What you're about to do takes real honesty and courage. Signing up for GamStop means choosing to protect yourself before the urge can win. That's not weakness — it's one of the most effective, self-aware decisions you can make. You deserve this protection.
What is GamStop?
GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. It's run as a not-for-profit and is backed by the UK Gambling Commission. When you sign up, you're automatically blocked from all UK-licensed online gambling operators — casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, and more.
You don't need to contact each site individually. One registration protects you everywhere licensed UK gambling exists online.
What you'll need
- A UK address
- Your full name and date of birth
- An email address
- The last 4 digits of your mobile number
- About 5 minutes
Step 1: Go to gamstop.co.uk
Visit the official GamStop website. It's free, secure, and takes only a few minutes. Click on 'Sign up for GamStop' on the homepage.
Step 2: Enter your personal details
Fill in your full name, date of birth, email address, last 4 digits of your mobile, and your UK home address. It's important to use the same details you've used to register with gambling sites — this is how you'll be matched and blocked.
If you've used different names or addresses on different gambling sites (e.g. a maiden name, previous address), you can add multiple variations during registration. The more details you provide, the more complete your protection.
Step 3: Choose your exclusion period
You'll be asked to choose how long you want to self-exclude:
- 6 months — the minimum period
- 1 year
- 5 years — the maximum, offering the strongest protection
If you're unsure, choose longer. You cannot reverse your GamStop registration during the exclusion period — and that's exactly the point. It protects you when the urge is loudest.
Step 4: Confirm via email
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. Click the link to verify your registration. Keep this email — it's your proof of registration.
Step 5: Your exclusion takes effect
Most UK-licensed gambling operators will block your account within 24 hours. Some may take slightly longer. If you try to register on a new site, your details will be matched against the GamStop database and you'll be declined.
What happens next
- You cannot lift your GamStop registration yourself during the exclusion period — by design.
- Existing balances with gambling operators can usually be withdrawn — contact each site directly.
- After your exclusion period ends, GamStop will contact you to ask if you want to extend or let it expire. The default is to extend it.
- GamStop only covers UK-licensed operators. It does not block offshore or unlicensed sites.
GamStop protects you from licensed UK sites — not from unlicensed or overseas platforms. For fuller protection, also block gambling sites in your browser settings and delete all gambling apps.
Beyond GamStop
GamStop is one of the most effective tools available — but it works best as part of a wider approach. Consider pairing it with:
- Gambling website blockers like Gamban or BetBlocker
- A trusted person who knows what you're going through — or use STOP Gambling Pro's Buddy mode to keep them involved
- Support from GamCare (0808 8020 133) or Gamblers Anonymous UK
- STOP Gambling Pro, for science-based tools and daily support throughout your abstinence
You've done something most people with a gambling problem never do: you took a concrete step to protect yourself. That matters. Even if the road ahead feels uncertain, this action just made it a little clearer.