Written by Jay, BonusBobcat — Last updated July 2026.
GamStop is the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GamStop excludes you from all UKGC-licensed gambling websites and apps simultaneously — with a single registration. Every casino on BonusBobcat is GamStop-registered. This guide explains how GamStop works, how to register, and what happens after you do.
What Is GamStop?
GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) is operated by the National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Ltd (NOSES), a not-for-profit company set up at the direction of the UK Gambling Commission. All UKGC-licensed operators are legally required to participate. When you register with GamStop, every participating site blocks your account.
How to Register with GamStop
- Go to gamstop.co.uk
- Enter your name, email address, date of birth, and UK postcode
- Choose your exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Confirm your registration
The exclusion activates within 24 hours across all participating operators. It is immediate at most sites. You do not need to contact each casino individually.
What Happens When You Self-Exclude via GamStop
- Your accounts at all UKGC-licensed sites are suspended or closed
- Any remaining balance in your account can be withdrawn — contact each casino’s support to arrange this
- You will be blocked from creating new accounts at participating sites during the exclusion period
- Marketing communications from UKGC-licensed operators will stop
- The exclusion cannot be reversed during the chosen period — even if you change your mind
Can You Extend or End a GamStop Exclusion Early?
You cannot end a GamStop exclusion before the chosen period expires. If you chose 6 months, you must wait 6 months before it can be lifted. This is intentional — the exclusion is designed to be a firm commitment, not a temporary inconvenience. After the period ends, you must actively contact GamStop to request removal. It does not lift automatically.
Individual Casino Self-Exclusion
In addition to GamStop, every UKGC-licensed casino offers in-account self-exclusion for that specific casino. You can access this in your account settings under Responsible Gambling / Safer Gambling. Individual casino self-exclusion is useful if you want to exclude from one specific casino while continuing at others.
Other Responsible Gambling Resources
- BeGambleAware.org — free, confidential support and self-assessment tools
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 — free, 24 hours, 7 days
- Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support groups across the UK
- NHS Gambling Addiction Support — referral to specialist NHS services
If you’re concerned about your gambling and are reading this page: reaching out is the right step. GamStop registration takes under 5 minutes and is effective within 24 hours.
