What GAMSTOP is and how it protects people gambling online: the scheme explained
SaveGAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks a person from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain. When someone registers, they cannot access online casinos, sports betting sites or other gambling platforms covered by the scheme for a minimum of six months. It is run independently and covers every site licensed by the Gambling Commission. This guide explains how the scheme works, who it is for and what families should understand when someone close to them uses it.
The scheme blocks access to licensed sites across Great Britain
GAMSTOP works by linking a person's details to a central register. Once registered, licensed operators check this register and refuse access to anyone on it. The person chooses a period when they sign up – six months, one year or five years. During that time, they cannot open a new account or log into an existing one at any site the Gambling Commission licenses.
The scheme is designed for people who want to stop gambling online. It removes the option to play on the spur of the moment, which is especially important for those who find it difficult to resist when they feel stressed or see an advert. GAMSTOP does not cover betting shops, arcades or bingo halls in person – only online gambling.
Registering takes a few minutes and is free
A person registers on the GAMSTOP website by entering their name, date of birth, address and contact details. The system asks for the usernames they have used on gambling sites, which helps identify accounts that may still be open. Once the registration is complete, the block begins immediately.
The minimum period is six months because shorter blocks have been found to be less effective. Someone who is uncertain about committing to six months may benefit from talking to a support service first. The decision is theirs, but choosing the right length matters – someone who picks six months when they need longer may find themselves back at the same point after the exclusion ends.
It covers sites licensed in Great Britain but not all gambling
GAMSTOP applies to every site licensed by the Gambling Commission. That includes online casinos, sports betting, bingo and poker sites. It does not cover sites licensed elsewhere, betting shops, gaming machines in pubs or the National Lottery.
Some people look for sites outside the scheme once they are blocked. These are usually licensed in other countries and do not check the GAMSTOP register. Using them brings risks – no consumer protections, no local complaints process and often no way to self-exclude. Families should be aware that someone determined to continue gambling may try this route, and it often signals that more support is needed.
What happens during the exclusion period
The person cannot open a gambling account, place a bet or log into an existing account on any covered site. Operators are required to close accounts once they identify someone on the register. Marketing emails and texts from those sites should stop, though this may take a few days.
The exclusion cannot be cancelled early. This is deliberate – it prevents someone from lifting the block during a moment of impulse. The only exception is when someone made a mistake during registration and entered the wrong period, and even then the process requires evidence and time.
During this period, the person can use the time to address the reasons they gambled in the first place. Many people find this is when they benefit most from talking to someone – a counsellor, a support group or a trusted friend. The break from gambling itself does not solve underlying problems, but it creates the space to work on them.
Steps a family member can take if someone close to them needs GAMSTOP
- Raise the subject when the person is calm, not immediately after a loss or argument about money.
- Explain what GAMSTOP does in plain terms – it blocks access to licensed sites for a set period.
- Offer to sit with them while they register if they want company, but let them complete the form themselves.
- Suggest they choose the longer period if they are unsure, as six months is the shortest available.
- Discuss what other support they might need during the exclusion, such as counselling or help with debts.
- Respect the decision if they are not ready yet, but return to the conversation another time.
GAMSTOP works alongside other tools but is not the only option
Someone who uses GAMSTOP may also want to install blocking software on their devices. Gamban and BetBlocker prevent access to gambling sites and apps, including those not covered by GAMSTOP. They work on phones, tablets and computers, and some can be set up by another person with a password the user does not know.
Parental controls such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can also block gambling content, which is important in homes where children or teenagers share devices. GAMSTOP itself does not install software – it works through the licensing system, so the person can still see gambling sites but cannot join or play.
Bank blocks are another layer. Some banks let customers block payments to gambling companies. This does not replace GAMSTOP, but it adds a financial barrier and can catch unlicensed sites that GAMSTOP does not cover.
When the exclusion period ends
The block lifts automatically at the end of the chosen period. The person does not need to do anything – accounts become accessible again, and operators may resume marketing. This moment is high-risk. Someone who has not addressed the reasons they gambled may find themselves in the same situation within days.
Before the period ends, it is worth talking about what has changed. Has the person had support? Are debts being managed? Are there new ways to handle stress or boredom? If the answer to these questions is no, re-registering immediately for another period may be the safest choice.
GAMSTOP allows someone to register again as many times as they need. There is no limit and no penalty. If the first exclusion did not feel long enough, the next one can be longer.
Comparison of exclusion lengths
| Period | When it suits | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Six months | First-time users or those testing the scheme | Shortest available; cannot be lifted early |
| One year | People who know six months is not enough | Gives more time to address underlying issues |
| Five years | Long-term recovery or severe harm | Longest option; requires serious commitment |
What GAMSTOP does not do
The scheme does not monitor someone's gambling or send alerts to family members. It does not provide counselling, manage debts or prevent someone from using unlicensed sites. It is a blocking tool, not a support service.
Families sometimes assume that once someone is on GAMSTOP, the problem is solved. In reality, the exclusion is one part of recovery. The person still needs to address the reasons they gambled, repair relationships and rebuild trust. GAMSTOP removes the immediate temptation, but the work that follows is what makes the difference.
Where to get support during and after exclusion
GAMSTOP works best when combined with other support. GamCare offers free, confidential counselling through its National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available around the clock. The website is gamcare.org.uk. BeGambleAware provides information and signposting at begambleaware.org.
For families affected by someone else's gambling, GamAnon runs support meetings where people share experiences and coping strategies. Gordon Moody offers residential treatment and online programmes at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Someone who is struggling with debts caused by gambling can contact StepChange or Citizens Advice for free, practical help. Addressing the financial impact is part of recovery, and putting it off only increases the stress.
If you are supporting someone through this, remember that you are not responsible for their recovery, but you can make it easier by staying calm, setting boundaries and looking after your own wellbeing. Support services exist for families too.
Gambling is for people aged 18 and over. If someone in your household is under 18 and gambling online, contact one of the services above for guidance.
This guide is for general information only. Children and Families is an independent information portal. We are not a gambling operator, bookmaker or organiser of gambling. For free, confidential support with problem gambling, contact BeGambleAware at begambleaware.org.
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Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How does GAMSTOP block access to gambling sites?
GAMSTOP maintains a register of people who have self-excluded. Licensed operators check this register and prevent anyone on it from opening or accessing accounts. The block applies automatically across all sites licensed by the Gambling Commission in Great Britain.
What is the GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme and who runs it?
GAMSTOP is a free national scheme that blocks a person from all licensed gambling sites in Great Britain for a minimum of six months. It is run independently of the gambling industry and covers every site the Gambling Commission licenses.
Can someone cancel GAMSTOP before the exclusion period ends?
No. The exclusion cannot be lifted early, except in rare cases where someone made a clear mistake during registration. This rule exists to prevent impulsive decisions during moments of temptation.
Children and Families Editorial Team