Complete GamStop UK Self Exclusion Registration Instructions for UK Players

Choose a minimum block of 6 months; alternatives offered are 1 year and 5 years. Complete the official online form – the process typically takes under 5 minutes and is free. Have photo ID (passport or driving licence) and a recent utility bill or bank statement ready for address verification; exact name, date of birth and current UK address must match documents to avoid delays.

Activation is effective immediately: all operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are required to block access, stop promotional contact and refuse account reactivation during the chosen period. The restriction cannot be ended early; the service does not affect offshore or unlicensed sites, so those accounts require separate closure or blocking measures.

Quick checklist: close active accounts by contacting operator support and request permanent closure plus removal of saved payment methods; set bank card controls and ask your card issuer to block gambling merchant categories; install device-level blockers such as Gamban or BetBlocker and enable browser extensions that prevent access; keep confirmation emails and the recorded activation date. For free, confidential support call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Confirm Eligibility and Gather Required Details

Provide full legal name, date of birth, current Great Britain address, email address, phone number, one government-issued photo ID and a recent proof of address before beginning the opt-out submission.

Eligibility criteria

Age requirement: 18 or older. Residency requirement: Great Britain only (England, Scotland, Wales). Applicable accounts: active or recently used accounts at UK-licensed remote gambling operators. Accounts managed exclusively from outside Great Britain are not covered.

Documents and account details to prepare

Scan or photograph documents in colour, crop so text remains readable, use descriptive filenames (e.g., passport_name.pdf), verify email and phone access during submission, and retain copies for your records.

Prepare Proof of Identity and Proof of Address

Provide a passport or photocard driving licence plus a recent bank statement or utility bill that displays your full name exactly as used on your account and your current residential address.

Acceptable identity documents

Photographic ID accepted: UK passport (biographical page), UK photocard driving licence (both sides), national identity card (EU/EEA), biometric residence permit. Each item must show a clear photo, full name, date of birth and issue/expiry dates; do not crop or obscure any text or holograms.

Acceptable proof of address

Address evidence accepted: bank or building society statement (dated within the last 3 months), utility bill for gas/electric/water (last 3 months), council tax bill for the current financial year, mortgage statement or tenancy agreement (issued within 12 months), HMRC or DWP letter (issued within 12 months). A passport alone does not prove address.

File and upload instructions: scan or photograph in colour, show all four corners, maintain legibility at 300 dpi or higher; save as PDF, JPG or PNG; keep each file under 5 MB. Mobile photos: place document flat on a dark surface, avoid flash glare and shadows, centre the item and hold steady. Do not edit or compress files to the point of illegibility.

Additional actions: redact unrelated account numbers leaving the last four digits visible; if your name has changed supply a marriage certificate or deed poll alongside primary ID; if documents are not in English include a certified translation from an accredited translator.

Postal and certified copies: if originals must be posted follow provider instructions and use tracked delivery; if certified copies are requested obtain certification from a solicitor, notary or authorised public officer and include the certifier’s stamp, signature and contact details.

Sign up online – completing the UK gambling-block form

Enter your full legal name exactly as on official ID and complete the remainder of the form in one session to avoid verification delays.

Required details

• Full legal name (first, middle, last)
• Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
• Current UK residential address and postcode; add previous addresses if requested
• Valid personal email address (not shared)
• UK mobile or landline number for verification
• Choice of block period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
• Confirmation of age (18+) and UK residency

Form completion and verification

Complete every mandatory field accurately; automated cross-checks compare submitted details against operator records. Most submissions do not require uploading identity documents. A confirmation email with a reference number is issued after submission; activation usually completes in 24 hours or less. Save the reference number for future enquiries.

• Match names and dates of birth exactly to gambling account records to reduce follow-up verification.
• Use a personal email and check the spam folder for the confirmation link.
• If the form requests previous addresses for recent years, supply them to improve matching accuracy.
• After submission, manually close active gambling accounts and remove saved payment methods; the block prevents access but does not automatically delete accounts or balances.
• If no confirmation arrives within 48 hours, contact the scheme’s support team by phone or email and quote your reference number, full name, and date of submission.

Select a cooling-off period and understand restrictions

Choose the longest duration you can commit to: available options are 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years. If uncertain, opt for at least 12 months to reduce the likelihood of repeated relapses and to allow financial and behavioural recovery time.

