Register with GamStop UK Step by Step Guide to Self Exclusion from Gambling

Action: Visit the official national opt-out portal and complete the online form using your full name, date of birth, UK postcode, email address and contact phone. Choose a term – 6 months, 1 year or 5 years – and submit; activation is almost immediate and a confirmation reference is sent by email. Keep that reference and screenshot the confirmation screen for your records.

Scope: the block applies to remote gambling operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and prevents account access and marketing from those operators for the chosen period. It does not affect unlicensed offshore sites, land-based venues or payment transactions handled outside operator controls. If you hold active accounts on platforms not covered by the scheme, close or suspend them manually and cancel saved payment methods.

Practical steps to strengthen the measure: set deposit and reality-check limits on any accounts you keep, ask your bank for gambling-blocking cards or transaction filters, install device-level blocker software (examples: Gamban, BetBlocker), and forward the portal confirmation to any operator that requests proof. If a licensed operator ignores the ban, file a complaint to the Gambling Commission quoting your reference. For immediate support contact GamCare helpline 0808 8020 133 or Samaritans 116 123.

Who can join the UK national voluntary gambling-block scheme and when to enrol

If you are aged 18 or older and living in the United Kingdom, enrol immediately when gambling habits cause repeated financial loss, borrowing to place bets, hiding activity from family, or persistent urges that you cannot control.

Basic eligibility: must be 18+, ordinarily resident in the UK, and able to provide full name, date of birth, a UK postal address, an active email and a mobile number. Accounts held at operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission can be linked using matching personal details; overseas addresses normally make an applicant ineligible.

Scope of the block: participating online operators under UK licence will prevent access to existing accounts and block creation of new accounts at their brands. The scheme does not affect physical betting shops, casinos, or offshore/unlicensed websites and does not remove account histories or payment arrangements held outside participating brands.

Timing and commitment: choose a 6‑month, 12‑month or 60‑month period. Activation is typically immediate but may take up to 24 hours to propagate across all participating brands; do not open new gambling accounts until the block is confirmed active. The chosen period cannot be shortened once the block starts.

If you live outside the UK or use operators without a UK licence, request account-level blocks directly from those operators and apply device-level blocking tools or blocking software. If gambling causes severe distress or safety concerns, contact emergency services or a recognised gambling support charity without delay.

What personal details and documents you must provide

Provide a valid photo ID plus one recent proof of address when signing up to the national blocking scheme.

• Identity details: full legal name (include any previous or maiden names), date of birth, and one photo ID – UK passport, photocard driving licence, or national identity card.

• Contact details: current email address and mobile number; list any alternative phones used on accounts to help matching records.

• Address evidence: one document showing current home address dated within 3 months – utility bill, bank or building society statement, council tax bill, tenancy agreement, or HMRC/benefit letter.

• Payment confirmation: last four digits of debit/credit cards used, or a recent bank statement page showing name and sort code; redact full account numbers except final four digits.

• Account identifiers: usernames, operator account numbers or site nicknames that match operator records.

• Alternative verification: if no photo ID, supply two separate proofs of address plus an official document such as birth certificate or NHS letter; follow the service’s guidance when circumstances are non-standard.

File and submission tips:

• Formats accepted: PDF, JPG, PNG. Aim to keep each file under 5 MB.

• Scan quality: show entire document edges, avoid glare and blur, ensure all text is legible.

• Sensitive data: hide or redact unnecessary numbers but leave name, address, date of birth and document/reference numbers visible when requested.

• Email uploads: include a short cover note stating full name, date of birth and a list of attached documents to speed verification.

If based overseas or lacking standard documents, prepare a clear passport copy plus any recent official correspondence showing name and address, and check the scheme’s alternative identity options before submitting materials.

Step-by-step online sign-up: completing the national scheme form

Complete the form in one session: have one photo ID (passport or UK driving licence), proof of address dated within 90 days, National Insurance number, email address, UK mobile number, date of birth, and previous addresses covering the last five years.

Access the official national scheme portal using a secure device and private network. Use a desktop browser if possible; some mobile browsers truncate upload options.

Fill personal details

Enter full legal name exactly as on ID. Add any former names and provide date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format. Input National Insurance number without spaces. Supply a contact email and a UK mobile number capable of receiving SMS codes.

List current address plus continuous address history covering the previous five years. Include flat numbers, house numbers, postcodes and month/year ranges. If dates overlap, state both entries; if a short-term stay occurred, include host addresses and approximate dates.

