Self-exclusion: meaning and how it works
Self-exclusion means asking a gambling company to refuse you service for a set period, usually months or years. You can self-exclude from one operator inside its app, or from every online operator licensed in Great Britain at once through GAMSTOP. Once it's in place, operators must close your account, return your money and stop marketing to you.
By the BestApps editorial team. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Self-exclusion is a longer, firmer block than a time-out.
- You can exclude from one operator or, through GAMSTOP, from all GB-licensed online operators.
- Operators must refuse service, close accounts, return funds and stop marketing.
- GAMSTOP periods can't be cancelled early.
- Blocking software and bank blocks add extra layers.
- What it does
- Stops you gambling for a set period
- Single operator
- Set in the operator's app or website
- All online operators
- GAMSTOP: 6 months, 1 year or 5 years
- Operator duties
- LCCP social responsibility code 3.5.3
- Online and land-based
- Separate schemes
What self-exclusion means
Self-exclusion is an agreement you make with a gambling business: for a fixed period, it won't let you gamble with it. It's built for people who want a clear stop rather than a short pause, and it's backed by licence conditions, not just goodwill.
You'll find it among the protection tools listed in our casino app glossary. For a shorter pause, see time-out; for the national online scheme, see GAMSTOP.
Two ways to self-exclude from casino apps
| With one operator | Through GAMSTOP | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you set it | Inside the operator's app or website, or via support | On the GAMSTOP website |
| What it covers | That operator, sometimes its sister brands | All online operators licensed in Great Britain |
| Length | Set by the operator's options | 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, with an option to renew |
| Ending early | Check the operator's terms | Not possible during the period |
Some groups extend an exclusion across their brands. BetMGM, for example, says its self-exclusion of six months to five years covers all LeoVegas Group sites. Our guide to self-exclusion from casino apps compares the routes in more detail.
What operators must do when you self-exclude
The Gambling Commission's social responsibility code 3.5.3 on remote self-exclusion (opens in a new tab) sets out the duties. In summary, an operator must:
- refuse to let you gamble for the period of the exclusion;
- close your account and return any money in it;
- remove you from marketing lists within two days;
- point you towards support services.
Since 31 March 2020, every online operator has also had to take part in GAMSTOP under code 3.5.5. The Commission's consumer page on self-exclusion (opens in a new tab) explains these protections in plain English.
How to self-exclude from a casino app
- Decide whether you want to block one operator or all online gambling in Great Britain.
- For one operator, open the app's safer gambling or responsible gambling settings and look for self-exclusion.
- For all operators, register with GAMSTOP using the same details as your gambling accounts.
- Withdraw or check the return of any balance, and delete the casino apps from your phone.
- Add a blocking tool or bank block if you want extra protection.
Partner pages such as Ladbrokes' safer gambling tools describe where each app keeps its self-exclusion option.
When self-exclusion goes wrong
Failures do happen, and the Commission treats them seriously. In March 2022, the business behind Sky Betting and Gaming paid £1.17 million after a Sky Vegas promotion was emailed to about 41,395 self-excluded customers and 249,159 who had unsubscribed. In November 2025, 888 UK Limited paid £86,843 over a self-exclusion breach the register puts down to human error.
If you're self-excluded and an operator lets you gamble or markets to you, complain to the operator first. Our guide on how to complain about a casino app explains the next steps.
Adding layers to self-exclusion
Self-exclusion relies on operators recognising you. Extra layers make gambling harder to reach while you're vulnerable:
- Gamban: paid software that blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices.
- Bank gambling blocks: stop card payments to gambling firms.
- Phone controls such as Digital Wellbeing and Screen Time.
Support matters as much as blocks. The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is free and open 24/7, and the NHS offers help for problems with gambling (opens in a new tab), including specialist clinics you can refer yourself to.
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 does self-exclusion mean in gambling?
It means asking a gambling business to stop you gambling with it for a set period. During that time it must refuse service, close your account, return your funds and stop marketing to you. You can do it with one operator or with all online operators through GAMSTOP. Our GAMSTOP self-exclusion guide covers the national route step by step.
How long does self-exclusion last?
Through GAMSTOP, you choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and you can set it to renew. With a single operator, the options depend on its own tools; BetMGM, for example, publishes six months to five years. After a GAMSTOP period ends, the exclusion stays in place until you ask for it to be removed. See how do I self-exclude from all casino apps for more.
Can I self-exclude from just one casino app?
Yes. Many UK apps offer self-exclusion in their safer gambling settings, which blocks you from that operator. Some groups extend it to sister brands, so check the terms. If you want to stop all online gambling in Great Britain, GAMSTOP is the better route. Our safer gambling tools in casino apps page compares the options.
What happens to my money when I self-exclude?
The operator must close your account and return the money in it, under the Commission's self-exclusion rules for remote operators. How and when it's paid back depends on the operator's process, so check with support if it doesn't arrive. Our guide to how to close a casino account explains what to expect when an account is shut.
Does self-exclusion cover betting shops and casinos?
Not online self-exclusion. GAMSTOP covers online gambling only, and land-based venues have separate schemes. If you gamble in person as well as on your phone, you'll need to exclude through both routes, contacting the venues or their scheme as well as registering online. Our gambling help and support page lists organisations that can help you plan this.
Can I still get gambling marketing after self-excluding?
You shouldn't. Operators must remove you from marketing within two days of self-exclusion. If you still receive offers by email, text or push alert, complain to the operator and keep copies of the messages as evidence. Turning off notifications helps too; our guide to turning off casino app notifications explains how on iPhone and Android.