What each option does

Selecting a period triggers an immediate block on participating UK-licensed online gambling operators and their mobile apps. Accounts at those operators are closed or suspended; attempts to create new accounts using the same name, date of birth or email are normally rejected. The block remains in force until the selected end date and cannot be undone early. After expiry you may apply again for further protection.

Restrictions, gaps and recommended actions

The scheme covers participating UK-licensed remote operators only. Overseas or unlicensed websites remain accessible. Retail betting shops, casinos and bingo halls are excluded unless those venues enact separate internal bans. Financial instruments are not automatically frozen by the block; add bank-level gambling blocks, ask your card issuer to block transactions, and remove stored payment details at operators where possible. Operators may retain player balances according to their terms; request withdrawals and keep copies of confirmations.

Practical checklist: close or restrict accounts at non-participating operators, set deposit/session limits where available, install device-level blocking software and browser filters, place gambling blocks via your bank or card issuer, and contact specialist support if urges persist – National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133; Samaritans: 116 123.

Complete identity confirmation and submit your application

Provide a clear colour image of your primary ID, a proof-of-address document dated within the last 3 months, and a live selfie that matches the ID photo before uploading to avoid delays.

Required documents (precise)

• Primary ID: valid passport (photo page) or photocard driving licence – full page visible, expiry date readable.
• Proof of address: bank statement, council tax bill, or utility bill dated within 3 months; name and address must match submission.
• Selfie: plain background, face uncovered, hold a handwritten note with current date and your full name; ensure face orientation matches ID photo.
• Contact details: full name, date of birth, active email, UK phone number, current residential address (no PO boxes).

Submission steps (exact)

1. Capture files: colour, 300–600 dpi; avoid glare, shadows, reflections. Do not crop important edges.
2. File formats and sizes: PDF, JPG, PNG accepted; max 10 MB per file. Combine multiple pages into one PDF when possible.
3. Naming convention: use clear names like 01_Passport_Lastname.pdf, 02_ProofAddress_Lastname.pdf, 03_Selfie_Lastname.jpg.
4. Upload via the secure portal form fields; complete all personal-data fields exactly as shown on your ID.
5. Save the confirmation number shown after submission and take a screenshot of the final confirmation page.

• Typical processing: verification normally completes within 24–72 hours; some straightforward cases are instant.
• Common rejection reasons: expired ID, name/address mismatch, blurred image, unsupported file type, selfie failing facial match.
• If rejected: correct the specific issue (e.g., supply recent bill or clearer scan) and re-upload under the same reference when portal allows.
• Persistent problems: contact support by email, include the reference number, image files, and a short note explaining the fix attempted; phone support may be available for urgent cases.

Privacy and retention: verification images are used only for identity checks and kept according to the provider’s policy (typically retained up to 12 months for audit/security). If you want alternatives to the scheme operators, see sites not on gamstop.

Mobile Sign-Up: Smartphone Tips for UK Blocking Service

Use an up-to-date browser (Chrome or Safari), connect via mobile data or a secured home Wi‑Fi, and update the phone OS before starting the sign-up process.

Device and connection

Open the enrolment page in your device’s system browser rather than an in‑app browser (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), since embedded browsers often block file uploads or one‑time codes. Turn off VPNs and ad blockers temporarily, grant camera and microphone permissions only for the duration of the session, and ensure battery level is above 30% to avoid interruptions.

Documents, photos and file handling

Have ID and proof of address ready: passport, driving licence or national ID plus a recent utility bill or bank statement dated in the last three months. Photograph documents on a plain background using good lighting; capture all four corners, avoid glare, and keep text legible. Preferred file types: JPG, PNG or PDF; recommended max size: 3–5 MB per file. If an upload fails, use the phone’s built‑in photo editor to crop and reduce resolution to ~1600×1200 or use a trusted compression app.

Expect SMS or email codes: use a mobile number that receives texts reliably and an email you can access immediately. Allow 5–10 minutes for OTP delivery, check spam or junk folders, and avoid requesting multiple codes in rapid succession to prevent temporary throttling.

Form tips: copy long answers (supporting notes or chosen contact details) into the phone’s Notes app before submission so you can paste if a session times out. If the page freezes, clear the single site data or reload the browser tab rather than repeatedly resubmitting the same content.

After submission keep the confirmation email and a screenshot of the final confirmation page, note the reference number and check your inbox and spam folder in the next 24 hours for any follow-up instructions or verification requests.