Submission and verification

Choose ban length: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanent. Upload photo ID files in JPG, PNG or PDF format, maximum 5 MB per file. Driving licences require both sides uploaded; passports require the photo page. Ensure document image shows full name, date of birth, and expiry date where applicable.

Complete any CAPTCHA and click submit. Expect an email confirmation containing a unique reference number and a verification link or code. An SMS code may arrive within minutes; check spam folders if no mail appears after two hours.

Typical processing occurs within 24 hours; protection becomes active after backend matching against operator databases. Common rejection reasons: name mismatch between ID and form, incorrect postcode entry, poor image quality, missing NI number or a non-UK phone. Correct typos, re-upload readable documents and re-submit the enrolment.

The chosen ban period cannot be ended via the portal before expiry; keep the confirmation reference and the email used during enrolment and use them during future contact via support channels.

Verify Your identity: UK verification checks

Provide a clear photo ID – passport or photocard driving licence – and a recent proof of address; names, date of birth and address must match exactly.

Acceptable photo ID: valid passport (photo page), UK photocard driving licence (front and back), Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or EU national ID card. Submit full document images showing all edges, security features and machine-readable zone (MRZ) when present.

Accepted proof of address: bank or building society statement dated within the last 3 months, utility bill dated within the last 3 months, council tax bill for the current year, mortgage statement or tenancy agreement dated within 12 months. Electronic PDFs from official providers are acceptable if they show issuer branding and the full address.

Photo and file requirements: colour images, minimal compression, resolution at least 800×600 px; preferred file formats JPEG, PNG or PDF. Aim for 2–5 MB per file; avoid scans that crop corners or obscure stamps and signatures.

Selfie and facial checks: supply a recent, unobstructed selfie for biometric comparison. Remove glasses and hats, keep a neutral expression, face centred and evenly lit. Many services run automated liveness detection; a short video (2–5 seconds) may be requested if the automated check fails.

Common reasons for rejection: expired ID, mismatched name spelling or order, outdated address, blurred images, visible edits or watermarks, truncated document edges. If rejected, resubmit full-page colour images and include an additional corroborating document (e.g., a bank statement) to resolve discrepancies.

Processing times: automated electronic checks are often instant; manual reviews typically complete within 24–72 hours. When you receive an error code or reference number, provide that number in any follow-up to speed up support handling.

Data security and compliance: confirm the portal uses HTTPS and displays a padlock icon. Prefer providers registered with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and holding ISO 27001 or equivalent security certification. Avoid sending identity documents by unencrypted email; request secure upload links and check the provider’s data retention period and privacy policy before submitting.

Select an opt-out period on the UK national gambling blocking scheme

Select the longest ban you can realistically commit to; available choices are 6 months, 1 year and 5 years.

If you experience repeated urges, have monthly gambling losses exceeding £100, hold gambling-related debt above £500, spend more than 10 hours per month betting or have attempted to quit unsuccessfully, choose the 5-year option. Choose 1 year when losses or harm are moderate (monthly losses £30–£100, time spent 3–10 hours/month) and you want a substantial break. Use 6 months only as a short, temporary reset when prior control has been strong and risk factors are low (occasional losses under £30/month, limited time spent).

The ban is irreversible until the chosen period ends; activation applies across participating licensed operators within 24 hours, and operators cannot lift the block early. Treat selection as final and choose conservatively if unsure.

Pair the blocking period to device-level protections: install Gamban or BetBlocker, enable browser extensions, remove saved payment methods, close operator accounts, add bank card blocks and notify your card issuer. Save support contacts: GamCare helpline 0808 8020 133, Samaritans 116 123, Citizens Advice and StepChange (debt support).

Set a calendar reminder six weeks before the end date and prepare a relapse plan: nominate a trusted contact to hold financial controls, arrange counselling sessions and consider extending the ban when expiry approaches; shortening is not possible.

What happens after sign-up: operator blocking process

Immediately contact each licensed operator where you held an account and keep the confirmation number. Operators receive a central suppression record linked to your identity and must suspend account access, prevent login attempts and stop wagering for the blocking period you selected (typical durations: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years), usually within 24–48 hours.

Technical steps: operators query a central database via secure API and match combinations of full name, date of birth, postal address, email and phone; when a match occurs they flag the account, disable passwords, cancel pending bets, freeze deposits and void bonus offers. Some operators enact the block within minutes; others complete manual checks that can take up to 48 hours.

