Operator-level exclusion
Contact the account operator through its official account support or responsible-gambling interface. Ask what the exclusion covers, how long it lasts and what happens to account access and funds.
SELF EXCLUSION INFORMATION
Self Exclusion: How It Works & Where to Get Help
Learn how to request gambling exclusion, understand its limits and locate official schemes without being directed to gambling promotions.
Independent educational guidance. This page does not recommend or link to gambling operators.
Support information only · No affiliate links, gambling offers or promotional imagery · Updated for review on 15 November 2026
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a protective process for people who want to stop gambling. Depending on the jurisdiction, it can involve asking an individual operator or a recognized multi-operator service to restrict account access and gambling activity for a chosen period. The process is governed by local rules and the relevant scheme.
Self-exclusion is not a universal global block. A scheme covering licensed operators in one country may not apply to services licensed elsewhere. It is important to identify the relevant scheme rather than assume all sites will be blocked.
Multi-operator schemes
Some jurisdictions offer recognized schemes covering multiple licensed providers. The specific scope, registration and time periods differ.
Additional controls
Gambling-site blocking tools, payment blocks and reducing gambling advertising may provide additional barriers, even where formal exclusion coverage is incomplete.
ACTION GUIDE
How to begin an exclusion request
- Identify the gambling provider or jurisdiction. Use the provider's verified official website, not an affiliate review or comparison page.
- Check the appropriate scheme. Review its geographic and operator coverage, registration requirements and duration.
- Submit accurate information. Follow the provider's or recognized scheme's official identity-verification and application process.
- Confirm restrictions. Keep the confirmation and understand what services are included and when restrictions begin.
- Resolve outstanding account questions. Ask the operator how any remaining balance, account closure or withdrawal request is handled.
- Add independent support. Consider financial safeguards, blocking tools and professional help; exclusion alone may not remove every trigger.
Which self-exclusion service applies?
| Location / service | Coverage | Official information |
|---|---|---|
| UK — GAMSTOP Online | Free self-exclusion from licensed online gambling websites and apps in the United Kingdom, subject to scheme terms; minimum options include 6 months, 1 year and 5 years. | GAMSTOP Online information ↗ |
| Great Britain — land-based venues | Separate multi-operator schemes exist for different venue types, including betting shops and casinos. Online GAMSTOP does not replace every land-based scheme. | UK Gambling Commission: multi-operator schemes ↗ |
| United States | Rules and voluntary exclusion schemes vary by state and regulator. Check the relevant state gaming authority; nationwide help can help locate resources. | National Council on Problem Gambling ↗ |
| Other countries | Local regulators and licensed operators may administer different exclusion processes, periods and coverage. | Gambling Therapy: find local help ↗ |
Important limitation: The UK Gambling Commission states that GAMSTOP ONLINE applies to online operators licensed in Great Britain. It should not be assumed to block offshore or unlicensed services.
What happens after you self-exclude?
During an exclusion, the participating provider or scheme applies its restrictions under its published rules. Do not assume exclusion automatically resolves account balances or pending withdrawals; contact the operator directly for account-specific questions.
Keep any confirmation, check the precise minimum exclusion term, and avoid attempts to access excluded services through another account or website. Protection may be strengthened by blocking software, bank payment controls and support from people you trust.
If you are unsure where to begin, Gambling Therapy ↗ provides worldwide information, and Gambling Therapy: tools and resources ↗ includes practical guidance on blocking and self-exclusion.
Primary references: UK Gambling Commission: self-exclusion ↗; UK Gambling Commission: multi-operator schemes ↗; GAMSTOP Online information ↗; Gambling Therapy: tools and resources ↗.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE
Help is available wherever you are
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, independent support is available. You can start with Gambling Therapy ↗ or use Gambling Therapy: find local help ↗ to find local options.
This website does not provide gambling accounts, operator support, clinical advice or self-exclusion registration.