Resolve Common Registration Problems and Error Messages

If personal data mismatch occurs, verify that full legal name, date of birth and current UK postal address exactly match the details on government-issued ID and a recent utility or bank statement.

Common error messages and fixes

“Details do not match” – include full middle names, avoid initials and honorifics, remove punctuation only if the form rejects it, and try alternate accepted address formats (flat numbers before street name or vice versa).

“Already enrolled” or “account exists” – check all email addresses and phone numbers you own; if a previous application exists, request confirmation from support and supply proof of identity to confirm ownership.

“Verification email not received” – check spam, quarantine and bulk folders; add the service’s no-reply address to the safe senders list; try an alternate personal email hosted by a major provider; request a resend after 10 minutes.

“SMS code not received” – confirm mobile number format (leading zero for UK numbers), disable SMS filtering or Do Not Disturb modes, restart the handset, switch to a different network if possible, or request an automated voice call code where available.

“CAPTCHA failed” or “security check failed” – enable images and JavaScript, disable ad blockers or privacy extensions, reload the page and complete the challenge on a fresh tab or another browser.

“Session expired” – avoid long delays during form completion; prepare documents and codes beforehand, complete the form in one session and submit before timeouts; if using a public network, expect shorter session limits.

Document upload and identity checks

Accepted formats typically include JPEG, PNG and PDF. Reduce file size under 5 MB, scan at 200–300 dpi, convert color photos to RGB, crop tightly to the document edges and remove password protection. If an upload error appears, try renaming the file using only letters and numbers, then re-upload through a wired or stable Wi‑Fi connection.

When automated ID verification fails, supply both a photographic ID and a proof of address issued in the last three months; ensure dates and names are legible and not obscured by camera glare or compression artifacts.

When contacting technical support, paste the exact error message, include a timestamp, provide browser name and version, operating system, device type and attach screenshots or screen recordings. Supply full name, date of birth, email address used, mobile number and the postal address entered during the attempt.

Use secure upload portals or support channels only; if asked to email documents, redact any non-essential sensitive details and request confirmation that uploaded files were received and applied to the correct record.

Check Which UK Gambling Sites and Apps Are Included

Start by verifying sites and apps against the official national opt-out service operator list: match licence numbers, exact domain names and app publisher/package IDs to confirm inclusion.

• Open the opt-out service operator list and search by operator name, licence number or domain.
• On any gambling website, locate the UK Gambling Commission licence number (usually in the footer) and copy it exactly; compare that number to the entry on the service list.
• For mobile apps, check the App Store or Google Play developer/publisher name and the bundle/package identifier (e.g., com.company.app); verify those details against the operator entry or the operator’s official site.
• If a brand is marketed under a different trading name, find the parent company or the licence-holder name on the site’s terms, about page or company filings; the opt-out covers the licence-holder rather than the brand label.
• White-label or platform-hosted brands: identify the underlying licence-holder. If that licence-holder appears on the operator list, all brands operated under that licence are typically included.
• Check app permissions and in-app support/terms pages for the licence number or operator name; absence of a UK licence number usually indicates the app is not covered.

Items commonly not covered by the opt-out service:

• UK retail betting shops and land-based casinos
• Offshore/unlicensed sites that do not hold a UK Gambling Commission licence
• Social casino games that only use virtual credits and do not offer regulated gambling products
• Mirror or proxy domains that are not registered under the listed licence-holder

If uncertain, contact the central helpdesk and supply:

• Exact site domain or app store URL
• Screenshot showing licence number or developer name
• Package/bundle ID for mobile apps
• Any email or account identifiers used on the site/app

Quick verification checklist:

1. Find licence number on site or app page
2. Confirm licence number appears on the opt-out operator list
3. Verify app publisher and bundle ID match operator details
4. Confirm parent company or licence-holder for multi-brand operators
5. Contact central helpdesk if any detail is missing or ambiguous

Verify Your UK Blocking Scheme Status and Confirmation

Check the on-screen confirmation immediately and save the reference number and timestamp; that screen is primary proof of successful enrolment.

Expect a confirmation email within 24 hours; if none appears, inspect spam/junk folders, search the inbox for “confirmation” or “no-reply” messages, and check any email filters or custom folders that might have moved it.

Use the scheme’s status-check tool on the official website by entering the same contact details you used during enrolment (email address and date of birth). The status page should display the chosen restriction length (six months, one year, or five years) and the effective start date.

