Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a process when you can ask a gambling business to exclude you from gambling with them for a set length of time – usually between six months and five years. This means you will be refused service in the venues and on the sites you have excluded from. By law, this must be provided as an option by gambling businesses in the UK.

Responsibility for sticking with this lies with you, but you can expect the gambling operator to do all they reasonably can to help you. If you think self-exclusion could work for you, make sure you exclude yourself from all the places where you may be tempted to gamble.

Please note that GamCare does not operate any of the following self-exclusion schemes.

Self-exclusion from Online Gambling

If you would like to self-exclude from online gambling you can visit GAMSTOP (www.gamstop.co.uk) which now enables UK and NI residents to exclude themselves from all gambling sites licensed to operate in Great Britain. It is a FREE service and easy to register for a period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

GAMSTOP have created a short video to explain more about their service:

If you would like to exclude from just one online gambling company, go to the website of the operator with whom you have an account. Find the page called ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Safer Gambling’ and you should find information about self-exclude. If you cannot find out how to self-exclude, or if this is not an option (i.e. how to close your account), then contact their customer services team over the phone, via email or live chat.

Self-exclusion from one arcade, betting shop or casino:

Visit the venue you want to self-exclude from
Speak to the shop manager or a member of staff, let them know you want to self-exclude
You don’t need to take any money, bank or credit cards with you
Take a couple of passport size photos to go on the form; this can help the staff to identify you
You will be given a copy of the self-exclusion form for your records

Self-exclusion from more than one bookmaker/betting shop in your area:

Please note this scheme is not operated by GamCare – if you have any questions or queries about your registration please call the number below.

To self-exclude from more than one shop or several gambling companies in your area, call 0800 294 2060.

To view and download a copy of the Terms and Conditions go to: self-exclusion.co.uk

Self-exclusion from all UK casinos

To self-exclude from all land based UK Casinos, please visit: nationalcasinoforum.co.uk/voluntary-self-exclusion-sense/

Self-exclusion from UK bingo venues:

For more information on self-excluding from all land-based bingo venues in the UK, please visit the Bingo Association website.

Self-exclusion from arcades and gaming centres:

For more information please visit the Bacta website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why self-exclude?

You may have noticed that during the time you have been gambling, you have favourite venues or websites. If you have difficulty staying away from the venue or website, try self-excluding while you seek additional help. Self-exclusion on its own might not be enough, but it can support you in your recovery.

Should I do anything else?

You can speak to our Advisers if you would like additional help and support, and take a look through the other pages in this section for more information and advice.

It is a licensing requirement for gambling operators to take all reasonable steps to prevent marketing material being sent to a self-excluded customer. You can find out more about blocking gambling adverts online and stopping unwanted email and SMS marketing in our recent blog >>

I'd like to continue to gamble but more safely - what can I do?

I’d like to continue to gamble but more safely – what can I do?

Generally we’d recommend a complete break from gambling if you have a problem controlling it. However, you could think about setting limits for yourself on the sites you gamble on, if you would like to gamble more safely. You can also use our self-help resources to help you consider your relationship with gambling further.

Take a look at begambleaware.org for more information on safer gambling.