GamStop UK Self Exclusion and Registration Steps for Safer Gambling Control

Immediate action: use the official UK portal and select a minimum lock of 6 months (alternatives: 1 year, 5 years, lifetime). Provide the same full name, date of birth, address, email and UK phone number that appear on your betting accounts to maximise match rates and trigger activation within 24 hours.

Required evidence: a valid passport or UK driving licence plus a proof-of-address document dated within the last 3 months (bank statement, utility bill). Keep a working UK mobile for SMS verification; add any secondary emails or alternative addresses used on operator accounts to reduce false negatives. The service is free – do not pay intermediaries.

Practical consequences and timings: once the portal completes identity verification and applies the block, licensed UK operators are required to prevent account access and marketing. The choice cannot be reversed before the selected term ends. Expect a confirmation email with an activation timestamp; if confirmation does not arrive within 48 hours, contact the portal support team and keep screenshots of your submission and any operator closure confirmations.

Actions that speed processing: sign the portal form from a desktop or mobile browser using the same contact details as your operator accounts, close open accounts and remove saved payment methods on operator sites after submission, and upload clear scans/photos of ID and address documents. For immediate wellbeing support or help completing the form on behalf of someone (with consent or legal authority), contact national gambling support charities such as GamCare or your GP for referral options.

How to enrol in the UK player blocking scheme

Use the official sign-up page and complete the online form with your full name, date of birth, UK postcode and a contact email to activate a voluntary account block; select a 6-month, 12-month or 5-year period.

1. Prepare documents:
   • Photo ID: passport or UK driving licence.
   • Proof of address dated within the last 3 months: utility bill, bank statement or council tax letter.
   • Contact details: valid email and UK phone number.
2. Access the authorised website only from a secure device (look for https and a correct domain). Do not follow links from unsolicited messages.
3. Complete the form fields exactly as shown on your ID; enter a working email – you will get a confirmation message and a reference code.
4. Choose the block length: 6 months, 12 months or 5 years. Confirm and submit; most accounts are processed immediately but full propagation to all licensed operators can take up to 24 hours.
5. Save your reference number and the confirmation email; screenshots provide additional proof if needed.

What to expect after sign-up

• Licensed UK operators will prevent new registrations, deposits and bets associated with the provided identity within 24 hours.
• Existing accounts may be closed or suspended; check each operator’s messages or account notices.
• Chosen term cannot normally be shortened; support can correct errors but will not end a valid selected term early.

If you still have access

1. Contact the operator immediately and supply the scheme confirmation email and reference code; request account lock and funds return where applicable.
2. If the operator does not respond, use the scheme’s support contact (webform or published helpline) and attach timestamps, screenshots and your reference.
3. If issues persist with a UK-licensed site, escalate to the Gambling Commission or an independent dispute service that covers that operator.

Checklist before you start: UK residency and age 18+, photo ID, proof of address, working email, choice of 6/12/60 months, secure device and backup of confirmation details.

Check eligibility and select the blocking period you need

Confirm you are 18 or older, resident in the UK with a current UK postal address, and have a working email plus mobile number before selecting a blocking period.

Eligibility checklist

Provide full legal name, date of birth, current UK address (including postcode), valid email and UK mobile. Have access to details of any active wagering accounts (operator usernames or emails) to speed processing. Minors, non-UK residents and incomplete applications will be declined. Keep identity documents ready only if asked by an operator for verification.

How to choose the correct blocking period

Select a duration that matches the severity and frequency of your betting-related problems: short break (6 months) for a trial pause; medium-term (1–2 years) for recurring loss of control; long-term (5 years) or indefinite for entrenched patterns. Bear in mind that once the period is activated it cannot be shortened and access to participating UK betting sites and apps will be blocked across devices for the full term.

Duration	Best for	What happens	Reversibility
6 months	Trying a temporary break to reset habits	Immediate blocking from participating UK wagering platforms and related marketing	Fixed: cannot be ended early
1 year	Recurring issues or moderate loss of control	Longer protection, reduces impulse relapse risk	Fixed
2 years	Repeated attempts to stop with shorter breaks proving ineffective	Extended barrier across all registered operators	Fixed
5 years	Serious long-term problems requiring sustained removal of temptation	Maximum long-term protection without choosing permanence	Fixed
Indefinite	Permanent cessation desired	Ongoing blocking until a formal review or authorised change is accepted	Effectively permanent; review options limited

If unsure, select a shorter term (6 months) to assess impact; escalate to a longer period later if necessary. Keep copies of the confirmation email and note the exact end date. If you need clinical support, contact a UK gambling support charity or your GP immediately.

