Self-exclusion
If you think you are spending too much time or money gambling, you can volunteer to ban yourself from in-person or online gambling. This is called self-exclusion. On this page you'll find more details on what it is, how it works and how to do it.
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion means asking one or multiple gambling companies to prevent you from gambling with them for a set length of time, usually between 6 months and 5 years. This means you will not be able to gamble within their venue, or via their website or app. Gambling companies must offer you the option to self-exclude by law.
Another way to limit gambling is to look into gambling blocking software, which is something you can download to stop your device from being able to access gambling sites. You can find out more about gambling blocking software here.
Does self-exclusion work?
Many people find that excluding themselves from gambling is a useful step towards taking control of their gambling. It can lead to decreased time and money spent gambling, and less negative feelings about it.
84% of people who used GAMSTOP to self-exclude say they felt safer from gambling harms and more in control of their gambling.
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How self-exclusion works:
- You cannot leave the scheme before the exclusion period has expired
- You will have to supply proof of identity, which include a photo and your address
- You will be removed from all marketing databases and you will not be contacted
- After the scheme you won’t be automatically added to marketing databases
- The information you provide will only be shared with operators within the scheme
- If you visit a venue, the company and staff will do all they reasonably can to help you; you will be asked to leave and other venues in the scheme will be informed
How to self-exclude:
Multiple operator schemes:
You can self-exclude from multiple operators at the same time, these schemes are free, quick and easy to register for.
If you’re worried about your gambling, it may be safer to enter one of these schemes, as it means you only have to contact them, rather than individual gambling operators. You can find the schemes available for each type of gambling below:
Online Gambling:
GAMSTOP is a free app that will block you from logging into, or setting up accounts with, operators licensed in Great Britain. You can register for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It is suitable for UK and NI residents only.
Betting shops:
MOSES allows you to self-exclude from multiple betting shops with just one call to 0800 294 2060. We recommend selecting venues that are close to your home, work or any of your other activities.
Casinos:
SENSE allow you to self-exclude from all land-based UK Casinos. You can enroll in person at any participating casino, where a manager will help you complete a digital application form.
Alternatively, you can complete an application form and send it to: info@sensescheme.com.
Bingo venues:
The BISES scheme allows you to self-exclude from land-based, licensed bingo premises across the UK, the quickest way to do this is at your local bingo club.
Arcades and gaming centres:
Go to the venue and ask for support. They will be able to exclude you from their venue and those 1km around, if you wish to be excluded from other venues you can contact the BACTA scheme on 020 3930 9769.
Single operator exclusion:
The system to exclude yourself from individual companies varies from operator to operator. Single operator exclusion always requires you to contact the operator directly, whether this is online or in person.
Self-exclusion from one website or app:
- Go to the website or app
- Find a page called ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Safer Gambling’
- Follow the instructions for self-exclusion
- If you cannot see how to self-exclude, contact the company’s customer services
Self-exclusion from one arcade, betting shop or casino
- Visit the venue
- Speak to staff and ask to self-exclude
- Take a couple of passport size photos with you
- Get a copy of the form for your records
- Don’t take any money, or bank cards with you
If you're not ready to self-exclude, but you feel you might be gambling too much, taking a break will help. We recommend not gambling for 7 days, as a minimum. If you're struggling to stay gamble-free for 7 days we recommend contacting one of the above schemes.
Additional resources to help you stay in control of your limits:
Find out how to use blocking software to block access to gambling websites.
Our spend calculator helps you calculate how much time and money you spend on gambling.
Click the link below to get advice on how to manage your spending.
TalkBanStop
In addition to self-exclusion, there is more that you can do to take back control of your gambling. TalkBanStop is a partnership that combines practical tools and support to help you stop gambling and maintain it.
TalkBanStop lays out a three-step process to take back control:
Talk
If you're worried about how gambling is making you, or someone else feel, get in touch with a trained adviser for free confidential information, advice, and support.
Ban
Access gambling blocking software, which stops your device from being able to access gambling website or apps.
Stop
Take any of the self-exclusion actions listed above. You can find more information in the link below.