How does GAMSTOP work?

GAMSTOP is a free service that blocks you from online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. You register once, choose a period, and taking part companies must stop you using your accounts. You cannot end it early, so choose a period you are comfortable with.

What is GAMSTOP?

GAMSTOP is the national online self-exclusion scheme for Great Britain. It is run by The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited and is free. When you try to use an account, the gambling company checks the register. If you are on it, the company blocks you.

This page explains the scheme in plain words. We are not GAMSTOP. To register, go to gamstop.co.uk.

How do I register?

1. Go to gamstop.co.uk and choose to exclude yourself.
2. Verify your email address and confirm your identity with some personal details.
3. Choose how long you want the exclusion to last.
4. Complete the registration. The block can take up to 24 hours to become effective.

GAMSTOP says sign-up takes a few minutes. Its page does not list the exact details required, so check the form itself.

How long does GAMSTOP last?

If you pick auto renewal, GAMSTOP’s terms say you can only turn it off in the last six months of a five-year period.

Can I end GAMSTOP early?

No. GAMSTOP’s terms state that you cannot deactivate your self-exclusion until the end of the minimum period you chose. Pick a period with that in mind. GAMSTOP says you can extend your registration through your account.

What happens when the period ends?

The exclusion does not simply switch off by itself. GAMSTOP’s terms say it is not removed automatically and GAMSTOP will not contact you when your period ends. You can extend it or ask to remove it. If you do neither, it stays active for up to a further seven years after your period ends, and is then deactivated. The terms describe a cooling-off period of at least 24 hours before it is deactivated.

The terms also say GAMSTOP will tell gambling companies that you were previously self-excluded, and that companies do not have to block you during this time. Read the current terms on the GAMSTOP site before you decide. If you are thinking about coming off, talk to the National Gambling Helpline first.

What does GAMSTOP cover, and what does it not?

It covers online gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain that take part in the scheme.

It does not cover:

• Companies without a Great Britain licence. GAMSTOP says it cannot block operators that do not take part. Sites outside the scheme can still accept your bets, and no register protects you there.
• Physical venues. Betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and arcades have separate schemes (see below).

Other things to know: GAMSTOP says you must not register someone else. The one exception is where you are lawfully authorised, such as holding a power of attorney. If you are worried about someone else, read our guide for families. Not sure whether you need this step? Try the self-check.

How do I self-exclude from shops, casinos and arcades?

The Gambling Commission lists separate free schemes. Each one covers one type of venue in your area.

Check each scheme’s own website for current rules.

What other barriers can I add?

GAMSTOP is strongest when it is not your only barrier.

• Bank block. Ask your bank to stop card payments to gambling sites and betting shops.
• Blocker software. BetBlocker is a free charity-run tool for phones, tablets and computers, and Gamban is also listed by GAMSTOP as free for UK residents. BetBlocker lets you choose a period from one day to five years.
• Talk to someone. A barrier does not remove the urge. A helpline or treatment service can help with that. See how to stop gambling.

Self-exclusion in other countries

Each country has its own rules. These are one-line summaries.

• Sweden: Spelpaus.se, run by Spelinspektionen, uses BankID (or another eID) for 10 days, 1, 3 or 6 months, or until further notice (at least 12 months).
• Denmark: ROFUS, run by Spillemyndigheden, uses MitID. A permanent exclusion can be lifted after one year at the earliest.
• Germany: OASIS is the nationwide system. A self-exclusion lasts at least three months.
• Norway: there is no shared register. Exclude yourself at Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto separately.
• Finland: set a gambling break in your Veikkaus account, and check Peluuri for current options.

Rules last checked on 9 October 2026. For the full list of services, see where to get help.