Gather proof: which identity, address and contact details to have ready

Prepare one photographic ID, one recent address document and one active contact method before starting the process.

Photographic ID must show full name and date of birth; address documents must show full name and current residential address and be dated within the last three months unless otherwise indicated; contact must be an email address you can access and a mobile number able to receive SMS.

Type	Acceptable documents	What to check
Photographic identity	UK passport (current), photocard driving licence, national ID card, biometric residence permit	Photograph clear, document valid (not expired), name and DOB match application exactly
Address proof	Bank or building society statement, credit card statement, recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax bill, HMRC letter, mortgage statement, tenancy agreement	Document dated within last 3 months; must display full name and current address; paper or PDF accepted
Contact details	Active email address and mobile phone number; recent mobile bill or phone provider screenshot if number not registered in your name	Email must be accessible for verification link; mobile must receive SMS; if mobile not in applicant’s name provide supporting bill
Name-change evidence	Marriage certificate, deed poll, civil partnership certificate	Provide where ID and address documents display different names
Overseas / non-standard	Foreign passport, national ID, international driving licence, residence permit	Supply translation if not in English and a scanned page showing personal details

Scan or photograph documents in colour at minimum 300 DPI; include all four corners and any security features; save as PDF, JPEG or PNG. File size under 10 MB per file is normally acceptable; rename files to reflect content, for example: ID_PASSPORT_LastName.pdf, ADDRESS_BANKSTATEMENT_Mar2025.pdf.

If names or addresses differ, attach supporting paperwork and a short signed declaration explaining the discrepancy. Keep originals accessible; certified copies are only needed if specifically requested.

Use the UK Gambling Commission or GOV.UK official page and follow its direct link to the national player-block portal

Open gamblingcommission.gov.uk or gov.uk and locate the page that points to the national voluntary player-block service; click the link displayed there rather than relying on search ads or social posts.

URL and certificate checks

Confirm the address uses HTTPS, a .co.uk top-level domain, and no extra words, hyphens or characters (typosquat variants like .com, additional letters or subdomains are common fraud vectors). Click the padlock, view the TLS certificate and verify the organisation name matches the operator shown on the regulator/GOV.UK page.

Type the regulator-provided address into the browser or bookmark it for future access instead of following links in unsolicited messages or unfamiliar websites.

Third-party confirmation and data controls

Cross-check the portal’s contact details and privacy policy against the regulator listing: contact phone, official email domain and an ICO registration number should match. Look for clear data-retention and identity-verification statements; if the portal lacks these items or lists only generic contact forms, do not proceed.

When uncertain, call the telephone number published on Gambling Commission or GOV.UK to request the exact portal link, and confirm any certificate organisation name or email address before completing enrolment.

Complete each form field: exact input for name, DOB, address, email and phone

Enter values exactly as they appear on official documents and on billing records; use the formats and examples below.

• Name
  • Use full legal name from passport or driving licence: given name(s) + family name. Include middle names if present.
  • Keep punctuation identical: include hyphens, apostrophes and suffixes (e.g., O’Connell, Anne-Marie, John Smith Jr.).
  • Do not use nicknames, initials only, job titles or honorifics (no “Bob” for “Robert”, no “Mr”).
  • Example: Robert James O’Connell
• Date of birth
  • Use numeric day/month/year format: DD/MM/YYYY. Add leading zeros for single-digit day or month.
  • Example: 07/04/1986 (not 7/4/86, not April 7 1986).
  • If a dropdown exists for month, select the spelled month that matches the numeric entry.
• Address
  • Enter the full residential or billing address exactly as on bank statements or utility bills dated within the last 3 months.
  • Use one line per element in this order: flat/house number and name; street name and type; locality (if any); town/city; county (optional); POSTCODE in uppercase.
  • Do not use PO Boxes unless the service explicitly accepts them.
  • Keep standard abbreviations: Road = Rd, Street = St, Apartment = Apt or Flat.
  • Example:
    • Flat 3B
    • 12 Buckingham Palace Road
    • London
    • SW1W 0QP
  • Check postcode spacing and letter case: correct format matters for address matching (e.g., SW1A 1AA).
• Email
  • Provide a permanent, personal address you check immediately (avoid temporary or disposable providers such as mailinator, 10minutemail, yopmail).
  • Enter exactly as used for account recovery; lowercase is safe but copy-paste to avoid typos.
  • Verify that the inbox accepts messages from unknown senders and that spam filters will not block verification emails.
  • Example: robert.oconnell@example.com
• Phone
  • Enter a number reachable for SMS or voice verification. Prefer a mobile number you personally use.
  • Format with UK country code: replace the leading 0 with +44. Acceptable formats: +447700900123 or +44 7700 900123.
  • Avoid VoIP/virtual numbers (Google Voice, most Skype numbers) where possible; some checks will reject them.
  • Example: +44 7700 900123

