What is Gamstop Self-Exclusion?
Gamstop self-exclusion is a UK-based service that allows users to voluntarily ban themselves from accessing online gambling websites for a specified period. Users can self-exclude themselves for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
Gamstop was established in 2018 after growing concerns over online gambling addiction in the UK. The main purpose of Gamstop self-exclusion is to help people struggling with gambling addiction and allow them to take control of their gambling habits. All UK-licensed online gambling operators must participate in Gamstop to ensure that self-exclusion is observed across the industry.
How Long Does Gamstop Last?
The 3 self-exclusion durations offered by Gamstop are 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years.
The details of these durations are listed below.
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•6 MonthsThe 6-month duration is ideal for people who recognise early signs of problem gambling and want to take a break before it worsens. This duration provides a temporary time to reflect on your gambling habits and make the required adjustments.
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•1 YearThe 1 year duration is suitable for people who have more stubborn gambling issues. It offers a longer period of protection and allows players to fix their gambling habits and seek professional help if needed.
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•5 YearsThe 5 years duration is a long-term exclusion for people suffering from gambling addiction. It’s ideal for players who have repeatedly struggled to manage their gambling and require a major break to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
Does Gamstop Self Exclusion Automatically End?
No, Gamstop self-exclusion does not automatically end. Once the chosen self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years ends, you must contact Gamstop’s customer support team to request a removal. The Gamstop self-exclusion will remain active until you contact customer support. This extra step of contacting Gamstop allows users to reconsider whether they are truly prepared to return to gambling.
How to Change the Duration of Gamstop Self Exclusion?
Once you have registered with Gamstop and selected a self-exclusion duration, you cannot change the duration until the exclusion period has ended. You are committed to the time frame, and no changes can be made to shorten it or cancel Gamstop. This rule ensures that the decision to self-exclude is firm and cannot be easily reversed. This further helps in protecting you from making impulsive decisions that could disturb your recovery process.
How to Renew Gamstop?
Renewing your self-exclusion is essential if you feel that you still need time to fix your gambling habits. Once your chosen exclusion period has expired, you can extend your self-exclusion by registering with Gamstop again. To do this, you will need to log in to your Gamstop account and follow the steps to begin a new self-exclusion period. You can choose the same duration as before or opt for a different one, depending on your needs and current gambling habits.
What Happens When Your Gamstop Self-Exclusion Period Ends?
Your access to UK-licensed casinos is not automatically restored when your Gamstop self-exclusion period ends. To resume gambling, you must contact Gamstop’s customer support to request the removal of your self-exclusion. Until you take this step, your self-exclusion remains intact, and you will continue to be blocked from participating in gambling sites.
FAQs
Can you turn Gamstop off?
No, you cannot turn Gamstop off once you have registered and selected a self-exclusion period. The exclusion remains active for the full duration you chose and cannot be shortened or cancelled.
Can you gamble before your self-exclusion ends?
No, you cannot gamble on any UK-licensed sites that participate in Gamstop before your self-exclusion period ends. Once registered, you are blocked from accessing these sites for the entire duration of your exclusion.
What Sites Offer Gamstop?
All UK-licensed online gambling sites are required to offer Gamstop as part of their commitment to promoting responsible gambling. This includes all popular UK-licensed online casinos and gambling sites.
