Self-excluded with Gamstop? Why a casino will not let you sign up, online or now in betting shops
One of the checks a casino runs when you register is against Gamstop, the national self-exclusion scheme. If you are on it, a licensed casino must refuse your sign-up. This year Gamstop brought its betting shop scheme under the same name, and more people than ever are choosing longer exclusions. Here is how it works and what to expect.
By Ryan Jessop. Published .
Key points
- More than 614,000 people were registered with Gamstop in July 2026.
- More than half of current registrants chose the maximum five-year exclusion.
- In December 2025, for the first time, more than half of people choosing five years also chose automatic renewal.
- Since January 2026 the betting shop scheme, formerly MOSES, operates as Gamstop Betting Shops.
- Every UK-licensed online casino must check Gamstop and refuse registration to anyone excluded.
- People registered
- 614,738 (July 2026)
- Five-year exclusions
- More than half
- Auto-renewal
- Over half of five-year choices (Dec 2025)
- Betting shops
- Gamstop Betting Shops since Jan 2026
- Online casinos
- Must check at sign-up
- Cost
- Free
What happens when you try to sign up
When you register, a licensed casino checks your details against Gamstop. If there is a match, it must not open an account or must close it, and it should not send you marketing. If you are self-excluded and a site still lets you in, that site is either making a mistake or is not licensed in Great Britain, and you should not continue. Our guide to Gamstop and sign-up explains the checks in detail.
Exclusion lengths and renewal
| Option | What happens at the end |
|---|---|
| 6 months | Stays active until you ask for it to be removed |
| 1 year | Stays active until you ask for it to be removed |
| 5 years | Stays active, or renews automatically if you chose auto-renewal |
An exclusion cannot be cancelled early. Since January 2026 the separate scheme for high-street betting shops has operated as Gamstop Betting Shops, bringing online and retail self-exclusion under one name.
Taking a break without self-excluding
If you want a shorter pause, every licensed casino offers time-outs and deposit limits; see setting a deposit limit at sign-up and setting limits. Free help is available 24 hours a day from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, and our safer gambling page lists other support.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Free, confidential help 24/7: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, or see our safer gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign up at a casino if I am on Gamstop?
No. UK-licensed casinos must check Gamstop at registration and refuse anyone who is self-excluded.
How many people use Gamstop?
614,738 people were registered in July 2026, according to Gamstop.
Can I cancel Gamstop early?
No. An exclusion runs for the full period you chose.
Does Gamstop cover betting shops?
A separate scheme, now called Gamstop Betting Shops, covers high-street betting shops.
Related pages
Sources
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