Self‑exclusion is a vital tool for anyone struggling with online gambling harm. Here’s how it works—and where GamClaim.org steps in to support you beyond exclusion.
What Is Self‑Exclusion?
Self‑exclusion allows individuals to request to be barred from gambling services—online, land-based, or both—on a voluntary basis. It can range from six months to five years and is designed for people recognising that gambling has become harmful.
GAMSTOP is the UK-wide, multi-operator self-exclusion programme for online gambling. It takes effect within a day and automatically blocks access to all online UK-licensed gambling platforms for your chosen duration .
How Does GamStop Work?
- Register on the GamStop site—provide personal details, verify your identity via Onfido or TransUnion.
- Choose an exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, with a new 5-year auto-renew option available.
- GamStop shares your data with licensed operators, who must block you within 24 hours.
- Once active, your accounts are closed and marketing to you must cease .
Limitations of Self‑Exclusion
- Not fool‑proof: It cannot stop you using offshore or non-licensed sites—only UK-licensed operators are blocked.
- Data mismatches: If your details are outdated, exclusion may fail more easily.
- You must play by the rules: GamStop relies on your honesty; deliberately bypassing it is at your own risk.
- Marketing may slip through: Some operators may still send promotional messages post-exclusion.
If You Still Gambled Despite Exclusion
Systems must try to block you, but failure can, and does, happen. In legal terms:
- There is no automatic duty of care, but evidence of harm despite exclusion can support claims.
- Courts treat self-exclusion failures cautiously; not all breaches lead to liability.
Legal and Compensation Options
Even with GamStop, if harm occurs because the platform failed its responsibility, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Psychiatric injury or data misuse linked to continued gambling can form the basis for legal claims.
- In some cases—especially where operators ignored self-exclusion—it may be possible to recover losses.
How GamClaim.org Can Support You
- Claims Checker: Quickly assess whether your case has legal weight.
- Self‑Representation eBook: Detailed guide on gathering evidence, writing to operators, and filing GDPR or injury claims.
- Legal connection: For stronger cases, we match you with top legal experts—on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Take the Next Step
Self‑exclusion is only the first step in protecting yourself from gambling harm. GamClaim.org provides the tools and support to:
- Enforce your break from gambling
- Expose operator failures to act appropriately
- Pursue compensation where harm has occurred
✅ Start now with our Claims Checker
📘 Or get the full strategy in our eBook guide