What is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. Registering with GAMSTOP prevents you from accessing UKGC-licensed online casino and betting sites for a period you choose: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
How GAMSTOP works
You register at gamstop.co.uk with your name, date of birth, email, and address. GAMSTOP shares this data with participating licensed operators, who are required to block your access. Registration is free. When you try to log into or register at a UKGC-licensed site, the site checks against the GAMSTOP database and blocks you if you’re registered. The exclusion cannot be reversed early — you must wait until the period expires.
What GAMSTOP doesn’t cover
GAMSTOP only applies to UKGC-licensed sites. Casinos licensed by other authorities (MGA, Curaçao) are not obligated to participate. If you’re using GAMSTOP as part of addressing a gambling problem, it’s most effective when combined with other self-exclusion schemes and support resources like GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline.