Self-exclusion is a formal player-initiated block on accessing a casino account. UKGC-licensed operators must offer self-exclusion for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years minimum. Once active, the exclusion is irreversible until the chosen period ends — operators cannot lift it on request.
Operator-level self-exclusion blocks one casino. GAMSTOP is the cross-operator UK scheme — one registration blocks every UKGC-licensed operator simultaneously and is the recommended option for anyone needing a substantive break.
After the exclusion period ends, the operator must require active re-engagement (typically a 24-hour cooling-off period and explicit acknowledgement) before allowing play to resume.
Example usage
- 6-month operator self-exclusion (single casino)
- 5-year GAMSTOP exclusion (all UKGC operators)
Related terms
- Deposit limit — A cap players can self-impose on how much they deposit per day, week or month.
- GAMSTOP — The UK's national online self-exclusion scheme — one registration blocks every UKGC-licensed operator.
- Responsible gambling — A framework of operator and player tools to keep gambling within healthy limits — deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion.
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) — The independent regulator of all commercial gambling in Great Britain, established under the Gambling Act 2005.