Skip content?
Support in Great Britain 24/7

Gambling blocking and self-exclusion

You can take practical steps today to stop gambling. 

You can make it harder to gamble by: 

  • blocking your access to online gambling accounts 
  • blocking your access to gambling websites and apps 
  • blocking gambling payments through your bank 
  • self-excluding from gambling companies or venues. 

Self-exclusion is when you ask gambling companies to prevent you from gambling with them. 

Steps you can take

  1. Block your access to online gambling accounts by registering with GAMSTOP.
  2. Block your access to gambling websites and apps on your computer or phone by installing blocking software.
  3. Block gambling payments through your bank.
  4. Self-exclude from in-person gambling venues, including betting shops and casinos.

Doing even one of these today is already a great step.

You can also combine these steps, as each one adds another layer of protection.

1. Block online gambling accounts

GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Registration takes around five minutes.

When you register, you will be unable to open or use accounts with all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain for the period you choose.

Watch GAMSTOP's intro video (1 min 16 secs)

Watch GAMSTOP's intro video (1 min 16 secs)

2. Install blocking software on your phone, computer or tablet

Blocking software stops gambling websites and apps from loading on your phone, tablet or computer. This access restriction can help reduce unplanned gambling and create space to think more clearly.

BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free app that blocks gambling websites on your phone, computer or tablet.

You choose how long you want the block to last.

Visit the BetBlocker website to download the app.

Visit BetBlocker

GamBan

GamBan blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps worldwide.

The app offers a seven-day free trial, followed by a monthly or yearly paid subscription.

Visit the GamBan website for current pricing and download options.

Visit Gamban

3. Block gambling payments through your bank

Many banks let you block gambling payments on your debit or credit card. It does not close your bank account or impact your credit score.

The steps to block payments through your bank will vary depending on the bank. Generally, the steps are to:

  • log in to your banking app
  • search for gambling block or bank card controls
  • follow the instructions

If you cannot find the option, contact your bank and ask if they offer a gambling transaction block.

Some banks include a cooling-off period before the block can be removed.

3. Block gambling payments through your bank

Many banks let you block gambling payments on your debit or credit card. It does not close your bank account or impact your credit score.

The steps to block payments through your bank will vary depending on the bank. Generally, the steps are to:

  • log in to your banking app
  • search for gambling block or bank card controls
  • follow the instructions

If you cannot find the option, contact your bank and ask if they offer a gambling transaction block.

Some banks include a cooling-off period before the block can be removed.

4. Self-exclude from betting shops and casinos

If you gamble in person, you can ask venues to exclude you. This means staff should refuse you entry or service during your exclusion period.

Betting shops

The Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) covers most betting shops in Great Britain.

One request can exclude you from multiple betting shops in your area.

Ask staff in a betting shop or visit the MOSES website to start the process.

Visit MOSES

Casinos

SENSE is the national self-exclusion scheme for casinos in Great Britain.

When you register, you are excluded from all participating casinos for the length of time you choose.

You can enrol online or at a casino venue.

Visit SENSE

Bingo

The Bingo Industry Self‑Exclusion Scheme (BISES) allows self‑exclusion from all licensed land‑based bingo venues across Great Britain.

Register in person or by phone.

Visit BISES
Is this page useful?

Get free, confidential support in Great Britain whenever you need it.

However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.

Call or chat online to an adviser, and speak one-to-one for confidential advice, information and support.

These support services are available only to Great Britain residents.