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How to Cancel Gamstop

You can cancel Gamstop by contacting customer support and requesting removal after the minimum exclusion period ends. If you want to cancel Gamstop before it ends, the only way is to register at non Gamstop casinos.
Gamstop is a free service that blocks access to UK gambling sites. Cancelling Gamstop lets you regain access to these sites, which can be helpful if you’ve regained control over your gambling habits or want to use specific sites.

However, removing Gamstop may lead to problematic gambling behaviour, financial issues, and emotional stress if your gambling habits become unmanageable again.

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Written by
Uswa Iftikhar
12 Aug 2025
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Reviewed by
Okpala Stella Jessica
What Is Gamstop
How To Stop Gambling
Gambling Restrictions UK
Responsible Gambling

What is Gamstop?

Gamstop is a free service in the UK designed to help people control their online gambling habits. It allows users to block themselves from accessing gambling websites and apps that are licensed in the UK. To use Gamstop, you need to register on their website with personal details such as your name and email address. After registering, you choose how long you want to be excluded, from 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once your request is processed, it may take up to 24 hours for the block to take effect. During the exclusion period, you will be unable to access any participating gambling sites. Gamstop also offers support resources to help with problem gambling.

How to Remove Gamstop?

To remove Gamstop, you should wait for the exclusion period to end, contact Gamstop customer support, verify your identity, confirm your decision, and wait for confirmation.
These steps are explained below.

Wait for the Exclusion Period to End: You cannot remove Gamstop until the exclusion period you initially selected (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years) has expired. Ensure that the time frame has completely passed.

Contact Gamstop Customer Support: Once the exclusion period has ended, contact Gamstop’s customer support team. This can usually be done via email or phone. Inform them that you wish to remove your self-exclusion and provide the necessary identification details to confirm your identity.

Verify Your Identity: Gamstop will ask for identification to verify that the request to remove the exclusion is genuine. Be prepared to provide personal details like your name, address, date of birth, and verification documents.

Confirm Your Decision: Gamstop may ask you to confirm that you want to remove the self-exclusion and understand the implications. They might also provide information about responsible gambling to ensure you make an informed decision.

Wait for Confirmation: After your request is processed, Gamstop will inform you when the self-exclusion is lifted. This may take some time, so wait for official confirmation before attempting to access gambling sites again.

What are the factors to consider before Cancelling Gamstop?

Before cancelling Gamstop, you should assess your current gambling habits, check your finances, consult with a professional, and understand the cancellation process.

These are explained below.

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Assess Your Current Gambling Habits
Before cancelling Gamstop, examine your current gambling behaviour. Ask yourself if you have regained control over your gambling urges and whether you can gamble responsibly. If you still feel the urge to gamble impulsively, it might be wise to keep Gamstop in place.
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Check Your Finances
Review your financial situation to see if gambling has previously led to financial strain. Consider whether you have the financial stability to handle potential gambling losses without impacting your essential needs. This step is important to ensure that cancelling Gamstop won't lead to financial problems.
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Consult with a Professional
Talking to a therapist or counsellor who specialises in gambling addiction can provide valuable insight. A professional can help you evaluate whether you are ready to cancel Gamstop and offer support in managing any underlying issues that may have led to problem gambling.
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Understanding the Cancellation Process
Ensure you know how the Gamstop cancellation process works and what it entails. Understanding that you will need to wait until the exclusion period ends and that there might be a cooling-off period helps you make an informed decision and ensures no surprises.

What Are the Benefits of Removing Gamstop?

The benefits of removing Gamstop include the ability to gamble again, the chance to win cash, entertainment, more personal freedom and social interaction.

These benefits are outlined below.

  1. 1
    Ability to Gamble Again
    Removing Gamstop allows you to access gambling sites, including non Gamstop casinos, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favourite online casino games and betting activities. This provides an opportunity to experience the thrill of gambling that might have been restricted.
  2. 2
    Chance to Win Cash
    With Gamstop removed, you can participate in real-money gambling activities again. This means you can win cash prizes, jackpots, and other rewards. The potential for financial gain can make gambling more exciting and appealing for some people.
  3. 3
    Entertainment
    Gambling is a popular form of entertainment for many. By cancelling Gamstop, you can once again enjoy the fun and excitement of playing casino games, betting on sports, or participating in online poker. The variety of games available can provide hours of enjoyable pastime.
  4. 4
    Personal Freedom
    Removing Gamstop gives you greater control over your choices, allowing you to decide when and how you want to gamble. This sense of personal freedom can be empowering, especially if you believe you can gamble responsibly and maintain a healthy balance in your life.
  5. 5
    Social Interaction
    Participating in online gambling can offer opportunities for social interaction, whether through live dealer games, online poker rooms, or betting communities. Engaging with other players can add a social element to gambling, making it a more interactive experience.

What Are the Drawbacks of Removing Gamstop?

The drawbacks of removing Gamstop include financial risks, debts and money losses, and difficulty in starting exclusion again. These drawbacks are mentioned below:

Financial Risks:

One of the biggest drawbacks of removing Gamstop is the potential for financial risk. Without the protection of Gamstop, you may be tempted to spend more money on gambling than you can afford, leading to financial problems. The easy access to gambling sites can make it hard to resist the urge to place bets.

Debts and Money Losses:

Gambling without restrictions can result in significant money losses, which can quickly add up and lead to debt. Removing Gamstop might put you at risk of borrowing money to gamble or losing savings, which can negatively impact your financial stability and cause stress.

Hard to Start Exclusion Again:

If you decide to cancel Gamstop and later realise you need to stop gambling again, it might not be easy to re-enroll in self-exclusion. The process of reinstating Gamstop might take time, during which you could continue gambling and potentially make the problem worse. This can create a cycle that’s challenging to break.

FAQs

Is it Safe to Cancel Gamstop?

No, cancelling Gamstop can be risky if you're not prepared to manage your gambling responsibly. If you struggle with gambling urges or financial issues, removing Gamstop might lead to overspending or debt.

Can You Cancel Gamstop Right Away?

No, you cannot cancel Gamstop right away. You must wait until the minimum exclusion period you chose has ended. This ensures you have had enough time to reassess your gambling habits before regaining access.

What Details Are Required for a Self-Exclusion Removal Request?

To request the removal of self-exclusion, you typically need to provide personal details such as your full name, date of birth, address, and contact information. These details help verify your identity and process your request.