What is GAMSTOP? – The Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme Explained
2 August 2024
Dan Lang
Dan Lang
Pro punter
Dan is a freelance journalist who has written for the likes of ESPN and FourFourTwo. Also a regular tipster for Betfair, Dan has been writing about sports betting for some of the biggest names in the industry, over many years.
Michael has worked in the sports betting industry for many years. Following football, horse racing and track and field athletics, he has covered the last three Olympic Games, World Cups and other major sporting events.
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GAMSTOP is a tool that allows people to self-exclude from betting sites, if they feel that gambling has become a problem for them. This service extends to all betting platforms licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. We’re going to explain everything you need to know about GAMSTOP.
What is Self-Exclusion?
We mentioned the concept of self-exclusion during our introduction, so let’s explore exactly what it is and how it works.
When someone thinks that they have a gambling problem, a solution is the variety of self-exclusion options available at gambling companies.
For people that have reached a stage where they want to stop gambling, there are self-exclusion tools that can help you in that aim. You enter into a formal agreement to not bet and online gambling sites will then take measures to prevent you from doing so.
There are various self-exclusion periods available, ranging from short a few weeks to permanent exclusion. This gives people with a gambling problem variety of options, to suit their needs.
All of the leading betting sites in the UK have their own self-exclusion system in place, which allows people to simply self-exclude from an individual gambling site.
There are also national multi-operator self-exclusion programmes available. GAMSTOP provides one of these and in the next section we are going to explain how it works.
How Does GAMSTOP Work?
Thanks to the GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme you will be prevented from using any betting websites that are licensed by the UKGC, for the period of your choice. The Gambling Commission made participation in the scheme a licence condition back in 2020.
Even if you have never used a particular betting site before, if you try to open an account with a participating bookmaker while being on the self-exclusion scheme from GAMSTOP, that account will be shut down.
Let’s take you through the various steps of self-excluding with GAMSTOP.
Visit GAMSTOP
The first step is to visit the GAMSTOP website. You can easily find it via a search engine, or at the website of any UKGC licensed betting site. Generally the link to GAMSTOP is at the bottom of the page of any bookie.
Click to Register With GAMSTOP
When you visit the GAMSTOP website you will see two links that start the registration process. At the top of the screen is a menu bar with a REGISTER option. Then further down, there is another link marked REGISTER TODAY. Click on either link to proceed.
Register Your Details
Now fill in the self-exclusion form with your personal details. These include your name, date of birth, your current address and previous addresses, your email address and any past email addresses and finally, your mobile number and and numbers that you have used in the past. The more information that you can give GAMSTOP the better. It gives the various UKGC gambling websites a stronger chance of being able to restrict you, should you try to bet again within your period of self-exclusion.
Choose Your Period of Self-Exclusion
Another piece of information that you will need to give to GAMSTOP is how long that you want to limit your access to gambling sites for. You can choose a period of six months, one year or five year. Think carefully about the length that you want to self-exclude for. There is no way to opt out of the self-exclusion program within the time length that you select.
Experience Self-Exclusion
Once you have completed the self-exclusion process at GAMSTOP, you will be given an account. You can then login into the account, should you need to update your contact details, which is an important aspect of enabling online gambling operators to keep you excluded. If you have funds within the accounts of the online operators from which you are excluded, you must contact them directly to get the money back.
Additional Support to GAMSTOP
The GAMSTOP website has a section marked MORE SUPPORT, which details the additional support available for people suffering with gambling addiction. These are the other support organisations that are also available to help with responsible gambling and problem betting:
TalkBanStop – An umbrella organisation bringing together tools and advice from different safer gambling services, including GAMCARE.
GamCare – Offers a range of services to help people struggling with their gambling habits, including information on how to block yourself from making gambling transactions from your bank.
GamBan – Device blocking software that limits your ability to gamble from your mobile device.
SENSE – Self-exclude from land-based casinos in the UK.
Bacta – This organisation will help you to self-exclude from Adult Gaming Centres, High Street Arcades and Motorway Service Areas.
Bingo Association – Self-exclude from all land-based bingo premises across the UK.
Moses – An independent service designed to help problem-bettors self-exclude from betting shops.
FAQs
Who is GAMSTOP for?
GAMSTOP is a service that helps people to self-exclude from online gambling platforms. The UK Gambling Commission is the licensing body for the gambling industry. All of their betting sites work collectively to stop those that self-exclude through GAMSTOP, from using UKGC-licensed bookmakers.
How can I contact GAMSTOP?
There are a number of contact methods for getting in touch with GAMSTOP if you have concerns regarding your online gambling activities. You can choose between a contact form, their email address: [email protected], live chat or by phone on 0800 1386518.
What alternative self-exclusion services are out there?
There are various services for self-exclusion from different gambling sectors. These include services that help you to self-exclude from land-based casinos, bingo halls, arcades and bookmaker shops. Visit the GAMSTOP website for contact details and information.
Who runs and funds GAMSTOP?
It is run and funded by a non-profit organisation called The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited and is independent from the betting industry and the government.
Dan Lang
Pro punter
Dan Lang
Pro punter
Dan is a freelance journalist who has written for the likes of ESPN and FourFourTwo. Also a regular tipster for Betfair, Dan has been writing about sports betting for some of the biggest names in the industry, over many years.
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