Self-exclusion explained: how it works, what it blocks and every UK scheme
SaveSelf-exclusion is a free agreement you make with a gambling company, or with a national scheme, to block yourself from gambling for a set period. During that time the company must close your access, refuse new accounts in your name and stop sending you marketing. In the UK there is one scheme for online gambling and separate schemes for betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and arcades. This guide from I Need Help explains how each one works, what it blocks and how to end it.
How self-exclusion works
- You ask to be excluded – with one company, or with a scheme that covers many at once.
- You choose a period. For most schemes the shortest is 6 months.
- Your access is closed. You cannot log in, deposit or bet, and new accounts in your name are refused.
- Marketing stops. The company should no longer send you offers.
- You cannot cancel early. The exclusion runs for the full period you chose.
- It does not end on its own. When the period is over you have to ask to be removed, and online operators apply a 24-hour cooling-off period before you can gamble again.
Every UK self-exclusion scheme
| Scheme | What it covers | How to register |
|---|---|---|
| Gamstop Online | All online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain | Online, free; 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 5 years with auto-renewal |
| Gamstop Betting Shops | High street bookmakers in the area you choose | Phone 0800 294 2060, free |
| SENSE | All licensed land-based casinos in Great Britain | At any casino, or by email application form |
| Bingo Association | Licensed bingo halls in Great Britain | In person at a bingo hall, or by phoning the hall |
| Bacta | Adult gaming centres, high street arcades, motorway service areas and family entertainment centres | In person at the venue; advice on 01482 441 142 (option 1) |
| SmartEXCLUSION | Adult gaming centres, motorway service areas and holiday parks | In the venue, or phone 01482 441 142 (option 1) |
| A single gambling company | That company's websites, apps or premises | In your account settings, or ask customer support or staff |
The Gambling Commission keeps the official list of free self-exclusion schemes.
Self-exclusion from online gambling
One registration with Gamstop Online blocks you from every online casino, betting, bingo and poker company licensed in Great Britain. It is free, open to anyone living in the UK, and can take up to 24 hours to switch on. Our step-by-step guide on how to set up GAMSTOP covers registration and the lengths on offer.
Self-exclusion from betting shops and bookies
Gamstop Betting Shops (formerly MOSES) excludes you from multiple bookmakers in your area with one free phone call to 0800 294 2060. Tell the adviser the areas where you are likely to bet, such as near home and work. You can also self-exclude at the counter of a single shop, but that only covers that bookmaker.
What SmartEXCLUSION is
SmartEXCLUSION is a self-exclusion system for adult gaming centres, motorway service areas and holiday parks across Great Britain. You can register at a venue or by calling 01482 441 142 and choosing option 1. It covers machines in those venues, not betting shops or online sites.
Does self-exclusion include the lottery?
Only partly. Gamstop Online covers some National Lottery online games, such as online instant win games, but not draw games like Lotto or EuroMillions. To block those, self-exclude in your National Lottery account. Tickets bought in shops are not covered by Gamstop Online, so a bank gambling block is the way to stop those card payments.
What self-exclusion blocks and what it does not
| Blocked | Not blocked |
|---|---|
| Logging in, depositing and betting with the companies covered | Gambling sites not licensed in Great Britain |
| Opening new accounts in your name with those companies | Venues outside the scheme you joined |
| Marketing emails, texts and offers from those companies | Lottery draw games and shop-bought tickets |
| — | Gambling through someone else's account |
To close the remaining gaps, add blocking software and a bank gambling block. Our guide on blocking gambling sites on your devices shows how.
Money left in your account
Self-exclusion does not send your balance back automatically. Contact each company where you hold money and ask for any withdrawable funds to be returned to you, ideally before or just after you register.
Self-excluded but still allowed to bet
A licensed company should not let you gamble while you are self-excluded. If it does:
- Stop using the account and take screenshots of your balance and transactions.
- Contact the company in writing, say when you self-excluded, and ask it to close the account.
- If you used Gamstop Online, check that your details match your gambling account and contact GAMSTOP on 0800 138 6518.
- If you are not happy with the company's answer, take your complaint to the independent dispute resolution service named in its terms and conditions.
Self-exclusion refunds: there is no automatic right to a refund of money you lost while self-excluded. Each complaint is looked at on its facts, so keep every record. The National Gambling Helpline can advise you on the next steps.
How to remove yourself from self-exclusion
| Scheme | How it ends |
|---|---|
| Gamstop Online | Stays in place after your period until you contact GAMSTOP to remove it |
| A single online company | Ask the company after the period ends; it must apply a 24-hour cooling-off period first |
| SENSE (casinos) | Send a written request after the minimum period |
| Betting shops, bingo halls and arcades | Ask the scheme or venue after the period ends |
Before you ask, talk it through with someone you trust or with the National Gambling Helpline. If you are unsure, extend the exclusion instead.
Does self-exclusion work?
Self-exclusion is a barrier, not a cure. It works best when you combine it with blocking software, a bank block and support for the reasons you gambled. If you find yourself looking for ways around it, that is a sign to get more help, not a failure. See where to get help for problem gambling in the UK.
Who to contact
| Service | What for | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline | Confidential advice in England and Scotland | 0808 8020 133, free, 24/7 |
| NHS Wales Gambling Helpline | Advice, support and treatment in Wales | 0808 2819 265, free, 24/7 |
| GAMSTOP | Online self-exclusion | 0800 138 6518, 10am–8pm, 7 days |
| Gamstop Betting Shops | Betting shop self-exclusion | 0800 294 2060, free |
| GambleAware | Information and treatment options | Online |
This article is general information rather than advice for your own circumstances. I Need Help is an information site and we do not sell any goods or services. Gambling is for adults only (18+), and free, confidential support is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
#Self-exclusion #GAMSTOP #Helplines #Website blocking
Download PDF: Self-exclusion checklist: steps to take today PDF, 30 KB
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel self-exclusion early?
No. A self-exclusion runs for the full period you chose, and the operator or scheme will not lift it early even if you ask. When the period ends, you have to ask for it to be removed.
Does self-exclusion affect my credit rating?
No. Self-exclusion is an arrangement between you and the gambling company or scheme. It does not appear on your credit file and does not affect borrowing.
Can I self-exclude someone else?
No. Self-exclusion has to be your own choice. GAMSTOP only allows someone else to register you if they are legally authorised, for example with a valid Power of Attorney.