LCCP Condition 3 5.2 Non-remote ordinary code
When you register with GamStop, your personal details (name, date of birth, email, address, and known usernames) are securely distributed to all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators. If you select 5 years, you will be excluded from all UKGC-licensed online gambling for the full five years with no option to reduce this timeframe. GamStop operates through a centralised database that shares your personal information with all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators. GamStop is the UK’s free national online self-exclusion scheme, designed to help individuals who wish to restrict their online gambling activity. If you have completed your GamStop self-exclusion period and want to return to betting on your own terms, these are our top-ranked non-GamStop operators for UK players.
Therefore, you will not be able to access your account until the time has passed. Normally, you will not have access to your account at this time. These cover casinos, betting shops, bingo halls and adult arcades. Many sites offer a range of cooling-off periods and shorter time-outs. They can provide additional protection from unlicensed sites and “gambling adjacent” areas like trading or crypto. GAMSTOP is free and easy and covers all legal UK bookies, casinos, poker rooms, and bingo sites.
If you are looking for a trusted non GamStop casino, we have tested and ranked the best options for UK players. GamStop exists to protect you during vulnerable periods. If you registered with GamStop because of a gambling addiction or financial difficulties caused by gambling, please consider carefully before seeking alternatives.
There is also self-exclusion as a responsible gambling tool for online gambling, with 85.63% of casinos offering it, for example. If you are self-excluded from UK casinos and are looking for legal online gambling options, you might consider playing at online casinos not on GamStop. One such important tool is SENS, a self-exclusion scheme that allows players to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling for a certain period of time. GamStop is the UK’s free, national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling.
Self-exclusion removes access, but it doesn’t remove urges — at least not immediately. You must actively contact GamStop to reinstate access, and there is a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period between your request and re-gaining access. At the end of the period, your exclusion does not automatically lift.
After you submit your request, the self-exclusion is activated and operators are required to apply restrictions. This information is used to match and block your access across participating operators. The longer the period, the more space you give yourself to reset habits and build supportive routines that do not rely on gambling. Once you register, the scheme is designed to restrict your access across participating online brands for the duration you select.
Deciding to self-exclude from an online casino can feel like a significant step — and it is. Playing at offshore sites while self-excluded is legal in the UK but defeats the purpose of self-exclusion and means you lose UKGC consumer protections — slow payouts, withdrawal voids and unfair terms become real risks. Unlicensed offshore casinos are not bound by GAMSTOP. UKGC-licensed casinos must refund any deposits made by a GAMSTOP-registered player.
Following the introduction of the UK Gambling Commission in 2007, the option of self-exclusion must be provided on UK gambling sites to legally comply with their rules and regulations. You will be unable to remove your Self-Exclusion until the exclusion period you chose has expired. Once removed we will then apply a 24-hour cooling off period before your account is reopened/access to the product/s is allowed.
Many people find the first few weeks after self-exclusion difficult. Withholding it during a self-exclusion is a serious breach of UKGC licence conditions. The casino should initiate this without you needing to ask — though in practice you may need to request it. Report it to the casino first, then escalate to the UKGC if unresolved.
Self-Excluding from Gambling (GAMSTOP & Multi-Operator)
- You can also find more detailed answers to any questions you may have via our Q&A page, accessible from the button below.
- Many people choose to extend their exclusion as they recognise the continued benefits of staying away from online gambling.
- SENSE is the national self-exclusion scheme for casinos in Great Britain.
Operators match your registration against the email addresses on your gambling accounts. One registration with GamStop covers all participating operators simultaneously. GamStop is the UK’s free national self-exclusion scheme. So what happens after the self-exclusion period ends? If you’re serious about stopping, GAMSTOP alone won’t block these unlicensed operators. So does GAMSTOP cover all UK online casinos?
Who Is Eligible for GamStop in the UK?
This is often chosen by recreational gamblers who recognise they need a break but do not consider themselves to have a severe gambling problem. The minimum period is designed for individuals who want a shorter cooling-off period. You do not need to demonstrate a gambling problem to register.
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.
Land-Based Self-Exclusion: SENSE
Every UKGC-licensed casino — including Bet365, William Hill, Sky Vegas, 888 Casino, LeoVegas and the other 11 brands we review — is required by their licence to check the GAMSTOP database before opening or reactivating any account. It’s funded by mandatory levies on UK gambling operators and overseen by the UKGC. GAMSTOP is the United Kingdom’s national online self-exclusion service, operated by the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited and mandated by the UK Gambling Commission. When the chosen exclusion period expires, the block does not lift automatically.
