GamStop is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. It allows anyone to voluntarily block themselves from all online gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain — in a single registration. Used by over half a million people in the UK, it is one of the most important responsible gambling tools available to British players.
Whether you want to take a short break from gambling, save money, or step away for good, GamStop gives you a simple, free way to put distance between yourself and online gambling sites. This guide explains exactly how it works, how to register, what happens after you sign up, and how it fits alongside other tools available to UK players. When you're ready to play again, all casinos listed on PlayCompass are fully UKGC licensed and GamStop registered.
In This Guide:
What is GamStop?
GamStop — formally The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme — is a free, independent service that lets UK residents block themselves from all online gambling operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It was launched in 2018 and is now used by over 500,000 people across England, Scotland, and Wales.
It is not run by any single casino or gambling company. GamStop is operated by The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited, a non-profit body. Every operator holding a UKGC licence is legally required to participate — which means registering once with GamStop blocks you from every regulated online casino, sportsbook, bingo, and poker site in Great Britain simultaneously.
People use it for many different reasons. Some are managing a gambling problem and want a firm barrier in place. Some are taking a break to reset their finances. Some use it as a practical tool to stop an impulse habit without any deeper issue involved. There is no wrong reason to use GamStop — it exists to give players control over their own gambling behaviour on their own terms.
How Does GamStop Work?
GamStop works at the operator level. When you register, your personal details — name, date of birth, email address, and postal address — are added to the GamStop register. Every time someone attempts to log in to or register with a UKGC-licensed gambling site, that operator checks the GamStop database. If your details match, access is blocked.
The process is automatic and happens in real time. You do not need to contact each casino individually — the single GamStop registration covers all participating operators simultaneously.
If you are already logged in to a casino account when your GamStop registration completes, you will be timed out within four hours and blocked from logging back in from that point onward.
Because GamStop is an independent scheme, individual operators do not have visibility into who is or is not registered until a login attempt is made. This means marketing emails and promotional materials may continue until you either attempt to log in (which triggers the block automatically) or contact the operator directly to inform them of your registration.
How to Register with GamStop
Registration is free and takes only a few minutes. You can sign up at gamstop.co.uk. You will need to provide:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Home address
- Mobile number (optional but recommended)
GamStop uses these details to verify your identity and match you against operator databases when login attempts are made. Your privacy is protected — GamStop will not send texts to your mobile or post letters to your home address without your consent. You choose who knows you have registered.
Once registered, you cannot cancel your exclusion during the period you have chosen. This is by design — the scheme is most effective when it cannot be undone impulsively in a moment of temptation.
What Happens After You Register?
Once your registration is processed, any attempt to log in to or sign up with a UKGC-licensed gambling site using your registered details will be blocked. The operator receives a signal from GamStop and denies access.
You will be unable to use any online services where a gambling login is required. This covers online casinos, sports betting accounts, online bingo, and poker sites — any platform holding a UKGC licence.
As noted above, marketing emails may continue briefly until an operator is made aware of your registration. To stop this immediately, contact each operator directly and inform them you have registered with GamStop. They are then required to cease all marketing activity to you.
It is also worth being aware that dormancy fees can occasionally be applied to inactive accounts. If a balance remains in an account and fees are applied after your GamStop registration, contact the operator — they are required to freeze the account, reverse any fees, and return your funds once they confirm your GamStop status.
How Long Does GamStop Last?
When you register, you choose your exclusion period. The current options are:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 5 years
You can also choose to have your exclusion renew automatically at the end of the period, so you do not need to think about it again. This is a useful option for anyone who wants a permanent or indefinitely extended block without having to take any action.
Crucially, your exclusion does not lift automatically when your chosen period ends. You must actively contact GamStop to have it removed. This is another deliberate design feature — it prevents the exclusion from lapsing without a conscious decision on your part.
If you want to return to gambling after your exclusion period, you first contact GamStop to discuss removal, and then contact individual operators to reactivate any accounts. GamStop holds all information about your exclusion period — individual operators do not have access to when your exclusion started or when it ends.
What Happens to Your Funds?
Any balance remaining in your gambling accounts at the time of your GamStop registration will be returned to you. Operators are required to refund outstanding balances to your registered payment method, typically within 5 working days of identifying your GamStop registration.
You can trigger this process by attempting to log in — the error message that appears will initiate the automatic refund process. Alternatively, you can email each operator directly, providing your username and date of birth, to request a manual refund.
