GamStop — National Self-Exclusion
GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) is the national multi-operator self-exclusion scheme for Great Britain. A single GamStop registration blocks you from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites for your chosen period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
Registration is free and takes approximately 5 minutes online. Once active, your registration cannot be reversed before the chosen period ends — even if you contact GamStop directly, early reactivation is not possible. After the period ends, you must actively opt back in; your exclusion does not expire automatically.
GamStop covers all UKGC-licensed operators. It does not cover offshore unlicensed sites that specifically advertise "not on GamStop" — those sites are operating illegally to serve GB residents.
Responsible Gambling Tools at UK Casinos
All UKGC-licensed sites are required to provide the following tools, accessible within two clicks from any page:
| Tool | How it works | Takes effect |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Set daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposits | Immediately (decreases); 24 hours (increases) |
| Session time limits | Limit your play session length | Immediately |
| Reality checks | Pop-up reminders showing time and net win/loss | Immediately |
| Self-exclusion | Operator-level block; separate from GamStop | Within 24 hours |
| Cooling-off | Temporary break of 1 day to 6 weeks | Immediately |
| Loss limits | Maximum net loss in a period | Immediately |
Support and Helplines
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) — run by GAMCARE
- GAMCARE online chat: gamcare.org.uk — live chat available daily 8am-midnight
- Gamblers Anonymous UK: gamblersanonymous.org.uk — peer support meetings nationwide
- Gordon Moody: gordonmoody.org.uk — residential treatment for severe gambling disorder
- NHS Northern Gambling Service: nhs.uk — specialist clinical treatment referral via GP
- Gambling with Lives: gamblingwithlives.org — support for families bereaved by gambling-related suicide
Affordability Checks — Your Rights
From 2024, UK operators are required to conduct financial risk assessments when net losses exceed defined thresholds (light-touch from £125 in 30 days; enhanced above higher levels). If you are asked for financial information:
- You have the right to know why you are being asked and which threshold triggered the check.
- You can choose not to provide information — but the operator may restrict your account under its licence conditions.
- The operator cannot share your financial data with third parties except as required by law.
- Open banking data (if provided) is used for the check only and not stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register with GamStop?
- Visit gamstop.co.uk and register with the email address(es) you use at gambling sites. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and postcode. Registration takes 5 minutes and becomes active within 24 hours. The block applies to all UKGC-licensed sites, not just specific ones.
- What is the National Gambling Helpline number?
- The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is run by GAMCARE and provides confidential support for anyone affected by gambling, including family members.
- Can a UK casino refuse to process my withdrawal for responsible gambling reasons?
- A casino can pause a withdrawal pending an affordability check or KYC verification, but it cannot permanently confiscate funds in your account. If you believe a withdrawal is being unreasonably withheld, escalate to the ADR provider (IBAS or eCOGRA) and then to the UKGC if the ADR process fails.
- Does self-exclusion at one UK casino apply everywhere?
- Operator-level self-exclusion applies only to that specific site and any sister brands under the same licence. GamStop applies across all UKGC-licensed operators. Use GamStop if you want a comprehensive block rather than operator-by-operator exclusions.