Self-exclusion
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a process when you can ask a gambling operator to exclude you from gambling with them for a set length of time – usually between six months and five years. In practice, it means you will be refused service in the venues where you have self-excluded. By law, this must be provided as an option by gambling operators in the UK.
Responsibility for sticking with this lies with you, but you can expect the 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.
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.
How do I self-exclude?
New multi-operator schemes are being introduced across the five main sectors of the gambling industry to allow you to exclude yourself from each of those forms of gambling across the whole of Great Britain. To find out more about these schemes visit Opt-in to Self-Exclude.
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 a number of different companies in your area, call 0800 294 2060.
To view and download a copy of the Terms and Conditions go to: www.self-exclusion.co.uk
Casino ‘SENSE’ scheme – Self Exclusion from all UK casinos
To self-exclude from all land based UK Casinos, please visit: www.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.
Online Gambling via PC, Laptop, Smartphone or Tablet
- A new service called GAMSTOP allows you to self-exclude from a large number of gambling websites, but not all. Later this year, all websites licensed in Great Britain should be part of this scheme. You can sign up at www.gamstop.co.uk
- Until all the companies are participating, you should also self-exclude individually from the websites you currently use and others you might use in future if they are not listed here: www.gamstop.co.uk/participating-companies
GAMSTOP have created a short video to explain more about their service:
- If you would like to exclude from just one gambling company, go to the website of the operator with whom you have an account. Find the page called ‘Responsible 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 you can close the account), then contact their customer services team over the phone, via email or live chat.
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. Read more about unwanted email and text marketing.
I’d like to continue to gamble but more responsibly – 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 responsibly. You can also use our self-help resources.
Take a look at begambleaware.org for more information on responsible gambling.