If you have no registered payment method on file, funds will be held safely until you provide bank account details to the operator. No money is lost — operators are obligated to return it.
GamStop Alongside Other Tools
GamStop is most powerful when used as part of a broader set of tools. On its own, it blocks you at the operator level — but it does not prevent you from accessing gambling websites on your devices. Combining it with complementary tools creates a much stronger barrier.
GamStop Betting Shops is a separate scheme that allows you to self-exclude from high street bookmakers. Registering with GamStop Online does not automatically apply to land-based betting shops — you need to register with the betting shops scheme independently if you want coverage there too.
GAMBAN is device-level blocking software that can be installed on your phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer. It prevents your devices from accessing gambling websites entirely, adding a layer of protection that operates independently of operator checks. Used alongside GamStop, it significantly reduces the ability to access gambling content through any route.
Bank blocks are available from most major UK banks and allow you to block gambling transactions on your debit or credit card. This prevents deposits even in the event that access to a site is gained through some other means. If you're looking to compare licensed UK casinos that support all responsible gambling tools, PlayCompass only features fully compliant UKGC casinos.
The National Gambling Helpline is available free on 0808 802 0133 for anyone who wants to talk to someone about their gambling. It is a confidential advice and support service available around the clock.
Further tools and support resources are available in our Complete Guide to Responsible Gambling and via GamStop's own tools and support section at gamstop.co.uk.
PlayCompass and GamStop
Every casino featured on PlayCompass holds a UKGC, MGA, or GLA licence and is fully registered with GamStop. We do not feature any operator that is not compliant with the UK's responsible gambling infrastructure.
That means if you are registered with GamStop, you will not be able to access any of the casinos listed on our site — and that is exactly how it should work. The scheme exists to protect players, and we fully support it.
If you are not registered with GamStop and are looking to play at a regulated UK casino, all of our featured operators carry BeGambleAware links, responsible gambling tools including deposit limits and reality checks, and are bound by UKGC standards for player protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GamStop free to use?
Yes, GamStop is completely free. There is no charge to register, and no subscription or ongoing fees. It is a non-profit national scheme funded by the gambling industry.
Can I cancel my GamStop registration early?
No. Once you register with GamStop you cannot cancel your exclusion during the period you have chosen. The minimum period is 6 months. After your exclusion period ends, you can contact GamStop to have it removed — but it does not lift automatically.
Does GamStop cover all UK online casinos?
GamStop covers all online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain by the UKGC. This includes online casinos, sports betting, bingo, and poker sites. Every operator holding a UKGC licence is legally required to participate in GamStop.
What happens to my funds when I register with GamStop?
Operators will return any remaining balance to your registered payment method once they identify your GamStop registration — typically within 5 working days. You can also contact operators directly to request a manual refund.
Will GamStop stop me receiving marketing emails?
Because GamStop is an independent scheme, operators only know you have registered when you attempt to log in or notify them directly. Until that happens, some marketing may continue. To stop it immediately, contact each operator and inform them you have registered with GamStop.
Does GamStop cover land-based betting shops?
GamStop Online only covers online gambling. A separate scheme — GamStop Betting Shops — allows you to self-exclude from high street bookmakers. The two schemes operate independently, so registering with one does not automatically apply to the other.
What is the difference between GamStop and GAMBAN?
GamStop is a national scheme that blocks you at the operator level — gambling sites check the GamStop register before allowing login or registration. GAMBAN is device-level blocking software installed on your phone, tablet, or computer that prevents you from accessing gambling websites entirely. They work best used together.
Can I use GamStop if I am not a problem gambler?
Absolutely. GamStop is used by over half a million people in the UK for a variety of reasons — some want to stop gambling permanently, others are simply taking a break to save money or focus on other priorities. You do not need to have a gambling problem to use it.
What happens if someone else registers me with GamStop by mistake?
Contact GamStop directly via their website at gamstop.co.uk. They will investigate and can resolve cases where an exclusion was applied incorrectly.
The Bottom Line on GamStop
GamStop is the most comprehensive self-exclusion tool available to UK online gamblers. A single free registration blocks you from every UKGC-licensed operator in Great Britain — instantly and automatically. Whether you are stepping away permanently or simply taking a break, it puts you firmly in control.
Used alongside GAMBAN, bank blocks, and the National Gambling Helpline, it forms a robust safety net for anyone who wants to manage their relationship with gambling. Every casino on PlayCompass is fully GamStop registered, UKGC licensed, and committed to responsible gambling standards.
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