1. Compare each entry against a recent government ID or a utility/bank statement before submitting.
2. Use copy–paste for long elements (address, email) then visually confirm spacing and punctuation.
3. Check inbox and phone immediately for verification codes; if no code arrives, retry with the identical value (no alternate spellings).

Handle automated identity mismatches: submit manual ID documents

If an automated check fails, immediately upload a clear colour image of a primary government photo ID (passport, photo driving licence, national identity card) showing full name, date of birth, document number and expiry date, plus a recent proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months).

File types: JPEG, PNG, PDF. Max size: 5 MB per file. Resolution: minimum 300 DPI recommended. Capture all four corners, avoid glare or reflections, place ID on a flat, contrasting background and keep the camera parallel to the document.

Two-sided IDs: Submit both front and back as separate files. Portrait with document: include a recent headshot of you holding the document next to your face (both face and document fully visible) if the system flagged a biometric mismatch.

File naming: Use this format: Lastname_Firstname_DocType_YYYYMMDD (for example: Smith_John_Passport_20250818.jpg). In the upload form or email body include your full name, date of birth, account email and the verification reference shown in the system.

Upload channel: Use the secure upload link in your account or the verification email address listed on the provider’s contact page. If instructed to email, put the reference in the subject line as: ID Mismatch – [Reference] and attach files; paste the same identifying details into the message body.

Common rejection reasons: blurry photos, cropped edges, expired document, mismatched name spelling, document not in Latin characters, missing secondary proof of address. For non-English documents attach a certified English translation or notarised translation and a typed summary of name, DOB and document number.

Name discrepancies: If your current name differs from the name on ID (marriage, deed poll), include the legal name-change document (marriage certificate, deed poll) and a utility/bank statement showing the current name.

Sensitive data handling: You may redact unrelated sensitive numbers (bank card number except last four digits), but do not obscure the holder name, DOB, photograph, document number or expiry date. Upload over HTTPS and avoid public Wi‑Fi when sending files.

Timelines and follow-up: Manual review commonly takes 24–72 hours; allow up to 5 business days in complex cases. If no confirmation arrives within the stated window, reply to the verification email quoting the reference and request an escalation. Keep copies of every submission and any confirmation emails.

Escalation for suspected fraud: If you believe identity theft is involved, call the provider’s verification helpline, request a secure case reference and the name of the agent handling your case, and ask for urgent manual verification.

Set data-sharing consent and understand what information will be shared

Grant data-sharing consent only after you have reviewed the exact data fields, the named recipients and the retention period presented on the consent screen.

Which categories of information are normally shared

• Identity: full name, date of birth, and government ID numbers where required.
• Contact details: full postal address, email address, telephone numbers.
• Account and verification: account IDs, usernames, verification documents (photo ID, proof of address).
• Activity and transactions: recent deposit/withdrawal summaries, account status flags, timestamps of account activity.
• Device and connection data: IP address, device fingerprint, browser user-agent (often hashed).
• Administrative data: consent timestamp, consent scope, audit trail and reference number for the consent action.

How to set, limit and withdraw consent

1. Open the consent page and read the expandable list of recipients; tick only the boxes matching the recipients you accept.
2. Select scope: choose “operators only” or “operators + third-party verification providers”; decline third-party sharing if you want a narrower scope.
3. Limit data types: where available, deselect optional categories (e.g., transaction summaries, device data) while keeping mandatory identity fields.
4. Set duration: choose a fixed retention period (e.g., 6 months, 12 months) instead of indefinite retention when offered.
5. Save evidence: download or screenshot the confirmation page showing the exact fields shared, recipients and a unique reference number.
6. To withdraw consent, send a written request using the provided contact channel; include your full name, date of birth, reference number and a clear statement withdrawing consent. Example text: “I withdraw consent to share my personal data with third parties. Reference: [REF]. Date of birth: [DOB].”

