Self Exclusion: How to Restrict Access to Gambling
Self-exclusion can help people stop gambling by restricting access to operators or services. Its coverage depends on the scheme and jurisdiction.
Support-first information. No affiliate links, offers or encouragement to gamble.
What is gambling self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a formal request for a gambling business or participating scheme to prevent your gambling access for a defined period. The UK Gambling Commission explains that operators are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent participation during an active exclusion. Coverage, minimum periods and registration methods differ by location and operator.
Official background: UK Gambling Commission’s self-exclusion guidance.
Choose the correct restriction route
| Situation | Starting point | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| One operator or gaming account | Contact that operator’s official responsible-gambling or customer support team and request exclusion or account closure. | Operator-specific action may not cover other services. |
| Online gambling licensed in Great Britain | GAMSTOP Online provides a free multi-operator scheme. | The scheme applies to participating GB-licensed gambling operators, not every site globally. |
| In-person gambling premises in Great Britain | Find the appropriate land-based self-exclusion scheme. | Coverage depends on the type of venue and scheme. |
| United States | Contact your state gambling regulator or responsible-gambling agency; ask about licensed operator or statewide self-exclusion options. | Rules vary substantially among states, venues and game types. |
| Other regions or sweepstakes/social casino accounts | Ask the relevant service directly about access restrictions and obtain written confirmation. | Do not assume a sports-betting exclusion automatically covers social or sweepstakes platforms. |
How to request self-exclusion
- Identify every service, account, or venue you want to restrict.
- Find the service’s official self-exclusion or safer-gambling form; use a licensed multi-operator scheme where applicable.
- Review the requested period, identity-verification requirements, account-funds treatment and the rules for renewal or expiry.
- Submit the request through the official channel, and keep confirmation details.
- Ask how marketing messages and account access will be handled, then add bank or device-level blocking if helpful.
- Seek independent support alongside the technical restrictions if you are experiencing harm.
Before leaving, check whether the restriction applies immediately and whether any separate accounts must be handled individually.
GAMSTOP in Great Britain
GAMSTOP Online offers free multi-operator self-exclusion for online gambling services licensed in Great Britain. Its official guidance lists six months, one year, five years, and five years with auto-renewal as available minimum exclusion options. Check its current registration rules directly before choosing.
Official guidance: What is self-exclusion? and GAMSTOP registration website.
What self-exclusion cannot do
- It does not automatically stop every gambling or gaming website worldwide.
- It does not settle debts or resolve emotional distress by itself.
- It may not apply to unlicensed sites or services outside a particular program.
- It should not be bypassed by using someone else’s account or changing personal details.
A combination of self-exclusion, financial safeguards and professional support may be useful. Learn more on our Responsible Gambling page.
Independent support by region
If gambling is causing distress, contact a qualified support service. Availability and procedures vary by country.
The National Council on Problem Gambling provides a 24/7 helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Call, text or use the official online chat through NCPG.
GamCare provides free confidential support and a National Gambling Helpline. Call 0808 8020 133 or use GamCare’s website. Consult the provider for regional access.
Gambling Therapy — international support offers online support resources. Confirm availability for your location, and look for locally accredited gambling-harm services.
Contact local emergency services or a crisis support service. Gambling help lines are not substitutes for emergency care.
Official sources and support services
Reviewed 13 November 2026. Source information and eligibility may change; use the provider’s current website.