Self-Exclusion from Online Casinos 2026: GAMSTOP, Single-Site, and Everything That Happens Next

Self-exclusion is a formal, binding commitment to stop gambling at one or more licensed casino sites. It is available to every UK player, takes effect rapidly, and is the most effective tool for players who want to stop gambling or take a break.

Two types of self-exclusion

Single-site self-exclusion: Excludes you from one specific casino. All UKGC-licensed casinos must offer this. The exclusion closes your account, blocks you from opening a new account with the same casino, and requires the casino to remove you from their marketing lists. Minimum period: 6 months under UKGC minimum requirements (many casinos offer 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or permanent).

GAMSTOP multi-operator self-exclusion: Excludes you from every UKGC-licensed gambling site simultaneously. One registration at gamstop.co.uk creates an exclusion signal that all participating UK licensees are required to check and honour. Available for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. GAMSTOP exclusions cannot be reversed during the chosen period.

How to register with GAMSTOP

Go to gamstop.co.uk. Click "Register for Self-Exclusion." Enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, email addresses used at gambling sites, and postal address. Choose your exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years). GAMSTOP will confirm your registration within 24 hours. All UKGC-licensed operators should implement the exclusion within the same 24-hour window.

What happens to your casino account and balance

Your account is immediately suspended or closed. Any funds in your balance at the time of exclusion must be returned to you by the casino. Most casinos process balance refunds to your original payment method within 5–10 business days. Do not allow a casino to tell you that self-excluded players forfeit their balance — UKGC regulations require balance return.

Any active bonus funds are typically voided — you will not receive the bonus amount, but real-money deposits are refunded in full.

What self-exclusion covers and does not cover

GAMSTOP covers: all UKGC-licensed online casino, betting, poker, and bingo sites. It does not cover: gambling at land-based venues, lottery and National Lottery products, non-UKGC offshore sites (Curaçao-licensed, etc.), spread betting, and certain financial trading platforms. If you want to self-exclude from land-based venues as well, contact your local council's responsible gambling officer or the casino directly.

After self-exclusion ends

When the exclusion period expires, you are not automatically re-enabled. You must actively contact GAMSTOP to request removal — there is a built-in cooling-off period to prevent impulsive re-enablement. Consider whether resuming gambling is the right decision before reactivating, and speak to GamCare or a gambling counsellor if you are unsure.