GamStop explained: structure, function and role

In the 2010s, touchscreen smartphones, HTML5 slots, and high-speed internet appeared. Streaming and live betting became popular. As a result, the UKGC faced several problems at once, one of which was the self-exclusion of players. To solve this problem, GamStop was created — a tool that helps block access to all legal casinos in the UK.

GamStop: the idea and launch of the initiative

​​Before the advent of GamStop, self-exclusion was only available at the level of individual operators. However, during the preparation and discussion of the Act 2014 in 2013, the idea arose to create a system that would block access to the entire network of online casinos and bookmakers in the UK with a single request.

In 2017, Lord Browne of Belmont spoke in Volume 787 in the House of Lords and asked the following question: ‘Could the Minister inform the House of how the government is monitoring progress to ensure the robust implementation of GAMSTOP?’ Belmont then highlights the delay in fulfilling the commitment. Direct quote:

‘First, it is regrettable that nearly four years on from when the commitment was made we still do not have multi-operator self-exclusion up and running. We cannot afford to waste any more time.’

That is, the idea is good, but the implementation is slow. Nevertheless, after the speech, the company National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited was finally created, which later registered the trademark GamStop. And in April 2018, the official launch of the system took place.

Initially, GamStop was funded, created and managed by the RGA (Remote Gambling Association). However, this turned out to be a disadvantage, as the RGA included online casino giants and in effect meant that the industry was managing its own self-regulatory tool. So, in 2019, a change in structure took place. GamStop was completely separated from the RGA and placed under independent management by a board of directors, operating under the supervision of the UKGC. This strengthened the credibility of the programme.

From 2020, all operators with a UKGC licence are required to check every new user through GamStop. If they are on the register, the platform automatically restricts access. And in early 2025, a new feature was added that automatically extends the account lock if the gambler does not remove the self-exclusion after its term has expired.

How GamStop works

The system is quite simple. There is a centralised database with which all licenced operators are integrated via APIs/interfaces. The user goes to the official GamStop website, registers and provides the following data:

• first and last name;
• date of birth;
• current and previous residential addresses;
• email;
• phone numbers;
• time of exclusion (6 months, 1 year, 5 years).

After registering with GamStop, the information becomes available to all licenced online operators in the UK. They undertake to block access in case of coincidences. For example, if you chose a block for a year, but changed your mind a month later, it will not be possible to cancel it. No exceptions. Even if you write to GamStop, call or send medical certificates, you will have to wait a full year. On another site with UKGS, you will not be allowed.

Another important point: the block is NOT removed automatically. If a year has passed and you have not deactivated the self-exclusion manually, it will continue to be active. To unblock, you need to go to your GamStop account and confirm your return to the game.

Exceptions and special cases

The system does not apply to:

• The National Lottery and its products.
• Non-gamstop gambling operators without a UK licence.
• Community charity lotteries.
• Stock market betting and financial derivatives.
• Private poker games between individuals.

The difficulty arises with operators licenced in other jurisdictions, such as Malta, Curaçao or Gibraltar. They continue to accept British players because they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the UKGC. This creates a loophole for those who want to bypass self-exclusion.

Key divisions of GamStop

In fact, GamStop is not just a website, but a large coordination structure, which is divided into several departments:

1. Technical: updates software, integrates new operators, supports servers.
2. Legal: monitors compliance with GDPR requirements, fines for violations and cooperates with the UKGC regulator.
3. Support: advises players, processes requests.

The Board of Directors consists of representatives of the iGaming industry, responsible gaming experts and independent experts. The Chair is Jenny Watson. Mike Dixon is an independent Non-Executive Director. Simon Reynolds is an Operator Board Director, representing the operators.

Comparing GamStop to other self-exclusion systems

There are many self-exclusion programmes, each with its own features and approaches. Let’s compare them:

Advantages and disadvantages of different approaches similar to GamStop

Gamban is installed as software on a user’s smartphone or computer. The programme blocks access to gambling sites by filtering DNS requests and monitoring network traffic.

• ✅ Advantage: works with all sites, including unregulated ones.
• ❌ Disadvantage: requires installation on each device separately and an annual payment.

BetBlocker offers a free solution, as it is supported by charitable contributions and volunteer development. The database of blocked resources is updated by the user community.

• ✅ The system works via a VPN connection or as a browser extension.
• ❌ Efficiency depends on the community’s activity in identifying new gambling platforms.

GamBlock is a paid programme for complete blocking of online gambling. It works at the operating system level (Windows, Android, macOS) and blocks not only sites but also applications, even after resetting the device to factory settings. The programme recognises new gambling sites automatically, without the need to update the lists manually.

• ✅ Advantage: virtually impossible to bypass, as GamBlock works even after system restart, uninstallation or VPN connection.
• ❌ Disadvantage: high price (from £89.99 for 5 years) and complete irreversibility, as the user cannot easily disable or uninstall the programme, even if they no longer need the blocking.

GamStop performance statistics and its Impact on the industry

According to GamStop, as of 2024, more than 350,000 self-exclusions have been registered. About 10,000 new users are added every month. The average duration of the ban is 1.5 years. According to official statistics, 43% choose the maximum option — term of 5 years.

Furthermore, a study by the University of Warwick showed that 70% of users noted an improvement in their financial situation 6 months after registering with the GamStop system. At the same time, 25% tried to bypass the ban through a non-gamstop casino or using the data of relatives.

Problems and criticism of the system

The main problem is the ease of circumvention through international platforms. It is enough to use a VPN and cryptocurrency to play on sites without a UKGC licence. Also, the system does not take into account different levels of problematic behaviour: someone just wants to take a break, and someone needs serious help.

This lack of flexibility is not to the liking of many. The impossibility of early cancellation seems excessive for those who have solved control problems. On the other hand, it is the irreversibility of the solution that makes the system effective for players who are really struggling with addiction. Isn’t it?

Conclusion

GamStop is a system that has become the standard for responsible gambling in the UK. In 2025, it helped 600,000+ users take a break to rethink their attitude to gambling. Its independence from UKGC operators and free service are appreciated by users.

At the same time, the system remains far from ideal. Its effectiveness directly depends on how strictly the UKGC monitors non-gamstop casino sites.

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That’s why I decided to include a few informative articles about the regulation of the gambling industry in the United Kingdom. The first covers GamStop and other self-exclusion tools that help players maintain balance or take a break when needed. The second article focuses on the development of iGaming in the UK, key milestones in regulatory evolution, and the role of the UKGC.