the UKGC, though playing at such sites is illegal for UK consumers and carries its own set of risks. This structured approach ensures that those who choose to return to casino gambling after a period of self-exclusion are doing so with consideration and awareness of their actions.
Joining the SENSE scheme offers a suite of benefits designed to support individuals in managing their gambling habits effectively. Administered by the National Casino Forum (NCF), the SENSE (Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion) scheme is a cornerstone for promoting responsible gambling across the UK’s land-based casino sector. Through schemes like SENSE, individuals are empowered to take decisive action, supported by a framework that spans the entirety of the British casino industry. This article aims to elucidate the benefits of joining SENSE, compare it with other self-exclusion schemes, and discuss the impact on casino memberships and marketing. Delving deeper, we will shed light on the intricacies of how to navigate the SENSE self-exclusion program, including the initial enrollment process which can be initiated at a participating casino or via the SENSE website. Some operators are part of a larger parent company and may submit self-exclusion figures for the whole parent company on their return, however we are unable to determine whether the figures reported are for the individual operator or for the parent company as a whole.
Well, there are actually a lot of ways to limit yourself and the bookies and casinos are obligated to help you with this. Licensees should have effective systems in place to inform all venue staff of self-excluded individuals who have recently attempted to breach a self-exclusion in that venue, and the licensees neighbouring venues. All non-remote licences and remote betting intermediary (trading rooms only) licences, but not gaming machine technical and gambling software licences. Specifically, we reserve the right to terminate your GAMSTOP account, your access to our site or your use of GAMSTOP without notice if you fail to keep your Registration Information up to date. We may terminate your GAMSTOP account (or any part thereof), your access to our site or your use of GAMSTOP without notice if you breach these Terms or if we believe in our reasonable discretion that your use of our site or GAMSTOP is unsuitable in any way.
Yes, you are still the one in control here, but once set up a blocker is a pain to remove so it will at least give you time to think if the urge to gamble comes to you. Plus, once you’ve changed your limit there is generally a period of at least 24 hours before you can change it again, which could be long enough to cool off. Some offer the option immediately on sign up or when you log in, but if they don’t, head to your account section and follow the onscreen instructions. There is also nothing to stop you from then going and signing up somewhere else, so self-exclusion alone might not be enough, but it is certainly a start. Self-exclusion is a great attempt to help those that are struggling, but of course, you will need to do this at every site you are signed up to in order for it to be effective. This basically restricts your access to the company’s products so that you can’t use them; you are asking them to refuse you service.
If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available. To self-exclude, use GAMSTOP. This is by design — being unable to reverse the decision in a moment of impulse is one of the things that makes the scheme effective.
Using the deposit limit tools at your chosen casino is the most reliable way to enforce your budget, because it removes the temptation to “just add a bit more.” Before you start any gambling session, decide how much money you are prepared to spend — and treat it as the cost of entertainment, not an investment. The following tips are practical strategies that any player can adopt to keep gambling safe and enjoyable. Responsible gambling is about making informed choices and maintaining control. Advice is available online, by phone, and through local offices across the UK.
If you self-exclude directly with a casino (rather than via GamStop), the process is similar but limited to that operator. Take control of your gambling by blocking your access to accounts on gambling websites and apps – it’s free, quick, and easy. Players who reach the end of their exclusion period and feel uncertain about returning to gambling have the option to re-register for a new exclusion period. Once the 24 hours pass, the GamStop block is lifted, and the player can access UKGC-licensed gambling sites again.
If a match is found, your account is immediately restricted, preventing you from logging in, placing bets, or depositing funds. You will never be charged for registering, maintaining, or ending your self-exclusion. It is funded by the UK gambling industry as part of their social responsibility obligations. Nobody is forced to register, and the decision to self-exclude is a personal one.
Once you are enrolled on SENSE, all casinos listed will be notified, and the ban will stay for six before the privileges to gamble are reinstated. In some places, standardized liquor self-exclusion request forms are available online, and businesses are legally required to honor valid self-exclusion requests. Only about one in five problem gamblers with a diagnosed gambling disorder seeks help, according to a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis.Self-exclusion programs are a critical tool for many struggling with problematic gambling behaviors.
It is considered an important harm-reduction strategy and is often used in conjunction with other measures such as counseling, financial restrictions, and support groups. It is particularly effective for those struggling with gambling addiction or those who want to take proactive steps to prevent potential gambling-related problems. Gambleaware are another charity that deals with gambling addiction and they have a lot of information and advice on their website. The company is a registered charity and the support team are all trained, experienced and professional. There are also support chat rooms, face to face counselling services, and they will have knowledge of where you can go for help in your specific area.