The tools that existed before your exclusion still work, and using them from day one establishes a framework that the pre-exclusion version of you might not have had in place. Your exclusion remains in place until you actively request removal. You cannot cancel, pause, or shorten it during the active period, regardless of your circumstances.
The obvious difficulties lie in the inherent nature of gambling addiction, because it is the player’s responsibility to inform the operator. Upon re-instating your account, you will enter into a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before being able to gamble. Our team will be able to assist you and re-instate your account after the Self-Exclusion period has ended. Your account will remain excluded until you choose to reach out to us. We will do all we reasonably can to prevent you from setting up new accounts and gambling and you’ll also be unable to undo your Self-Exclusion once it’s started.
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.
This means that nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury arising from our negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. We do not exclude or limit in any way our liability to you where it would be unlawful to do so. You may print off one copy, and may download extracts, of any page(s) from our site which you are authorised to access, provided that such prints and downloads are for your personal and non-commercial use only. This clause shall not apply insofar as (but only to the extent that) we are unable to exclude or limit text or data mining or web scraping activity by contract under the laws which are applicable to us.
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.
Upon enrolling in the SENSE scheme, it’s crucial for individuals to understand the implications on casino memberships and marketing communications. Understanding these distinctions ensures individuals can make informed decisions about which scheme best suits their circumstances, reinforcing the gambling industry’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices across all platforms. This comparison highlights the tailored approach each scheme takes to address specific needs within the gambling community. This, coupled with additional support from organizations like GAMCARE, reinforces the network of assistance available, making SENSE a pivotal step for many in their journey towards responsible gambling. This integrated approach not only provides immediate support but also educates on the broader spectrum of resources available, such as MOSES, GAMSTOP, BACTA, and BISES, for informed decision-making regarding gambling habits. The duration of self-exclusion under SENSE is a minimum of six months, extending indefinitely until the individual decides to formally request removal by speaking directly to a casino manager.
With hundreds of brands participating, GamStop provides comprehensive coverage across the entire UK online gambling market. They will provide you with the necessary details regarding the expiration of your exclusion period. To obtain information about the duration of your self-exclusion period, you will need to contact GamStop. Online gambling operators in the UK are required by the Gambling Commission to integrate with GamStop. GamStop offers the flexibility to choose the duration of their self-exclusion period. It promotes a safer and more responsible gambling environment, prioritising the well-being of players and encouraging a balanced approach to enjoying online gambling activities.
National Casino Self-Exclusion (NCSE) covers major UK casino chains. Available for a small annual subscription fee, with free access available to residents of certain UK areas through GamCare partnerships. It is particularly effective against offshore sites not covered by GAMSTOP. It covers over 40,000 gambling-related domains and works alongside GAMSTOP rather than replacing it. A cooling-off period is for players who need a brief pause, not those in genuine difficulty. If you are experiencing a serious problem, self-exclusion is always the appropriate tool.
If an operator refuses to return your money, you can escalate the matter to the Gambling Commission. Unsettled bets placed before your registration may still be settled according to their original terms, and any resulting winnings should be paid out to you. Once active, the exclusion cannot be shortened or cancelled early regardless of your personal circumstances. After your request, there is a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period during which you must confirm your decision. They fund research, education, and treatment services, and their website provides self-assessment tools, treatment finder services, and comprehensive information about gambling risks. Their helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is staffed by trained advisors who can offer immediate support and refer you to local counselling services.
He previously worked as a compliance consultant for two MGA-licensed operators. GamStop does not cover physical betting shops, casinos, or amusement arcades. Many people find that the combination of GamStop (account-level exclusion), a device-level uk casinos blocker, and a bank block creates robust enough friction to support recovery. You will be blocked from logging in or creating a new account at any UKGC-licensed site for the duration of your exclusion.
You understand that Gambling Operators do not have to prevent you from accessing gambling platforms during this time, but they may choose to prevent you from accessing gambling platforms outside of GAMSTOP. You understand that if you have withdrawable funds remaining in your gambling accounts once your self-exclusion has been activated, it is the responsibility of the Gambling Operator and not GAMSTOP to return these funds to you. You understand and agree that our ability to assist in preventing you from accessing Gambling Operators’ services may be hampered if you do not provide us, at the point of registration and during your self-exclusion, accurate and up-to-date Registration Information.