GamStop helps people to manage their gambling by preventing them from accessing betting websites and apps which are licensed in Great Britain for a period of their choosing. They can choose from exclusion periods of six months, a year, or five years.
However, it is important to understand that a GamStop self-exclusion will not stop you from accessing unlicensed platforms or visiting physical betting shops.
The Gamstop self-exclusion revolution in the UK allowed players to automatically self-exclude from all UK-licensed online casinos and betting sites from one centralized portal. This has been a huge help for problem gamblers, but like everything in the online gambling world, the GamStop self-exclusion scheme is not perfect.
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion allows a person to ask gambling operators to exclude them from their premises. When a gambler signs up to a self-exclusion scheme they will no longer be able to play at any casino, sports bookmaker or online gaming websites. This is a voluntary process and it can be set for up to five years.
A report by the Productivity Commission found that a high proportion of treatment-seeking problem gamblers have self-exclusion agreements in place. The Productivity Commission also found that only a small number of those who sign up to self-exclusion actually breach their agreement.
People wishing to enroll in self-exclusion need to visit the Division of Gaming office closest to them and fill out an exclusion form. The form is available online and in a downloadable PDF. The form must be signed and notarized and a current photo is required. Upon completion of the exclusion period, people will need to contact GamStop to request removal from their database.
How do I self-exclude?
If you have a gambling problem, self-exclusion is a great way to take control. To self-exclude, simply register with GamStop. When you attempt to gamble online with a casino, the business will check your data against the GamStop database. If you are listed, you will be prevented from gaining access to their site or apps.
When you sign up for GamStop, you can choose to exclude from casinos, poker, bingo, keno, and sports betting websites for an amount of time that you specify. The majority of people who register for GamStop opt for five-year exclusions, but you can also select six-month or year-long blocks.
All UK-licensed online casinos are required to participate in GamStop, and they share the details of those who self-exclude with each other. You can also self-exclude from online gambling websites by visiting or phoning a GamStop contact centre, which are staffed by professionals trained to talk about gambling issues sensitively. You can also use blocking software to prevent yourself from accessing gambling websites.
How long will my self-exclusion last?
GamStop is one of the simplest ways to distance yourself from gambling online and only takes a few minutes to activate. However, it’s important to remember that self-exclusion is only effective if you follow through with it. You must also seek support and consider using software which blocks access to gambling websites.
You can register for a self-exclusion with GamStop for as long or as short a period of time as you wish. The majority of people who sign up choose a five-year exclusion, which shows that more and more gamblers are choosing to take action.
When your minimum self-exclusion period ends, you can contact GamStop to request that they lift your ban. They will carry out a series of checks to ensure you are ready to return to betting without relapsing into harmful patterns. It can take up to 24 hours before your self-exclusion is lifted. You cannot request it on behalf of someone else, as only the person can be banned from GamStop.
Can I remove my self-exclusion?
If a player is looking to remove their self-exclusion from GamStop gambling website, they need to contact customer support. They should explain their situation and verify their identity. Afterwards, they can ask to be re-instated into the scheme.
However, it is important to note that a self-exclusion from GamStop will remain in place until it has been lifted. This is because the service prevents players from accessing gambling websites and apps operated by UK operators.
It is also worth mentioning that the minimum self-exclusion period is set at six months. Therefore, if you are thinking of trying to return to online gambling after the minimum self-exclusion period is over, you need to re-register with the scheme. This can be done by contacting the GamStop customer service centre and going through a 24-hour cooling-off period. This is a necessary step to ensure that you do not have a relapse. It is important to remember that the scheme is voluntary and not a replacement for treatment.