Ask for written confirmation of withdrawal and keep that confirmation with the original consent screenshot.

Data handling, retention and verification checks

• Check retention: confirm how long each category is stored and whether identifiers are pseudonymised or permanently deleted after the period.
• Encryption and hashing: request confirmation that sensitive identifiers (IDs, payment references) are hashed or encrypted before sharing.
• Recipient list: obtain a downloadable list or CSV of organisations that received your data and the date/time of each share.
• Audit trail: request the audit log entry showing the consent action with timestamp and operator ID for future evidence.
• Regulatory requests: confirm whether regulators or law-enforcement bodies are permitted recipients and under what legal basis.

Refusing broad sharing may reduce the ability of participating operators to match and apply access restrictions to all accounts linked to you; weigh scope against privacy preferences and keep documentary proof of any consent or withdrawal action.

Confirm sign-up: email/SMS verification and saving your reference number

Verify immediately: enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your email or mobile and then copy the system reference ID to secure storage straight away.

Expect an OTP validity window of roughly 5–15 minutes; most systems use 6–10 minutes. Entering the wrong code more than three times commonly triggers a temporary lockout of about 30 minutes. Typical reference IDs are 8–12 alphanumeric characters and may include dashes (example: AB12-3CD4); copy exactly to avoid transcription errors.

If the message is email: wait up to 5 minutes, check spam/junk and the email account’s filtered folders, search by sender address or subject line, and add the sender to your contacts to prevent blocking. If SMS: ensure your number is formatted correctly (for UK mobiles use +44 and drop the leading zero), disable message-filtering features that hide unknown senders, and confirm your device isn’t set to block short codes.

If no OTP arrives: request resend after 60 seconds. Most services limit resends to 3–5 attempts per hour – avoid repeated requests that can trigger automated blocks. If nothing arrives within 10 minutes, contact support via phone or live chat and provide full name, date of birth, the email/phone used, and the local time of the sign-up attempt.

Save the reference ID in multiple secure places: add an entry in a password manager, save an encrypted note, and keep a printed copy in a locked location. Include the sign-up date/time beside the reference. Do not store the code or reference on shared/public devices, do not share it with other people or on social media, and keep the original confirmation email until you no longer need proof of the enrolment.

Check the operator’s UK licence and national opt-out membership before opening an account

Verify coverage by confirming the operator holds a UK Gambling Commission licence and explicitly lists membership of the national player opt‑out scheme on its website, app store listing or terms and conditions.

Which operators, sites and apps are included

Included: any remote gambling operator licensed in Great Britain that has joined the national opt‑out scheme – this covers branded websites, browser-based mobile sites, native iOS/Android apps, telephone betting lines and interactive services run under participating UK licences. Brands and sub‑sites operating under the same UK licence are blocked once membership is active. Excluded: land‑based betting shops, retail lottery terminals, social casino apps with no real‑money gambling, and overseas/unlicensed operators that do not participate.

How to verify coverage and what to do if a site isn’t covered

1) Check the operator footer and help pages for the scheme logo or a membership statement. 2) Cross‑check the operator’s licence number on the UK Gambling Commission public register. 3) Use the scheme’s official searchable list of participants to confirm inclusion. 4) Ask customer support for written confirmation of membership and which brands under their group are covered. 5) If a site or app is not part of the scheme: close accounts, cancel saved payment methods, request your bank/card issuer to block gambling transactions, install device‑level website/app blockers or use third‑party blocking services, and report offshore operators that target UK customers to the UK Gambling Commission.

Troubleshoot common rejections: duplicate records, name variations and address issues

If a submission is rejected as a duplicate, immediately compile all known identifiers: full legal name(s), all email addresses, all phone numbers, national insurance number (if used), date of birth and any previous addresses; include any reference numbers shown on the rejection notice and attach a single consolidated PDF (recommended filename format SURNAME_FIRSTNAME_DOB.pdf, max 5 MB, 300 DPI) containing one photo ID (passport or driving licence) and one proof of address dated within the last 3 months (bank statement, council tax, or utility bill).

