Self-exclude from betting shops and casinos

Self Exclusion Tool

Joining the SENSE scheme is a straightforward process designed to support individuals in their decision to self-exclude from UK land-based casinos. GamStop only covers UK-licensed operators, which means offshore gambling sites may still be accessible. Launched in 2018, it’s operated by an independent charity and covers all UK Gambling Commission-licensed online gambling operators. GamStop is a free service designed to help you take a break from online gambling with UK-licensed operators. After the 24-hour implementation period, the registrant should be unable to log in to any UKGC-licensed gambling site, create a new account, or receive marketing communications from participating operators.

Self-exclude from betting shops and casinos

If you think self-exclusion could work for you, make sure you exclude yourself from all the places where you may be tempted to gamble. Responsibility for sticking with this lies with you, but you can expect the gambling operator to do all they reasonably can to help you. This means you will be refused service in the venues and on the sites you have excluded from. As you self-exclude any remaining cash balance will be transferred to your bank account or via another payment if necessary.

GamBan is commercial software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps at the device level. You visit any participating venue (betting shop, casino, bingo hall, or adult gaming centre) and complete a self-exclusion form. After your chosen exclusion period expires, you can request removal by contacting GamStop directly.

Non GamStop Casinos Explained for UK Players

• This period is often recommended for those who recognise they have a developing problem.
• This includes sites such as Gamblock, Gamban or Betblocker that will stop you from accessing gambling sites.
• Advice is available online, by phone, and through local offices across the UK.
• You can change your cookie settings at any time.
• GAMSTOP is the UK’s free national self-exclusion scheme.
• You will be blocked from logging in or creating a new account at any UKGC-licensed site for the duration of your exclusion.

The five-year exclusion is the maximum duration and functions as a long-term separation from online gambling. GamStop is the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme. Self-exclusion is a straightforward process that empowers individuals to take control of their gambling habits by voluntarily restricting their access to gambling platforms and venues. Online gambling platforms in the UK are legally required to offer self-exclusion options, making it easier for individuals to block their access to these sites. This article will further explore the self-exclusion process, its benefits, and how it can be applied to both online and traditional gambling environments within the United Kingdom. You should consider self-exclusion from online gambling if you find that your gambling habits are becoming difficult to control.

Understanding how this process works helps set realistic expectations and ensures that you use the tool effectively. Self exclusion is a structured and enforced restriction. The tool is designed to support these decisions. Self exclusion is different from other tools. The process depends on the platform’s policies. In some regulated environments, self exclusion may apply beyond a single site.

Contact the responsible gambling team at any UK casino or bookmaker to initiate this. Gamban blocks gambling websites and apps at the device level – on your phone, tablet, and computer. This guide explains exactly how to register, what it does and does not block, how long the exclusion lasts, and what comprehensive support looks like beyond GAMSTOP alone. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.

However, some sites may offer a shorter minimum or a longer maximum. All you have to do is navigate to the self-exclusion form. If you decide you want an extended break from betting, it is a good option.

It is mandated by the UK Gambling Commission and covers over 250 licensed operators. Gambling Therapy provides free online support for anyone affected by problem gambling, including live chat, email support, and a peer support forum. GamCare offers free counselling, support groups, and an online forum for people affected by gambling. Whether you use GamStop or choose to play at non GamStop casinos, responsible gambling should always be your priority. This means you can still visit land-based casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, and amusement arcades.

If you wish to self-exclude from a specific gambling website, there are two ways in which you can do this, with the quickest and easiest being to do so online. By self-excluding from gambling sites, and we would recommend using GAMSTOP to blanket self-exclude, there are several benefits, all pointing to the fact that you can concentrate on addressing problems with gambling. It is possible to self-exclude across all UK gambling sites using the GAMSTOP service. Players at an online casino should be able to self-exclude online by checking a box, or over the telephone in line with the Gambling Commission’s regulations. While SENSE is an effective tool for controlling land-based casino gambling, some players may look for alternative ways to gamble online. If you decide to extend your self-exclusion period, this form will come in handy.

The UK’s trusted casino comparison site. GamStop, deposit limits, and free UK support services. Sarah Mitchell is a GamCare-certified responsible gambling specialist with six years working alongside UK gambling harm charities and regulators. Self-exclusion is not about closing a door forever. Self-exclusion is a protective barrier — a valuable one.

Alternatively, you may contact our customer service desk to ask to be self-excluded and they will be able to guide you through the process. It’s as simple as logging in to your account, visiting the safer gambling section and confirming how long you want to close your account for. In some cases, Mecca may additionally and independently ask you to apply for reinstatement even when your national self-exclusion has lapsed. Alternatively, if you do not wish to visit a club, you can request self-exclusion by following the process detailed on the Bingo Association website, click here. To join the scheme, you will be asked to complete a self-exclusion form and have your photograph taken.

