Self-exclusion explained
Self-exclusion is a formal request asking a gambling operator to stop you gambling with it for a set period, usually from six months to five years. On a UK casino app it closes your account, returns your balance and stops marketing, and the operator must take reasonable steps to keep you out. GAMSTOP lets you do the same with every licensed online operator at once.
By the Best Casino Apps UK team. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Self-exclusion closes your account with that operator and returns any balance.
- UK operators must offer a minimum period of 6 to 12 months and options up to at least 5 years.
- It starts immediately, with no cooling-off period before it takes effect.
- Coming back afterwards needs positive action by phone or in person, plus a one-day wait.
- Shortest period offered
- Between 6 and 12 months
- Longest option
- At least 5 years
- Starts
- Immediately on request
- Your balance
- Returned to you
- Marketing
- Stopped; details removed within 2 days
- Covers every operator?
- No, use GAMSTOP for that
What self-exclusion means
Self-exclusion is an agreement between you and a gambling business that you won’t gamble with it for a period you choose. The Gambling Commission describes it as a tool for people who have recognised that their gambling is causing harm and want support to stop. Once you’ve excluded, the operator must take reasonable steps to refuse you service if you try to come back, although sticking to the agreement is also your responsibility.
Every UK-licensed casino app has to offer it, and you can request it either through customer services or through an automated option in the account menu. It is a much firmer step than a time-out, which tops out at six weeks and reopens the account on its own.
UK self-exclusion rules for casino apps
The licence conditions and codes of practice set out what should happen. In short:
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Minimum period | The shortest option should be between 6 and 12 months |
| Maximum period | You should be able to choose up to at least 5 years |
| No delay | You can exclude immediately, without a cooling-off period |
| Account closed | The operator must close the account and return any funds in it |
| Marketing stopped | Your details must be removed from marketing lists within 2 days |
| Support signposted | You should be pointed to counselling and support services |
| Extensions | You can extend by further periods of at least 6 months |
The automated option may include a confirmation step, and online you’ll typically tick a box to show you understand what self-exclusion involves. These rules sit alongside the other UK casino app rules that apply to every licensed operator.
Single-operator self-exclusion vs GAMSTOP
Excluding inside one app blocks that operator only. Some companies run several brands under one licence and may extend the exclusion across them, so it’s worth asking support whether yours does. To block every gambling site and app licensed in Great Britain with one request, use GAMSTOP: every licensed online operator must take part in the national scheme.
| In-app self-exclusion | GAMSTOP | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | One operator (sometimes its sister brands) | All GB-licensed online operators |
| Where you request it | In the app or via support | On the GAMSTOP website |
| Periods | 6–12 months minimum, up to 5+ years | 6 months to 5 years |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Many people use both: excluding from the app they use most, then registering with GAMSTOP to close the remaining doors. Our help page on casino app self-exclusion and GAMSTOP covers the practical overlap.
How to self-exclude in a casino app
- Sign in and open the account menu from your balance or profile icon.
- Tap ‘Safer Gambling’ or ‘Responsible Gambling’, then ‘Self-Exclusion’.
- Read the information screen explaining what exclusion involves.
- Choose your period and tick the box confirming you understand.
- Confirm. The account closes and any balance is returned to your payment method.
- Watch for a confirmation email, and keep it for your records.
If you’d rather talk it through, live chat or phone support can set it up for you. A screen-by-screen version is in our guide on how to self-exclude on a casino app.
What happens when a self-exclusion period ends
Self-exclusion doesn’t simply switch off. Under the codes of practice, the exclusion should stay in place for at least seven years unless you take positive action to gamble again. If you decide to return after your chosen period, you’ll need to contact the operator by phone or in person, since re-registering online isn’t enough, and then wait through a one-day cooling-off period before you can play.
Even after that, the operator shouldn’t send you marketing unless you’ve specifically asked for it. If you want the block to continue, you can extend it by further periods of at least six months.
Extra protection beyond self-exclusion
Self-exclusion works best with layers around it. Blocking software can stop gambling sites loading on your devices; our guide to gambling blocking apps compares the options. Many banks let you block gambling transactions from their app, covered in bank gambling blocks.
Talking to someone helps too. The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) is free and open 24/7, GamCare offers chat and counselling, and NHS gambling clinics treat people with more serious problems. Our page on gambling support services in the UK lists how to reach each one.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment that costs money, not a way to make it. Set a deposit limit before you play: how to set limits. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
How long does self-exclusion last on a casino app?
You choose the length, within limits set by UK rules. The shortest period offered should be at least six months and no more than twelve, and you should be able to choose up to at least five years. You can extend it by further periods of six months or more. When the period ends, the block doesn’t lift automatically: you need to contact the operator by phone or in person and wait a day. Our guide on how to self-exclude on a casino app shows the options.
What happens to my balance when I self-exclude?
It must be returned to you. UK licence conditions require the operator to close the account of anyone who enters a self-exclusion agreement and to return any funds held in it. Simply blocking withdrawals while still accepting bets is specifically ruled out. In practice the money goes back to a payment method in your name, often the one you last used. If you’re unsure where it has gone, check your email confirmation or contact support. Our page on closing a casino app account covers what happens to balances in other situations.
Can I cancel self-exclusion early?
No. Self-exclusion is meant to be a firm commitment, so operators won’t reopen an account during the period you chose. Even once it ends, the exclusion should stay in place for at least seven years unless you take positive action, which means contacting the operator by phone or in person and waiting through a one-day cooling-off period. Those steps are there to make sure returning is a considered decision. Our account closure vs self-exclusion guide explains the differences.
Does self-excluding from one app block all casino apps?
No. Self-exclusion through an app applies to that operator, and sometimes its sister brands, but not to other companies. To block every online gambling site and app licensed in Great Britain, register with GAMSTOP, which every licensed online operator must take part in. The two work well together. Our GAMSTOP entry explains the scheme, and our help page on self-exclusion and GAMSTOP covers registering from your phone.
Is self-exclusion the same as closing my account?
No. Closing an account ends the relationship, but you could normally open a new one or reopen it later without special steps. Self-exclusion is a protective agreement: the operator must try to stop you gambling with it for the whole period, remove you from marketing and only allow a return after positive action and a one-day cooling-off. If gambling is causing you harm, self-exclusion gives much stronger protection. Our guide to account closure vs self-exclusion compares the two in detail.
What if a casino lets me gamble while I’m self-excluded?
Tell the operator, and you can also tell the Gambling Commission. Operators are responsible for preventing excluded customers from gambling, and reporting a breach helps them improve their checks. To report to the Commission, you’ll be asked for details such as when you excluded, how it was confirmed and the dates you gambled, plus permission to share them with the business. The Commission can consider regulatory action but can’t refund your losses. Our guide to complaining about a casino app explains the steps.
Where can I get support alongside self-exclusion?
Free help is available any time. The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is open 24 hours a day, and GamCare offers online chat and counselling. NHS gambling clinics provide specialist treatment, and blocking software and bank gambling blocks add practical barriers. Operators must signpost you to support when you self-exclude. Our pages on gambling support services and talking to someone about gambling apps explain how to start.