What is GAMSTOP?

GAMSTOP is the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme. It’s a tool that prevents access to online gambling sites in the UK. GAMSTOP is run by a non-profit organisation called The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited.

What happens when someone registers with GAMSTOP

Consumers who register with this scheme are blocked from most online gambling sites operating in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). The service offers consumers the choice to exclude from online gambling for periods of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
 
How does it work?

Personal details are logged and held by GAMSTOP, and each time there is an attempted login or registration using these details, the GAMSTOP database is checked. If there is a match the login/registration activity is blocked.

If someone were logged into their existing account when the GAMSTOP registration completed, then they would be timed out within 24 hours. From that point onwards they would not be able to log in.
 
If you are an existing customer and register with GAMSTOP, you will continue to receive marketing and promotional materials until you notify us you have registered with GAMSTOP or try to log in. This is because GAMSTOP is an independent scheme and we can only identify a customer has registered when they attempt to log in or notify us. Once we mark your account(s) as self-excluded by GAMSTOP, we will cease all marketing and promotional activity, and you will be unable to use any online/omnichannel services where a login is involved. Any outstanding funds in your balance will be returned via your chosen deposit method.
 
It is important that you let us know if you are registered with GAMSTOP as soon as possible so that we can:

• freeze your account
• return any remaining funds to you
• stop sending you marketing and promotional materials

New customers who have signed-up with GAMSTOP will not be able to register with any of our online brands, including any multichannel products. We have updated our General T&Cs to include use of the GAMSTOP scheme.
 
How do consumers contact GAMSTOP?

Full contact details for the service are available from the website. The GAMSTOP website address is www.gamstop.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I have registered with GAMSTOP and want to withdraw my remaining funds; how do I get these funds?

If you follow the login process until you see the error message that blocks your login, then your funds will automatically be returned to your current registered payment method within 5 working days. If you have more than one account, this would need to be done for each of your accounts separately.
 
Alternatively, you can email us, and we will process the refund manually for you. Please include your account details such as; name, username and date of birth in your correspondence.

If you have no payment method to refund, the funds will remain in your account until you provide us with your bank details in order to transfer the funds back to you. To provide your bank details or for further information on refunding your balance please get in touch with us via e-mail.
 
I registered with GAMSTOP and want to start gambling again, how can I do this?

The first step is to contact GAMSTOP to discuss this and arrange to de-register from the scheme once your exclusion period expires. Once your exclusion is lifted with GAMSTOP, you will be able to contact us to reactivate your account, or if you are a new customer you will be able to register.
 
I registered with GAMSTOP but can’t remember when my self-exclusion expires, can you tell me?

Unfortunately, we can’t. We don’t hold any information about the length of your exclusion, you will need to contact GAMSTOP to get this information.
 
I have not registered with GAMSTOP but I have been told that my account is blocked due to GAMSTOP, can you help?

We do not hold any details for GAMSTOP self-exclusions and cannot amend or lift any exclusions that have been applied. You will need to contact GAMSTOP to discuss this.
 
I have registered with GAMSTOP, but you are still sending me promotions and offers - why are you doing this?

GAMSTOP is an independent service meaning we don’t hold any information about who has or has not registered with them. As soon as we are informed that you are registered with GAMSTOP, we will stop sending marketing communications. If you try to login to your account this will automatically trigger an account block and prevent any future marketing communications, or you can email us to let us know that you have self-excluded via GAMSTOP and we will act accordingly.
 
If you would like to email us, please include your name, username and date of birth, and advise us that you have registered with GAMSTOP
 
I registered with GAMSTOP 12 months ago and you have taken money from my account?

GAMSTOP is an independent service, meaning we don’t hold any information about who has or has not registered with them. If accounts remain open with no activity, we may apply dormancy fees. As soon as we are informed that you are registered with GAMSTOP, we will freeze your account and return any fees. If you try to login to your account this will automatically trigger an account block and prevent any future marketing communications, or you can email us to let us know that you have self-excluded via GAMSTOP and we will act accordingly.
 
If you would like to email us, please include your name, username and date of birth, advise us that you have registered with GAMSTOP and you have had fees taken.
 
If I register with GAMSTOP can I still bet in an arcade, betting shop, bingo hall or casino?

If you have self-excluded from online gambling with GAMSTOP, you will not be able to bet in a betting shop if that involves a login to an online account (this includes multichannel or omni accounts.). All other forms of betting will not be affected.
 
If you wish to self-exclude from gambling across different retail outlets such as arcades, bingo halls, over the counter in betting shops and casinos you should register with this self-exclusion scheme here

This page was last reviewed and updated: February 2020