New-account prevention combines database checks and auxiliary markers: email hashes, phone numbers, IP ranges, device fingerprints and banking details are cross-checked so re-opening under the same identity is blocked. Payment processors and affiliate networks are routinely advised to refuse transactions or referrals linked to barred identities.

Exceptions exist: offshore or unlicensed platforms do not receive suppression notices and remain accessible; examples and further information on alternative platforms can be found at sites not on gamstop. For any operator that continues to allow access, collect screenshots, transaction records and the account ID, then submit a complaint to the UK Gambling Commission.

Practical steps after confirmation: 1) save the confirmation email and note the start date and chosen blocking length; 2) remove saved payment methods on gambling accounts and change login credentials; 3) contact your bank or card issuer to set a merchant-level block on gambling transactions; 4) contact any operator still allowing access, provide the confirmation ID and request immediate closure; 5) if closure is refused or delayed, escalate to the regulator and retain all evidence for the complaint.

Obtain and retain proof of your UK gambling-block sign-up

Save the confirmation email and download any attached PDF immediately after completing the online sign-up.

Record the unique reference number, effective date and chosen duration in a secure note or password manager entry.

Immediate actions

• Download the official PDF confirmation and open it to verify presence of reference, start date, contact details and end date.
• Take a screenshot that shows device date/time or use an OS tool that preserves image metadata; save a copy in PNG or PDF format.
• Forward the confirmation email to a secondary personal account and to a trusted contact or support worker, keeping the original sender headers intact.
• Print a paper copy and place it in a locked folder or safe; write the reference number on an internal index sheet for quick access.
• Create an encrypted backup on an external drive (AES-256 or similar) and enable two-step sign-in on any cloud account used for storage.

Long-term retention and sharing

1. Retain electronic and paper copies until at least 12 months after the end date shown on the confirmation; if no end date appears, keep copies indefinitely and review storage every 24 months.
2. Use a consistent file-name format that begins with ISO date: YYYYMMDD_ukblock_confirm_REF12345.pdf to simplify searches and audits.
3. Store one copy encrypted in cloud storage and one copy offline on an encrypted external drive; keep the printed copy in a separate physical location when possible.
4. When asked to prove the sign-up to an operator, present the PDF or the reference number and request written acknowledgement of receipt by email; avoid altering the document.
5. If no confirmation arrives within 48 hours, contact the scheme support team via published phone or web chat, log every contact attempt with timestamps and any reference provided.

Before sharing any copy, redact unrelated sensitive details but preserve the reference, dates and official headers; keep a trusted-address audit trail showing who received evidence and when.

Resolve common sign-up issues and ID verification rejections

Upload a colour, high-resolution image of an accepted photo ID and a separate proof of address immediately; blurred, cropped or low-light files cause most verification declines.

Common rejection reasons

Document type mismatch: only government-issued photo ID is accepted (UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, national identity card). Proof of address must be an official paper or PDF statement: utility bill, bank statement, council tax letter, benefits letter. Screenshots of online pages, PO boxes, and expired documents are routinely refused.

Image quality: glare, shadow, partial page, missing corners or black-and-white scans trigger automatic rejection. Handheld photos taken at an angle are frequently unreadable for automated checks.

Data mismatch: name, date of birth or address entered on the sign-up form not matching the ID/proof causes refusal. Maiden or previous surnames that do not appear on current ID require supporting certificates.

Duplicate records or prior enrolment: an existing record under the same name, email, phone or national identifier can block new submissions.

Practical fixes and exact actions

Prepare files: scan or photograph documents in colour at ~300 DPI, save as JPG, PNG or PDF; keep file size under 10 MB (aim 1–5 MB). Ensure full document edges are visible and text is legible when zoomed 200%.

Match data exactly: enter full legal name including middle names and punctuation as shown on ID; use date format on the ID (DD/MM/YYYY). If name changed since ID issue, upload a marriage certificate or deed poll and include a short note explaining the difference.

Address proof specifics: supply a document dated within the last three months (utility, bank or council tax). If only older documents exist, add an official letter explaining why and a recent correspondence that displays name plus address.

Browser and upload checklist: use latest Chrome, Edge or Safari on desktop; disable VPN, ad blockers and privacy extensions; enable cookies and JavaScript. Clear cache or use a private window. If mobile upload fails, transfer images to a PC and try again.

When auto-reject occurs: request the detailed rejection code via the online help portal, then resubmit corrected files citing that code. Include the original timestamp and device used in your message.

