What is self-exclusion and how it works in 3 steps
SaveSelf-exclusion is a tool that blocks your access to gambling sites for a period you choose, usually between six months and five years. Once active, you cannot open accounts, place bets or log in to any site covered by the scheme. The first paragraph of Safer Play Guide explains why this matters: when gambling feels out of control, a firm boundary often helps more than relying on willpower alone.
Why self-exclusion exists
The tool was designed for people who need a complete break from gambling. It removes the option to play, even during moments when urges feel strongest. Sites licensed by the Gambling Commission must offer self-exclusion, and they are required to prevent you from reversing the decision before the period ends.
Self-exclusion is not a punishment. It creates distance between you and gambling, giving time to address underlying patterns, rebuild finances or work with a support service. Many people use it after recognising warning signs they cannot ignore.
Set up self-exclusion in three steps
The process is straightforward once you have decided. You do not need to explain why, and the request cannot be refused.
- Choose whether to exclude from one site, several sites individually, or all licensed sites at once using GamStop.
- Submit the request through the site's account settings or contact page, or register with GamStop directly at gamstop.co.uk.
- Confirm the period—most schemes offer six months, one year, or five years. GamStop includes a permanent option.
Once confirmed, the block begins immediately. You will not be able to undo it, even if you change your mind the next day. That rigidity is the point.
What self-exclusion covers and what it does not
When you self-exclude from a gambling site, that site must close your account and stop all marketing. You will not receive emails, texts or offers. Any balance in your account is returned according to the site's withdrawal process, though some operators freeze withdrawals during verification if they suspect the account was opened during an existing exclusion elsewhere.
Self-exclusion from one site does not block others unless you exclude from each individually. Recognising the warning signs often makes people realise they need a wider solution, which is where GamStop becomes relevant.
GamStop: one registration, all licensed sites
GamStop is a free national scheme that blocks access to every gambling site licensed in Great Britain. One registration covers them all, and the same periods apply: six months, one year, five years or permanently. Sites check new sign-ups against the GamStop register. If your details match, the account will not open.
GamStop does not cover sites licensed outside Great Britain, even if those sites accept players from the UK. It also does not block National Lottery products or bingo played in a physical venue.
Compare self-exclusion with other controls
| Tool | What it does | Can you reverse it? | Covers how many sites? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-exclusion (single site) | Blocks access to that site for the chosen period | No, until the period ends | One |
| GamStop | Blocks access to all GB-licensed sites | No, until the period ends | All licensed in Great Britain |
| Time-out | Pauses your account for a short break, usually up to six weeks | No, until the time-out expires | One site at a time |
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit in a day, week or month | Yes, though increases take effect after a cooling-off period | Set individually per site |
Each tool suits a different situation. Deposit limits slow spending without stopping access. A time-out gives breathing space when things feel overwhelming but you are not ready for a longer break. Self-exclusion is the firmest boundary available.
When to choose self-exclusion over a limit
If you find yourself raising deposit limits shortly after setting them, or if you open new accounts to get around your own controls, a limit alone may not be enough. Self-exclusion removes those workarounds. It is also the right choice when gambling has caused serious financial harm or when someone close to you has raised concerns you cannot dismiss.
What happens after the exclusion period ends
When the period you chose expires, the block lifts automatically on some sites and requires you to contact the operator on others. GamStop sends a reminder before your exclusion ends and asks whether you want to extend it. You are not obliged to return—the end of an exclusion is a choice point, not an instruction.
Many people extend their exclusion or move to permanent self-exclusion after experiencing the benefits of time away. Others return with firmer boundaries in place, such as deposit limits or regular check-ins with a support service. Understanding affordability checks can help if you plan to gamble again, as these checks are now common when deposits or losses reach certain levels.
Protect devices others use
If you share a home with someone under eighteen, self-exclusion on your own accounts is only part of the solution. Blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker can be installed on shared devices to prevent anyone in the household from reaching gambling sites. Parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio adds another layer by restricting access to certain categories of content.
These tools do not replace self-exclusion, but they reduce the chance of someone else stumbling into gambling through a device you have used.
When you need more than a block
Self-exclusion addresses access, not the reasons gambling became a problem. Many people benefit from talking to someone who understands the patterns behind harmful gambling. GamCare offers free, confidential support at gamcare.org.uk, and the National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133, open every hour of every day.
BeGambleAware at begambleaware.org provides information and a route to further help. If you need structured support, Gordon Moody at gordonmoody.org.uk offers residential and online treatment for people whose gambling has caused serious harm.
Gambling is for people aged 18+. If you are questioning whether your gambling is still under control, that question itself often matters more than the answer you give it.
#Player protection #Controlling gambling
Download PDF: Self-exclusion checklist: steps to take today PDF, 28 KB
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
What is blocking software and how does it help with gambling?
Blocking software prevents your device from reaching gambling sites. Gamban and BetBlocker are two tools that work across phones, tablets and computers. They stop access even when you are not self-excluded, and they cover sites licensed outside Great Britain that GamStop does not block.
How does GamStop work if I move house or change my phone number?
GamStop matches your name, date of birth and contact details when a site checks new sign-ups. If you change your phone number or address, your exclusion stays active because your name and date of birth remain the same. Sites are required to check thoroughly, and most cross-reference multiple details.
Can I self-exclude from gambling if I am worried about someone else?
You can only self-exclude from your own accounts. If you are concerned about someone else's gambling, talking to them calmly about what you have noticed is often the first step. GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline also support family members and friends of people who gamble harmfully.