Self-Exclusion and How to Use It
Self-exclusion is an important tool for responsible gambling that allows individuals to voluntarily block their access to gambling sites and services for a set period. This option is ideal for those who find it challenging to manage their gambling habits or who want to take a break and reassess their gaming behaviour. By opting for self-exclusion, players can create a barrier that helps prevent compulsive gambling.
What Does Self-Exclusion Entail?
When a player activates self-exclusion, their account is deactivated for a chosen period, which typically ranges from six months to five years. During this time, participating gambling sites will not contact the player or allow their account to be reactivated. This continues until the self-exclusion period has ended. In this way, operators ensure that players have the support needed to step back and take control of their gambling activities.
Steps to Activate Self-Exclusion
- Visit the Online Casino: Log into your online gambling account and navigate to the responsible gambling or account settings section.
- Choose Self-Exclusion: Select the self-exclusion option and specify the duration during which you wish to exclude yourself from the site.
- Confirm Your Decision: Follow the on-screen instructions to finalise your self-exclusion. This may involve answering a few confirmation prompts.
- Use External Services: For broader protection, consider registering with services like GamStop, which blocks access to all gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
GamStop and Other Popular Self-Exclusion Tools
GamStop is a free, UK-based self-exclusion service that allows players to block themselves from all UKGC-licensed gambling platforms. These include online casinos, sportsbooks, and lottery sites. This means that, with a single request, you can self-exclude from all participating gambling platforms, including ones where you are not a registered user.
GamStop is highly effective for those who wish to take a break from online gambling activities and retain control over their gambling habits.
How GamStop Works
Activating GamStop requires the completion of these simple steps:
- Registration: Visit the GamStop website and complete the registration process by providing personal details such as your name, address, and date of birth.
- Set Your Exclusion Period: Choose a self-exclusion period. This period is non-reversible and can range from six months to five years.
- Confirmation: Once activated, GamStop will block access to all UKGC-licensed sites.
Alternatives to GamStop
In the UK, you can get access to alternative self-exclusion tools similar to GamStop.
- Gamban: Unlike GamStop, which blocks access to UKGC-licensed sites only, Gamban is a software tool you can install on your devices to block almost all gambling websites and apps, including those not based in the UK. This paid tool is useful for those looking for an additional layer of protection and for blocking international sites.
- BetBlocker: This free app functions similarly to Gamban by allowing users to block access to gambling content across their devices. It offers flexible self-exclusion periods and can be a helpful addition to GamStop for international coverage.
Why Does Self-Exclusion Exist?
Self-exclusion is a vital tool to promote responsible gambling and protect users who may struggle to stay in control of their gambling activity. This tool can instantly and comprehensively block off the temptation to gamble at one or more sites.
The main benefits of self-exclusion are:
- Gambling Management – Lets players manage their gambling activity before it becomes a serious problem.
- Player Support – Part of a comprehensive list of tools and resources available to all UK players seeking to gamble responsibly or stop gambling completely.
- Less Effort – Avoiding the temptation to gamble is easier when you’re not receiving marketing material, promotions, or other online casino communications.
Additional Support
Self-exclusion is part of the UKGC’s mandatory responsible gambling measures for licensed operators. Services like GamStop make it easy for users to exclude themselves from multiple sites with a single registration. Additionally, organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware offer resources and support to help players manage their gambling habits effectively.
Taking advantage of self-exclusion can be a powerful step toward safer, more controlled gambling.
