Self-exclusion is a tool that lets you block yourself from gambling for a set period, providing a firm barrier when you want or need a substantial break. It is available online and in physical venues. This guide explains self-exclusion. It is general information, and if gambling is causing you concern, support is always available.
What self-exclusion is
Self-exclusion is a formal arrangement where you ask to be blocked from gambling with an operator or across operators for a set period, during which they should not allow you to gamble. Understanding that self-exclusion is a deliberate, formal barrier you put in place to stop yourself gambling for a period is the key idea, as it goes beyond simply deciding to stop, creating a real obstacle that operators are required to uphold, which makes it a strong tool for those who want a firm break.
Operator self-exclusion
You can self-exclude from a single operator, asking that specific company to block you for a chosen period across its sites or venues. Understanding that operator self-exclusion blocks you from one particular company helps you see the most basic form, as it lets you exclude from a specific site or chain you use, though it covers only that operator, which is why broader schemes exist to exclude from many operators at once for more comprehensive protection.
GAMSTOP for online
For online gambling, GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from all GB-licensed online operators in one step, far more comprehensive than excluding individually. Our guide on GAMSTOP covers it. Understanding that GAMSTOP provides comprehensive online self-exclusion across all GB-licensed operators at once helps you see the most effective online option, as registering once blocks the entire licensed online market, removing the need to exclude from each site separately and providing broad protection in a single free registration.
Land-based self-exclusion
For physical venues like betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and arcades, self-exclusion schemes let you block yourself from premises in your area or across a chain. Understanding that land-based self-exclusion covers physical gambling venues, through schemes that block you from shops, casinos and similar premises, helps you see the in-person option, as it addresses gambling that GAMSTOP does not cover, letting you exclude from the physical venues you might visit, often across multiple operators in a local area through coordinated schemes.
The exclusion periods
Self-exclusion periods vary by scheme but typically range from several months to years, with GAMSTOP offering six months, one year or five years. You choose the length. Understanding that self-exclusion periods range from months to years, depending on the scheme, helps you choose how firm a break to take, as a longer period provides a more substantial barrier, so you can match the length to your needs, opting for a more committed exclusion if you want a firm, lasting break from gambling.
How it works
Once you self-exclude, operators are required to take reasonable steps to prevent you gambling with them, such as closing accounts or refusing entry, for the period. Understanding that self-exclusion places an obligation on operators to block you, rather than relying solely on your own willpower, is what gives it strength, as the barrier is upheld by the operators, providing a real obstacle that holds even in moments of temptation, which is the core value of self-exclusion as a tool.
Why it helps
Self-exclusion helps by creating a firm barrier between you and gambling, removing easy access and giving you space to regain control. Understanding that self-exclusion works by removing access, not just relying on a decision to stop, helps you see its value, as putting a real obstacle in place is far more effective for many people than willpower alone, especially during difficult moments, giving you the protection of a barrier that holds while you work on regaining control.
Not a complete cure alone
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool but works best as part of a wider approach, alongside support that addresses the reasons behind harmful gambling. Understanding that self-exclusion is most effective combined with support, rather than relied on alone, helps you build a fuller plan, as removing access creates space, but addressing the underlying habits and any difficulties, with help from services like GamCare, gives the best chance of lasting change, so the two work powerfully together.
Combining with support
Self-exclusion works well alongside the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare, blocking software and other tools, building a comprehensive set of safeguards. Our guide on gambling help in the UK lists these. Understanding that self-exclusion is one part of a wider toolkit, complemented by support and blocking software, helps you protect yourself fully, as combining the barrier of self-exclusion with support for the underlying causes, and tools that block access on your devices, gives a much stronger overall safeguard than any single measure.
What it covers
Different self-exclusion options cover different gambling: GAMSTOP for GB-licensed online, operator schemes for individual companies, and land-based schemes for venues. Understanding that the various self-exclusion options together can cover online and physical gambling helps you protect yourself across the board, as using GAMSTOP for online and land-based schemes for venues, alongside operator exclusions where relevant, lets you build comprehensive coverage, closing off the different ways you might otherwise access gambling.
The danger of unlicensed sites
Self-exclusion schemes cover licensed gambling, so it is vital to avoid unlicensed sites, which are not part of them and carry serious risks. Understanding that unlicensed sites fall outside self-exclusion schemes, and must be avoided, is essential for anyone excluding, as seeking out unregulated sites not covered by your exclusion undermines its purpose and exposes you to the many dangers of unlicensed gambling, so steering well clear of them is a crucial part of making self-exclusion work.
a crucial part of making self-exclusion work.Putting self-exclusion in place
To self-exclude online, you can register free with GAMSTOP for all GB-licensed operators, or use an individual operator's self-exclusion in its settings. For physical venues, you can ask staff about land-based self-exclusion schemes. Our guide on GAMSTOP covers the online option. Understanding the practical routes to self-exclude, from GAMSTOP online to operator settings and venue schemes, helps you take the step, as the options are accessible and free, and support services can guide you through putting the right combination of exclusions in place for your situation.
Getting support
If you are considering self-exclusion, support is available to help you alongside it, and to address the reasons behind your gambling. Our guide on taking a break covers shorter options too.
If gambling is causing you or someone you know any concern, free and confidential support is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, and online through GamCare and BeGambleAware. You are not alone, and help is always available.
In short
Self-exclusion blocks you from gambling for a set period, through operator schemes (one company), GAMSTOP (all GB-licensed online operators at once), or land-based schemes (physical venues). Periods range from months to years, and operators must take steps to prevent you gambling with them. It creates a firm barrier that works best alongside support for the underlying causes. Avoid unlicensed sites, which fall outside it. If you need help, free and confidential support is always available.
Explore more in our Safer Gambling guides.