Confirm practical effect by attempting access at a participating operator: legitimate operators will block new accounts and close or freeze existing accounts linked to the enrolled details. If you prefer not to test an operator, contact a single operator’s support team and request written confirmation that your details appear on the national blocking list.

When contacting the scheme’s support team, provide: full name, email used, date of birth, postcode, the reference number if available, date/time of enrolment attempt, and screenshots of any on-screen confirmation or absence of email. Ask for a resend of the confirmation and a status verification report.

If the scheme’s team does not reply within five business days, escalate via the site’s complaints route and copy any relevant gambling support charities for additional assistance; keep all correspondence and time-stamped screenshots until the matter is resolved.

Options for Family, Carers, or Professionals Assisting Sign-up

Confirm legal authority to act: lasting power of attorney for property and financial affairs, court-appointed deputy, or formal written consent from the adult concerned.

Gather required identity and contact details before starting the enrolment process: full name, date of birth, current residential address, active email address, mobile number, one photographic ID (passport or UK driving licence) and a recent proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within three months).

If the person lacks capacity, supply a certified copy of the LPA or deputy order plus a supporting letter from a GP, consultant or social worker. If no formal mandate exists, contact the national blocking service support team to request their third-party procedure and follow the evidence checklist they provide.

Decide the length of the voluntary ban at the moment of enrolment; common choices are six months, one year or five years. Save the confirmation message or PDF, note the exact start and end dates and record these details in care notes.

If direct access to the person’s email or phone is unavailable, obtain written authorisation, create an email account in their name where necessary and complete the online form using a secure browser on a device under supervised control.

Ask banks and payment providers to apply gambling-transaction blocks, add card-category restrictions and enable real-time spending alerts. Cancel or freeze direct debits and standing orders to known operators and request transaction monitoring flags on the account.

For clinicians and social care staff, keep GDPR-compliant records of consent, evidence submitted and outcome. Use client reference numbers rather than repeated personal identifiers, follow local adult safeguarding pathways and notify the person’s GP and local addiction support services about the intervention.

Implement parallel technical controls: install app blockers on smartphones, apply router-based DNS filters, enable browser site-blocking extensions and set operator account limits where available. Keep a dated log of devices modified and software settings changed.

If a licensed operator continues to allow access after confirmation, escalate promptly: send the enrolment confirmation to the operator’s compliance team and to the national blocking service complaints channel, retain all reference numbers and, if unresolved, refer the case to the Gambling Commission’s dispute resolution route.

Questions and Answers:

What is GamStop and what happens after I register?

GamStop is a free UK service that lets people block their access to remote gambling with operators licensed in Great Britain. After you sign up, participating websites and apps will be notified and will prevent you from opening accounts, logging in, depositing or placing bets through those services. The scheme does not remove existing accounts but restricts access so gambling activity with covered operators is stopped for the period you choose.

Who is eligible to sign up and what personal details are required?

Anyone aged 18 or over can register, provided they can supply details needed to confirm identity. Typical items requested are full name, date of birth, current address, email and phone number. You may also be asked about any gambling accounts you already have so the service can match records. Personal data is used only to verify your identity and apply the exclusion to relevant operators.

How long does the self-exclusion take to start and what length options can I choose?

Activation is fast: the registration is processed quickly and participating operators normally apply the block within a short time, often within 24 hours. When you register you pick a period for the exclusion; common choices include six months, one year and five years. Once the chosen period begins it runs for the full time you selected and access through covered operators is prevented until the period ends.

Will GamStop stop access to offshore sites or betting shops, and what other steps should I take to reduce temptation?

GamStop only covers operators licensed for remote gambling in Great Britain, so it does not block offshore/unlicensed websites or necessarily bar entry to physical betting locations. To add layers of protection, consider these measures: ask your bank to block gambling transactions or close payment cards used for betting; remove gambling apps and saved card details; install a device-level blocker from a reputable provider; and contact a support organisation for tailored help. Combining GamStop with financial controls and app blockers typically reduces the chance of slipping back into betting.

Can I cancel or shorten my exclusion if I change my mind, and what should I do if I believe I was registered by mistake?

Exclusion periods are fixed once you register and cannot be shortened or cancelled before they end. When the period expires you can choose to re-register if you want more protection. If you think you were added in error or an operator is still allowing access, contact GamStop support and provide details of the problem; they will investigate and can advise on next steps. You may also contact the gambling operator or the UK Gambling Commission if you need help resolving disputes about licensed providers.