Duplicate account or prior entry: contact the scheme support team through the published helpline or portal; supply full name, DOB, contact email, application reference if available and scanned ID copies so staff can perform a manual audit. Manual reviews usually take 2–5 business days; keep copies of all correspondence.

Keep records: save every uploaded file and any email exchange. If problems persist beyond multiple attempts, ask for escalation and demand a written explanation of the specific data point causing refusal so you can correct it precisely.

Ending, extending, renewing a voluntary gambling ban via the national UK blocking service

To end an active voluntary gambling ban early, submit a written appeal to the national blocking service using the online contact form or the dedicated phone line, attach government-issued photo ID, recent proof of address, and a signed statement explaining why the ban should be lifted; allow up to 10 working days to receive a decision.

Ending early – required evidence and steps

If the enrolment resulted from an administrative error, include copies of any prior enrolments, operator correspondence showing duplicate or incorrect data, and screenshots that support the claim. If identity fraud is the issue, file a police report and include the crime reference number in the appeal. Medical or legal evidence should be certified scans or originals uploaded via the scheme portal.

Keep all filenames and documents clearly labeled (name_DOB_ID, name_address_utility, name_police_report). Use the same contact details that appear on identity documents to avoid verification delays. If the appeal is denied, the ban normally remains until the chosen expiry date.

Extending active period and re-enrolling after expiry

Available ban durations are 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. The scheme does not permit extension of a currently active period; to continue protection beyond expiry, create a new enrolment once the period ends and select the preferred duration. Activation of a new enrolment is usually processed within 1–3 working days.

Decisions on early-release appeals are usually returned within 10 working days; complex cases may take up to 20 working days. If urgent assistance is required, indicate urgency in the initial contact and include corroborating evidence that demonstrates immediate risk.

Action	Required evidence	Decision time	Likely outcome
End early (appeal)	Photo ID; recent proof of address; police report if fraud; operator correspondence or screenshots showing duplicate enrolment	5–20 working days	Approved only for administrative error or proven fraud; otherwise refused
Extend active period	Not permitted while an enrolment remains active	N/A	Must wait until expiry, then create a new enrolment
Renew after expiry	Re-enter personal details and select duration (6 months, 1 year, 5 years)	Activation usually within 1–3 working days	New enrolment becomes active after processing

If an appeal is refused, close or limit operator accounts, apply operator-level deposit and time limits, install additional blocking tools, and contact specialist support services that deal with gambling-related harm for ongoing assistance.

Questions and Answers:

What personal details do I need to provide to register with GamStop?

You will be asked for basic personal information: full name, date of birth, email address, phone number and a UK home address or postcode. You must confirm you are at least 18 years old. No upload of identity documents is normally required — the service uses the details you supply to match against participating operators. One registration applies to a single person; do not create multiple accounts for the same individual.

How long can I exclude myself through GamStop and can I cancel the exclusion before it ends?

When you sign up you choose a fixed duration: six months, one year or five years. Once you have confirmed the period and completed registration, the exclusion cannot be ended early by a standard request. After the chosen period expires you can remove the exclusion via your GamStop account if you decide to gamble again. Keep in mind that some gambling websites or bookmakers may still require additional steps before you can place bets again, such as identity checks or account reactivation procedures, so access may not be instantaneous right after the exclusion ends.

Will GamStop block every way I can gamble online and in person?

GamStop blocks access to participating UK-licensed online gambling websites and apps that have signed up to the scheme. It does not cover higher street betting shops, land-based casinos, arcades or commercial lottery terminals, nor does it automatically block offshore or unlicensed sites. Some social gaming apps and free-to-play sites might also fall outside the scheme. Because of these gaps it is sensible to close or self-limit accounts with operators you use and to consider practical steps such as removing saved card details, setting bank blocks, or using third-party tools that restrict spending.

How quickly does the exclusion take effect after I register?

Registration is processed immediately and participating operators usually receive the match soon after. Many sites will enforce blocks within 24 hours, although some action may be visible right away. While the matching runs, avoid logging in or placing bets on sites you want blocked, and contact operator customer services if you notice access remains active longer than expected.

Can I sign someone else up, for example a family member who is struggling?

GamStop requires the person who is to be excluded to provide their own personal data and confirm the registration, so you cannot normally complete sign-up on behalf of another adult without their consent. If the person lacks capacity or cannot sign up themselves, discuss options with specialist support organisations that handle gambling-related harm; they can explain any legal routes such as power of attorney or how charities and treatment services can help with practical steps and safeguarding.