What Is Self-Exclusion?

If you regularly use gambling websites and apps, you may be familiar with the idea of ‘self-exclusion’. In this blog, we talk about what self-exclusion is and why it is so helpful if you are recovering from gambling harm. 

What is self-exclusion from gambling?

Self-exclusion in the UK is the process of asking gambling companies to prevent you from gambling with them for a set period. This is usually from 6 months to 5 years, during which time you won’t be allowed to access their online sites or venues until this period is over.

You can also self-exclude from all online gambling sites with an app like Gamban. Once this has been downloaded, you won’t be able to access over half a million legal and illegal apps and websites.

What are the different types of self-exclusion

• National self-exclusion scheme, in some countries, national self-exclusion schemes are run by organisations (such as Gamstop in the UK). These services allow you to self-exclude from multiple licensed gambling websites and apps through a single registration.
• Online gambling self-exclusion is asking gambling websites or apps to block you from using their services for a set period.
• Betting shop self-exclusion, this applies to in-person bookmakers on the high street.
• Casino self-exclusion is for land based casinos. Depending on your location, options include excluding from a specific venue, multiple operators, or joining a broader national scheme.
• Bingo self-exclusion applies to bingo venues and bingo operators.
• Adult gaming centre and arcade self-exclusion reduces access to machine-based gambling, but it won’t necessarily cover betting shops, casinos, bingo halls or online gambling sites.
• Gambling blocking software, such as Gamban, is different from self-exclusion. Instead of relying on gambling operators or venues to block you, gambling blocking software helps block access to gambling websites and apps across your devices.

Why should I self-exclude from gambling?

If you think your gambling has become harmful, self-exclusion gives you some much-needed separation from it. With gambling being so accessible on phones and other electronic devices, inserting a layer of friction is vital. 

A 2021 independent evaluation of GAMSTOP found that 82% of consumers had stopped or reduced gambling since registration, 80% said the scheme delivered their intended outcome, and 84% felt safer from gambling-related harm.

How do I know if my gambling has become harmful?

• You are gambling more than you can afford to lose.
• Gambling is often the only thing you think about, and you have little interest in other things.
• It’s negatively affecting relationships with your partner, family and friends.
• It is affecting your work.
• You have done or considered doing something illegal to keep up with your gambling. 
• Lying to others to conceal your gambling.
• Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and losing sleep over gambling.

What self-exclusion doesn’t do 

• Doesn't stop you creating accounts with gambling sites or venues outside the scheme
• Doesn’t block illegal or unregulated websites
• If done at a single gambling operator, it won’t stop you accessing others
• Doesn't stop gambling transactions through your bank
• Doesn’t remove gambling ads from your phone, social feeds or search results
• Doesn’t stop you using someone else’s account
• Doesn’t stop access to crypto casinos, trading-style platforms or novel products that don’t fall under gambling regulation

How do I self-exclude myself from gambling?

• Self-exclusion is simple and can be done in a few steps. Self-exclude from all the betting shops in your area here. Responsibility for sticking with this lies with you, but you can expect the gambling operator to do all they reasonably can to prevent you from gambling.
• SENSE (Self Enrolment, National Self Exclusion) is the official national self-exclusion scheme covering ALL licensed, land-based casinos in Great Britain. Learn how to do this here.
• Gamban blocks you from over half a million legal and illegal gambling websites and apps. Install the app here.

How to make self-exclusion more effective

Self-exclusion helps to break the circuit in recovery, but we always recommend a multi-layered approach for best success. 

• If you have gambling debt, there are organisations that can help. Find out more here.
• There is support for affected others at GamFam.
• There is peer support and support with the criminal justice system available at GamLEARN.
• Gamblers Anonymous isn’t for everyone, but it's available worldwide and is a free, anonymous way to talk to others suffering from gambling harm.
• The Gamban Discord is another free, anonymous platform where you can get together with others to chat, play games, or just read what others have to say.

FAQs

Can I cancel my self-exclusion early?

Nope, once you have made the decision to self-exclude, it will last throughout your chosen period. 

Is self-exclusion permanent? 

Self-exclusion isn’t permanent but will last the length of time you’ve chosen. 

Does self-exclusion stop gambling adverts?

Nope, but there are steps you can take to minimise the adverts you see. Find out more about this here.

Does self-exclusion cover black market gambling?

Self-exclusion covers UK licensed operators. To block illegal or unregulated websites, download Gamban.

What happens if I try to gamble?

With a self-exclusion, you won’t be able to enter physical gambling venues and your details won't work when it comes to playing online or using their apps.

What's the difference between self-exclusion and Gamban?

Self-exclusion blocks you from the operator level, so you won't be able to access physical gambling venues and their associated websites. Gamban is a license which is added to your device, which blocks over half a million legal and illegal gambling websites and apps.