Online gambling can be a fun, recreational activity when done responsibly. However, some individuals struggle with compulsive gambling and addiction. GamStop offers a valuable self-exclusion tool to help UK gamblers stay in control if they feel they have a problem. But what exactly is GamStop and what role does it play in responsible online gambling?
What is GamStop?
GamStop is a free, national self-exclusion scheme based in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2018 through collaboration between the UK Gambling Commission and online gambling operators.
The purpose of GamStop is to give people struggling with gambling addiction an easy way to self-exclude or ban themselves from accessing licensed online gambling sites, like 7bit Casino, and apps run by UK companies. By self-excluding through GamStop, individuals can take control of their gambling and get the space they may need to moderate their behavior.
How the Self-Exclusion Tool Works
Gambling addicts can voluntarily sign up to “stop gambling” by registering for self-exclusion on the GamStop website. They choose an exclusion period ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Once registered, GamStop informs all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators to block that individual from accessing their platforms.
| Exclusion Length | Details |
| 6 months | Minimum exclusion period |
| 1 year | Most popular choice |
| 5 years | Maximum exclusion period |
So in essence, GamStop provides a centralized “stop button” that instantly applies the exclusion across all registered UK gambling sites in one move. This removes the need to contact each operator individually.
Benefits of Self-Excluding via GamStop
- Regain control – Self-exclusion helps compulsive gamblers take control of the situation and their behavior by enforcing barriers to access.
- Reflect on habits – A break from gambling gives individuals breathing room to assess their situation honestly and seek help if needed.
- Restrict access – Exclusion makes it far more difficult to relapse or gamble impulsively during moments of weakness.
- Reinforce commitment – Choosing an extended exclusion period demonstrates the user’s firm commitment to changing entrenched habits.
- Relieve pressure – Removing the temptation to gamble has a liberating effect and relieves stress.
So in many respects, GamStop provides a valuable “emergency brake” to immediately stop out of control gambling behavior. The forced break can then become the first step towards reestablishing healthy limits.
Who Can Benefit from Self-Excluding via GamStop?
GamStop is primarily aimed at UK residents who feel they have a problematic dependency on online gambling. Specific user groups who can benefit greatly include:
- Compulsive gamblers who engage in destructive behavior
- Individuals who gamble more than they can afford
- People seeking to enforce “zero gambling” for a fixed period
- Those starting a major life change e.g. marriage, new career
- Gamblers trying to overcome a relapse
Essentially anyone who feels they need a firm barrier to online gambling can potentially benefit. Self-exclusion brings the clarity of black and white thinking to what is often a very gray struggle.
GamStop’s Role in Promoting Responsible Gambling
Over 50,000 UK gamblers had signed up to use GamStop’s self-exclusion tool as of November 2021. This shows that many individuals recognize and take responsibility for their harmful gambling habits. They are using the tool as intended to moderate their behavior.
GamStop also requires that gambling operators conduct identity checks before allowing self-excluded individuals to gamble again after their exclusion period. This ensures users don’t immediately relapse when their self-ban lifts.
So in summary, GamStop plays an important role by:
- Empowering problem gamblers to acknowledge their addiction and take action
- Letting users instantly “stop gambling” across all major UK online gambling sites in one step
- Giving compulsive gamblers the breathing room to reflect and seek treatment
- Requiring gambling platforms to reinforce self-exclusions with identity checks when they lift
The upshot is that GamStop provides an accessible “safety net” for British gamblers. It allows them to step back when needed before their habits spiral out of control and cause real-world harm.