GamStop, the UK's national online gambling self-exclusion scheme, has announced that registrations have passed the 500,000 milestone, marking a significant uptake in the use of the free tool since its launch. The scheme is operated as a non-profit and is funded by contributions from the industry through the Gambling Commission's licence conditions.
What GamStop Is
GamStop is a free service that allows anyone in the UK to exclude themselves from all UKGC-licensed online gambling websites and apps with a single registration. Once registered, the exclusion is applied across all participating operators — currently covering the vast majority of UK-licensed sites — within 24 hours.
Exclusion periods are available for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Once an exclusion is active, it cannot be shortened. This design is intentional — it prevents users from impulsively ending their exclusion during a vulnerable moment.
How the 500,000 Figure Breaks Down
Of the 500,000 active exclusions, GamStop reported that the 5-year exclusion is the most commonly selected option, suggesting that a significant proportion of users are seeking long-term support rather than a short break. The 6-month period is the most popular among users who describe their gambling as "getting out of control" but not yet clinically problematic.
GamStop does not publish detailed demographic breakdowns, but independent research by organisations including GamCare has found that 60–70% of self-exclusion users are male, with the highest usage in the 25–44 age group.
Limitations of GamStop
GamStop only covers UK-licensed operators. Casinos licensed in Curaçao, Malta or other jurisdictions but not holding a UKGC licence are not required to participate and are not covered by the exclusion. This is a significant limitation for players who access non-UK-licensed sites.
For broader device-level blocking, GamStop recommends using Gamban, which blocks access to over 50,000 gambling-related websites and apps at the device level, regardless of the site's licensing jurisdiction.
How to Register
Registration takes under 5 minutes at gamstop.co.uk. You will need your name, date of birth, email address and postcode. Once registered, you will receive confirmation and the exclusion will be active across all participating operators within 24 hours.
GamStop registrations cannot be reversed — if you attempt to access a participating gambling site during your exclusion period, your account will be suspended and any deposits returned.
Published: February 20, 2026 · Category: Responsible Gambling