Self-exclusion converts a moment of clarity into a barrier that lasts months, regardless of how you feel later. The Gambling Commission requires every operator to offer it. At the end of the day, gambling should never come at the cost of your well-being. Recognising the need for support is a strong and positive step. If you’ve found yourself needing to self-exclude, it’s a clear sign that taking a break was the right decision. Understanding your rights around self-exclusion and refunds is important, but it’s just one part of the bigger picture.

It is remarkably easy to lose track of time when playing online. Meetings are held across the UK, both in person and online, and are run by people who have experienced gambling addiction themselves. Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free online counselling and support through live advisors and peer support groups.

The process involves a 24-hour cooling-off period after your request, during which you can change your mind. If you intend to return to gambling after your period expires, mark the date in your calendar and contact GamStop proactively. A 6-month registration could become a 7.5-year exclusion. Whether you are considering self-exclusion for the first time or looking to strengthen your existing protections, this is the most thorough resource available. The UK system is fragmented across multiple schemes, each addressing a different channel or type of gambling activity.

Please be assured that no personal information will be shared with other operators other than the basic details entered to the national database at the time of registration to ensure that other operators can use it to exclude you from their own bingo clubs. GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Often gambling operators are required as a condition of licence to participate in a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, as well as being required to enable their customers to exclude themselves with them directly.

You cannot simply change your email address or use a different name to create new accounts, as operators employ sophisticated verification technology. If you attempt to create a new account with a participating operator, the registration system should detect your details and refuse the sign-up. Once your registration is confirmed, GamStop distributes your details securely to every licensed operator. This information is then cross-referenced by participating operators to identify and block your accounts. If gambling is causing stress, regret, or loss of control, self-exclusion can be a strong, supportive choice. Many people find that longer periods create more meaningful change because they allow time to build new routines, hobbies, and support systems.

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.

Within seven days of registration, all loyalty programs and memberships with casinos will be closed, and the sending of promotional materials will cease. This data is then transferred to the SENSE database, accessible to all participating casinos. If you are in the minimum self-exclusion period, you cannot reverse it early. You can choose a self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. How to self-exclude from online and land-based gambling in England & Wales. We only feature operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.

Because they do not hold a UKGC licence, they are not required to participate in the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. While these do not involve real-money gambling, they can maintain gambling behaviours and habits that undermine the purpose of self-exclusion. Many crypto gambling platforms operate without a UKGC licence and may not require the same level of identity verification, making it harder for the system to catch excluded individuals. You may need to contact specific gambling companies separately to reactivate your accounts. The scheme is intentionally designed to be irreversible for the duration you selected, which is precisely what makes it effective as a self-exclusion tool. Your profile and account history will remain on file, but all gambling functionality will be disabled.

Provide them with any supporting documentation they require to investigate the situation accurately. A chargeback is essentially a tool that allows you to dispute a transaction made from your bank account or credit card. The next section sheds light on what this process entails.

Although the scheme started with some challenges where banned gamblers were able to sign-up at several casinos, the problem has been to ensure that all banned people have no access at all. This scheme is run by the National Casino Forum (NFC) on behalf of all brick and mortar casino operators in the UK. The Association of British Bookmakers cited a survey in which 83% of GamStop’s users said that it had reduced or stopped their gambling, and 71% said that they had stopped using their nominated betting sites since joining the scheme.

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we’ve navigated the intricacies of the SENSE Self-Exclusion Scheme, a pivotal tool for individuals seeking to manage their gambling habits within the UK’s land-based casino landscape. Recognizing this, it’s crucial to explore the comprehensive support network available for individuals seeking help with gambling-related issues. Navigating the path to managing gambling habits effectively involves tapping into a variety of support and resources designed to offer assistance at every step.

These support services are available only to Great Britain residents. The Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) covers most betting shops in Great Britain. If you gamble in person, you can ask venues to exclude you. Some banks include a cooling-off period before the block can be removed. If you cannot find the option, contact your bank and ask if they offer a gambling transaction block. This is a measure taken by the UK Gambling Commission to help in curbing the problem of gambling addiction.

There is no limit on the number of times a person can register with GamStop. There is no requirement to demonstrate responsible behaviour, complete a treatment programme, or pass any assessment before the exclusion is removed. There is then a 24-hour cooling-off period before the removal takes effect. That distinction matters both for registrants (who should not rely on GamStop alone if they have a serious problem) and for anyone evaluating the scheme’s effectiveness as a public health intervention.

You cannot open the account again for any reason until the selected self-exclusion period has ended and when yourself exclusion period ends you need to contact our safer gambling team if you want to reopen the account again. If you prefer not to go into or visit a casino to self-exclude, this can also be done online by emailing the self-exclusion form new casinos not on gamstop to If you self-exclude you will be enrolled in the national scheme SENSE, unless you request otherwise, and will be excluded from all casinos in the UK.