GAMSTOP: meaning and how it works
GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain, including their casino apps. You register once and choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Every licensed online operator must take part, and the exclusion can't be cancelled before the period ends.
By the BestApps editorial team. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- One GAMSTOP registration covers every online operator licensed in Great Britain.
- Periods are 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and you can set it to renew.
- It can't be cancelled early, and it stays until you ask to remove it.
- It doesn't cover land-based venues or unlicensed sites, so add other blocks.
- Run by
- The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited
- Cost
- Free
- Periods
- 6 months, 1 year or 5 years
- Operator participation
- Required since 31 March 2020
- Rule
- LCCP social responsibility code 3.5.5
What GAMSTOP is
GAMSTOP is run by The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited. Instead of excluding from casinos one by one, you register once and every GB-licensed online operator has to refuse you service for the period you pick. That includes the operators' websites and their apps on iPhone and Android.
It's the national form of self-exclusion, and one of the most important entries in our casino app glossary.
GAMSTOP exclusion periods
GAMSTOP's registration page (opens in a new tab) offers four choices.
| Period | Can it end early? | After the period |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | No | Stays in place until you ask GAMSTOP to remove it |
| 1 year | No | Stays in place until you ask GAMSTOP to remove it |
| 5 years | No | Stays in place until you ask GAMSTOP to remove it |
| 5 years with auto-renewal | No | Renews automatically |
That last column surprises people. When your period runs out, you aren't automatically let back in; you have to contact GAMSTOP to lift the exclusion. GAMSTOP's about page (opens in a new tab) explains this.
How to register with GAMSTOP
- Go to the GAMSTOP website on your phone or computer.
- Enter your details, matching those on your gambling accounts as closely as you can.
- Choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and decide whether you want it to renew.
- Confirm your registration and look out for a confirmation message.
- Delete casino apps from your devices and consider extra blocks while the exclusion takes effect.
Our GAMSTOP self-exclusion guide covers registration in more detail, and does GAMSTOP block casino apps answers the most common worry.
Why every UK casino app must honour GAMSTOP
The Commission announced on 14 January 2020 that online operators must participate in GAMSTOP (opens in a new tab) from 31 March 2020. The requirement sits in social responsibility code 3.5.5 (opens in a new tab): licensees must take part in the national multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.
The Commission enforces it. In November 2022 it suspended LEBOM Limited for failing to participate. You can check whether an app's operator holds a Commission licence using our guide to how to know a casino app is licensed.
What GAMSTOP blocks and what it doesn't
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Online casinos and their apps licensed in Great Britain | Betting shops, casinos and other land-based venues |
| Online betting and bingo from GB-licensed operators | Draw-based lottery games such as Lotto |
| Instant win lottery games | Unlicensed offshore sites, which offer no UKGC protection |
Unlicensed sites are the main gap. They aren't bound by UK rules, so they won't check GAMSTOP, and you'd have none of the protections a licence brings. Our guide on how to spot an unlicensed casino app explains the warning signs.
Pairing GAMSTOP with other blocks
- Gamban blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices, and its makers recommend using it alongside GAMSTOP.
- A bank gambling block stops card payments to gambling firms; our guide to gambling blocks on banking apps lists the options.
- Phone settings can stop new apps being installed; see blocking gambling apps on iPhone.
Talking to someone helps too. The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare, is free and open 24/7. See our GamCare page for other ways to get in touch.
18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
What is GAMSTOP and how does it work?
GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme. You register once, choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and every online gambling company licensed in Great Britain must refuse you service for that period. It covers websites and apps alike. Our self-exclusion entry explains how it compares with excluding from a single operator.
Does GAMSTOP block casino apps on my phone?
It blocks your access to GB-licensed operators, so their apps won't let you gamble while you're excluded. It doesn't remove the apps or stop them being installed, so deleting them and adding a device block is worthwhile. Our answer on whether GAMSTOP blocks casino apps covers this in more detail, including what to do if an app still lets you in.
Can I cancel GAMSTOP early?
No. Once you've registered, the exclusion can't be cancelled during the period you chose. That's deliberate: it holds firm at the moments you might want to undo it. When the period ends, it stays in place until you ask GAMSTOP to remove it. Our GAMSTOP self-exclusion guide explains how removal works.
Is GAMSTOP free to use?
Yes, GAMSTOP is a free service. You don't pay to register, and operators are required by their licences to take part. Some other blocking tools, such as Gamban, are paid products, though Gamban is also available through some banks. Our Gamban entry explains how that software differs from GAMSTOP and why people use both.
Does GAMSTOP cover the National Lottery?
Partly. Instant win lottery games are blocked, but draw-based games such as Lotto are not covered. GAMSTOP also doesn't cover betting shops or land-based casinos, which run separate schemes. Our page on help and support for gambling lists other services that can help you build a fuller set of blocks and support around you.
Why can I still see gambling apps after joining GAMSTOP?
Because GAMSTOP blocks accounts, not app stores or adverts. Apps may still appear in search results or ads. Deleting them, blocking new installs and reducing gambling ads all help. Our guide to blocking gambling apps on Android explains phone settings that make apps harder to reach, which works well alongside a GAMSTOP exclusion.