When dealing with name mismatches, supply the exact spelling from your primary ID. Include previous surnames, hyphenation, middle names and common abbreviations in a separate “also known as” list inside the PDF. For names with apostrophes or diacritics provide both the original spelling and a stripped version (O’Neill / ONEILL; José / JOSE) and note which form appears on the official ID so staff can match manually if the system normalises characters.

Address rejections are often caused by formatting and postcode errors. Use Royal Mail PAF order: building number, dependent thoroughfare (flat/room), street, locality, post town, postcode (example: 12A Flat 3, KING’S ROAD, LONDON, SW1A 1AA). Verify the exact output with an online postcode lookup and attach the same address as shown on your proof of address document. If you live in temporary or shared accommodation, add the provider or landlord name and date range of residence.

Check common data-entry traps: day/month inversion on DOB fields (UK forms expect DD/MM/YYYY), international phone formats (store as +44 and remove the leading zero), email aliasing (Gmail +tags create separate records), and stray whitespace or punctuation in form fields. If the rejection message shows a specific field error, quote that field value verbatim in your contact email so support can locate the mismatch quickly.

Submit a single, focused support request using a clear subject line such as “Duplicate record merge request – [SURNAME, Firstname] – DOB DD/MM/YYYY – Ref: [xxxxxx]”. In the body list the identifiers you included, the exact error text from the rejection, and a checklist of attached files. Preferred attachment types: PDF, JPG, PNG; size limit 5 MB per file. If automated fixes fail, ask for escalation to an identity review team and provide certified copies or a solicitor’s letter for name-change verification.

If you need to check operator coverage outside the central scheme consult this directory: sites not on gamstop. If no response is received after one email follow-up after seven working days, resend with the original ticket reference and the phrase “Escalation request – identity review” in the subject line.

Sign up via mobile and request accessibility or language support

Use an up-to-date mobile browser (Chrome on Android or Safari on iPhone), enable cookies, and ensure stable Wi‑Fi or mobile data; have a valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) and a recent proof of address (utility bill, bank statement) ready before you begin.

On the sign-up screen choose “mobile” or “phone” flow, enter full name, date of birth and postcode, then upload ID as JPEG/PNG; keep each file under 5 MB and use front-facing camera for a clear selfie if a face match is required. Close background apps to avoid upload timeouts. If an OTP is sent, use the number registered to your bank or mobile account and paste it immediately into the verification field.

To request accessibility or language support, select the “support options” or “accessibility” link on the mobile form, or use the dedicated contact channels listed on the service’s contact page. Provide: full name, date of birth, postcode, preferred contact method (phone/SMS/email/post), exact support required (e.g., large print, Braille, audio file, BSL interpreter, translated materials), preferred language, and whether you authorise a nominated representative to act on your behalf (attach signed consent or power of attorney document).

If you cannot complete the mobile flow, call the published helpline from a quiet, private place and request a paper application or voice-guided completion. For BSL, ask for a booked video relay interpreter; for non-English languages, request translated forms or a phone interpreter and specify dialect where relevant (e.g., Polish, Urdu, Punjabi).

Support type	How to request via mobile	Typical turnaround
Telephone assistance	Call the service helpline (link on contact page) and confirm identity by DOB and postcode	Immediate during opening hours
Email or web form	Use the contact form on the mobile site or send a message including required details and attachment(s)	Up to 5 working days
BSL/video interpreter	Request via helpline or form; provide preferred appointment window and platform (WhatsApp/Teams)	Arrange within 5 working days
Large print / Braille / audio	Specify format and delivery address on the form or in email	10–15 working days
Translated documents	Request language and dialect on the form; accept SMS/phone interpreter if urgent	5–10 working days for common languages
Representative acting for you	Upload signed consent and representative ID via the mobile upload field or email	5 working days to validate

Data and privacy tips: complete the process on a personal device, avoid public Wi‑Fi when uploading ID, delete screenshots after submission, and keep the confirmation email or reference number for future queries.

Sample message to request support (copy into the contact form or email):

Subject: Support request – alternative format / language

Body: My name is [Full name]. Date of birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]. Postcode: [XXXXXX]. Preferred contact: [phone/email]. I request the following support: [large print / Braille / audio / BSL interpreter / translated documents – specify language]. If someone will act for me, I attach signed consent and their contact details. Please confirm receipt and expected completion date, and send a reference number.

After sign-up: confirmation timeline, operator enforcement and how to end the block when eligible

Expect an e-mail confirmation within minutes; if you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, check spam, then contact the central register support immediately.