During this brief period, you may still be able to access some gambling sites. From this point, UKGC-licensed operators have up to 24 hours to implement your exclusion, though most do so within minutes. After reviewing your details and chosen exclusion period, you confirm your registration. The scheme does not cover offshore casinos, the National Lottery, or land-based gambling venues. The scheme was launched in April 2018 and has since become a mandatory requirement for all UKGC-licensed operators.
Your bank card linked to the account remains dormant; the casino can’t touch your funds. Self-exclusion, especially multiple self-exclusions through sites like GAMSTOP, can be life-changing for problem gamblers. Self-exclusion can offer a way out for anyone who thinks they may be addicted to gambling. You can only remove self-exclusion once the time you chose has elapsed. A time limit is a firmer control that some sites offer. Sites generally offer these tools for casino/games, not sports betting.
These are built directly into your account settings and can be activated at any time. Ultimately, self-exclusion should be seen as one component of a comprehensive strategy to promote responsible gambling. However, the system is not without its limitations, and ongoing efforts are needed to improve enforcement, coordination across jurisdictions, and access to supportive resources. Self-exclusion is a valuable and necessary tool in the fight against problem gambling.
Citizens Advice
The minimum self-exclusion period under UKGC rules is six months. If you want to block yourself from a specific casino, you can request self-exclusion directly through that operator. Deposit limits allow you to cap the amount of money you can deposit into your casino account over a set period.
Gamban, GamBlock, and BetFilter are all designed specifically with gambling in mind and will block any gambling websites or adverts from being accessed on your computer. With 24/7 access to various different gambling channels, be it online or late night physical locations, it’s very easy to feed the habit, and many people believe that global recession is also a contributing factor. Licensees should have, and put into effect, policies and procedures which recognise, seek to guard against and otherwise address, the fact that some individuals who have self-excluded might attempt to breach their exclusion without entering a gambling premises, for example, by getting another to gamble on their behalf. The requirement to take positive action in person or over the phone is purely to a) check that the customer has considered the decision to access gambling again and allow them to consider the implications; and b) implement the one day cooling-off period and explain why this has been put in place. Please note that the Commission does not require the licensee to carry out any particular assessment or make any judgement as to whether the previously self-excluded individual should again be permitted access to gambling.
You can access the details of all Gambling Operators on the Gambling Commission’s Public Register. You must be of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, typically 18, 19, or 21+. For further guidance on managing your gambling safely, visit our responsible gambling hub, and read our deposit limits guide for practical tools to stay in control.
When your chosen exclusion period expires, your GamStop registration remains in effect indefinitely. Registering with GamStop triggers a series of consequences that affect your relationship with all UKGC-licensed gambling operators. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major driver, with lockdowns leading to increased online gambling and a corresponding rise in self-exclusion requests. GamStop launched on 19 April 2018 as a voluntary scheme, meaning UKGC-licensed operators could choose whether or not to participate. There was no central database, no standardised process, and no regulatory oversight of how operators handled self-exclusion requests. GamStop’s origins trace back to growing concerns about the effectiveness of self-exclusion in the UK online gambling market.
If you do not actively contact GamStop after your online casinos chosen period expires, the exclusion automatically extends for a further 7 years. Several operators have been fined millions of pounds for GamStop compliance failures. Understanding your rights and the obligations of operators helps set realistic expectations.
Their online forum provides a peer-support community where people share experiences and encouragement. GamCare provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling. BeGambleAware operates the National Gambling Helpline and is one of the primary sources of support for gambling-related harm in the UK. The UK has a robust network of free, confidential support services for anyone affected by gambling. When activated, the block prevents your debit card from processing payments to gambling merchants.
In providing training to staff on their responsibilities for self-exclusion, licensees should have, as a minimum, policies for induction training and refresher training. The licensee should retain the records relating to a self-exclusion agreement at least for the length of the self-exclusion agreement plus a further 6 months. We assume no responsibility for the content of any third-party websites linked to via our site and we will not be liable for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them. Our site may include information and materials uploaded by other users, including to social media pages, video-sharing sites, bulletin boards and chat rooms.
If you are looking to self-exclude, below is a step-by-step guide on how to do so. This is a helpful tool for individuals who may be experiencing gambling harms and wish to take control of their behaviour. Should you find individual self-exclusion difficult, then there is always the option of using blocking software. Within that section there should be a self-exclusion page (you can use the search options to find it if you struggle). For many of the large gambling companies you will find a ‘responsible gambling’ page, which tends to be at the bottom of the site. We will provide you with details of the National Gambling Helpline, should these issues resonate with you and you feel that further support may be needed.
This is a deliberate design choice — passive expiry might catch someone off guard, returning gambling access before they’ve consciously decided they want it. It removes the path of least resistance — the familiar UK-regulated sites where the player already has accounts, saved payment methods, and established habits. This is the most significant gap in the scheme’s protection, and it’s the reason the non-GamStop casino market exists in its current form. A player registered with GamStop can create an account and deposit at any of these offshore sites without restriction.