• Confirmation timeline
  • Immediate: automated confirmation e-mail is normally sent within minutes of completing the sign-up form.
  • Propagation: central database updates are usually visible to operators within 24 hours; allow up to 72 hours in exceptional cases (manual verification or system delays).
  • If no confirmation after 24 hours: record the exact time you completed sign-up, save screenshots of the submission page, and raise a support ticket with the central service.
• What licensed operators must do
  • Block account access and prevent new registrations from a matched person once the central register returns a match.
  • Stop active play immediately; allow lawful withdrawal of balances but refuse further deposits or wagers linked to the blocked identity.
  • Remove the person from marketing and mailing lists tied to gambling promotions as soon as the match is confirmed.
  • Keep a log of actions taken (time, staff contact, reference numbers). If an operator fails to act, use those logs when filing a complaint.
• If an operator does not enforce the block
  1. Collect evidence: screenshots, timestamps, transaction IDs, chat transcripts or e-mails showing continued access or marketing.
  2. Contact the operator’s support quoting the central register match and request immediate closure/disablement of the account.
  3. Escalate to the central register support with your evidence if the operator does not respond within 48 hours.
  4. File a formal complaint with the UK Gambling Commission (or relevant regulator) if the operator still fails to comply; include all collected evidence and correspondence.
• How the block ends when the term expires
  • Term choices are fixed at sign-up (typical options: six, twelve, twenty-four months). Early termination is not permitted under the scheme rules.
  • At the chosen end date the central register will allow the record to be deactivated. You must log into your central account to confirm removal if the service requires manual sign-off.
  • Processing after expiry: expect up to 7 working days for full deactivation and for operators to receive the update; individual operators may require identity checks before restoring access.
  • Accounts closed by operators are not always re-opened automatically; you may need to re-apply to individual sites and pass their verification checks before play can resume.
• Practical checklist for the end-of-term process
  1. Confirm expiry date and save the confirmation e-mail or reference number.
  2. Log into the central account on or after the expiry date and follow the removal steps provided by the service.
  3. Allow up to one week for propagation; contact any operator that still denies access after 7 days and provide the central deactivation reference.
  4. Keep records of all communications for at least 3 months in case of disputes.

For any disputes about operator compliance, submit evidence to both the central register support and the gambling regulator; include timestamps, screenshots and transaction records to speed up resolution.

Questions and Answers:

How do I register with GamStop for online self-exclusion?

Go to the official GamStop website and choose “Register”. You will be asked to enter personal details such as full name, date of birth, UK postal address and postcode, email address and phone number. Pick the length of the exclusion period (six months, one year or five years) and confirm the details. After submission you should receive an email confirming your registration. The scheme then works with licensed UK remote gambling operators to prevent access to accounts covered by the information you provided.

What personal information and documents will I need to provide during registration?

At minimum you will be asked for your full name, date of birth, UK address and postcode, an email address and a telephone number. In many cases that information is enough for the service to match you with operator records. If there is any uncertainty they may request additional proof of identity or residency such as a passport, driving licence or a recent utility bill. Supplying accurate details speeds up matching with gambling sites.

How long does a GamStop exclusion last and can I cancel it early?

You choose one of three fixed periods when you register: six months, one year or five years. The exclusion cannot be terminated early once it has been registered, even if you change your mind. At the end of the chosen period you may remove the restriction through the GamStop service or opt to extend it. If you need support before the period finishes, consider contacting a gambling support organisation for help rather than attempting to reverse the exclusion.

Does GamStop block gambling in physical casinos, betting shops or with offshore sites?

No. The scheme covers online gambling services licensed by UK regulators and participating operators. It does not prevent in-person activity at land-based casinos, betting shops or arcades. It also does not block accounts with operators that are not part of the UK licensing system or those that do not cooperate with the scheme. If you are concerned about those channels, you may need separate safeguards such as self-exclusion at a venue or third-party blocking tools.

How long will it take before gambling sites begin blocking my accounts after I register?

Most people see the exclusion applied within 24 hours, and some operators respond faster. After you receive the GamStop confirmation email, participating sites use the personal details you provided to match and restrict accounts. If you are still able to access an account after 24 hours, contact GamStop support and the operator directly and provide your registration confirmation so they can investigate. Keep copies of any messages or screenshots until the issue is resolved.