If you have registered with Gamstop and your self-exclusion period has come to an end, you may be wondering how to get back into the action. This guide walks you through every step of the Gamstop removal process, from checking your exclusion status to reactivating your casino accounts.
Before we get into the practical steps, it is worth taking a moment to consider why you registered with Gamstop in the first place. If you were struggling with problem gambling, we strongly encourage you to speak with GamCare on 0808 8020 133 before deciding to cancel your exclusion. There is absolutely no rush, and the support is completely free and confidential.
If, however, you registered during a moment of frustration—perhaps after a bad run or because a family member pressured you—and you now feel ready to return to responsible gambling, then read on.
Understanding Your Gamstop Exclusion Period
When you registered with Gamstop, you chose one of three self-exclusion periods:
- 6 Months: The minimum exclusion period. After six months, you can request removal.
- 1 Year: A medium-term exclusion. You must wait the full 12 months before requesting removal.
- 5 Years: The maximum exclusion period. You cannot cancel or shorten this under any circumstances.
Important: You cannot cancel your Gamstop registration before your chosen exclusion period has ended. There are no exceptions to this rule, regardless of your circumstances. Gamstop was designed to be a firm commitment, and the system does not allow early removal.
If your exclusion period has ended but you have not actively requested removal, your exclusion remains in place indefinitely. Gamstop does not automatically lift your exclusion when the period expires. You must take action to have it removed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Gamstop
Step 1: Check Your Exclusion Status
First, confirm that your self-exclusion period has actually ended. If you are unsure when you registered or which period you selected, you can check by contacting Gamstop directly:
- Phone: 0800 138 6518 (freephone, available 24/7)
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: gamstop.co.uk
When you call, have your personal details ready—full name, date of birth, email address, and home address. The team will confirm your registration date and whether your exclusion period has elapsed.
Step 2: Request Removal
Once you have confirmed that your exclusion period has ended, you can request removal by:
- Calling Gamstop on 0800 138 6518 and telling them you wish to end your self-exclusion.
- Emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Self-Exclusion Removal Request” and including your full name, date of birth, and registered email address.
Gamstop will then begin the removal process. You will be asked a few standard questions about your current circumstances and whether you have considered the decision carefully.
Step 3: The 24-Hour Cooling-Off Period
After you submit your removal request, Gamstop implements a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period. During this time, your exclusion remains active and you cannot access any UKGC-licensed gambling sites.
This cooling-off period exists to ensure that your decision is not impulsive. If you change your mind at any point during these 24 hours, you can contact Gamstop to cancel the removal request and keep your exclusion in place.
Step 4: Exclusion Lifted
After the 24-hour cooling-off period has passed without cancellation, Gamstop will lift your exclusion. The UKGC-licensed operators in their network will be notified, and your accounts will be gradually reactivated.
Note: Account reactivation is not instant across all sites. Each operator processes the removal on their own timeline, and some may require you to contact them directly or complete fresh verification checks before you can log in again. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the operator.
Step 5: Reactivate Your Accounts
Once Gamstop has lifted your exclusion, you will need to:
- Log into each gambling site individually
- Complete any new verification requirements (some sites require fresh ID uploads after a long exclusion)
- Reset your deposit limits and preferences
- Review your account settings
Some operators may have permanently closed your account during the exclusion period, in which case you may need to create a new account from scratch.
What Happens to Your Old Casino Balances?
If you had funds in your casino accounts when you registered with Gamstop, those funds should still be available after your exclusion is lifted. UKGC regulations require operators to hold your balance and make it available for withdrawal even during self-exclusion.
However, in practice, the process of recovering old balances can vary between operators. Some will have your balance waiting for you when you log back in, while others may require you to contact their support team to arrange a withdrawal of remaining funds.
Any bonus funds or pending wagering requirements that were active at the time of exclusion will likely have expired. Most bonuses have time limits of 30 days or less, so they will not survive a 6-month or longer exclusion.
Playing While Waiting for Gamstop to End
If your Gamstop exclusion has not yet ended but you want to play online, it is worth knowing that Gamstop only covers gambling sites that hold a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license. Casinos and betting sites that operate under offshore licenses—such as those issued by Curacao, Malta Gaming Authority (for non-UK operations), or Gibraltar—are not part of the Gamstop network.
These non Gamstop casinos offer UK players access to thousands of slots, live dealer games, and sports betting markets with features that often exceed what is available on the UK high street, including larger bonuses, higher betting limits, and faster payouts.
Best Alternatives While Your Exclusion is Active
| Brand | Bonus | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Lucki casino | Up to £5,000 + 20% cashback | Best overall experience for UK punters |
| Kaasino | 100% up to £2,500 + 500 bonus spins | Massive slots library |
| Kingdom Casino | Up to £600 + 100 bonus spins | Elite live dealer tables |
| Tenobet | 400% up to £5,000 | Best sports betting odds |
| 1Red | 100% up to £3,000 + 50 bonus spins | Under 1-hour payouts |
| MadCasino | 100% up to £1,500 + 300 bonus spins | £10 minimum deposit |
Visit Lucki casino | Visit Kaasino | Visit Kingdom Casino | Visit Tenobet | Visit 1Red | Visit MadCasino
These sites are licensed by reputable offshore regulators and provide their own responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion options.
Common Mistakes When Cancelling Gamstop
Trying to cancel too early: If your period has not ended, Gamstop will simply decline your request. There is no appeals process for early removal.
Providing incorrect details: Make sure the details you provide match exactly what you used when you registered. Any discrepancy—a different email address, a previous home address—can delay the process.
Expecting instant access: Even after Gamstop lifts your exclusion, individual casino operators may take several days to reactivate your account. Plan accordingly and do not expect to be playing within hours of making the call.
Not updating payment methods: If you have changed banks or payment cards since registering, your old deposit methods may no longer work. Have your current payment details ready before trying to play.
Forgetting about self-imposed limits: Some casinos may have their own internal self-exclusion or cooling-off periods that operate independently of Gamstop. Check with each operator individually.
Does Cancelling Gamstop Affect Your Credit Score?
No. Gamstop is a self-exclusion scheme, not a financial product. Your registration with Gamstop is not visible to credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Cancelling your Gamstop exclusion has absolutely no impact on your credit score, mortgage applications, or financial standing.
The only people who know about your Gamstop registration are Gamstop themselves and the UKGC-licensed operators in their network. This information is not shared with banks, employers, or any other third parties.
After Cancellation: Setting Healthy Limits
Once your Gamstop exclusion is lifted, we strongly recommend taking a measured approach to returning to gambling:
- Set deposit limits at every site you join—most reputable casinos, including non Gamstop ones, offer this feature
- Use session reminders to track how long you have been playing
- Set a budget before each session and stick to it without exception
- Never chase losses—use cashback offers to soften bad runs instead
- Take regular breaks and never gamble when you are tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cancel Gamstop before my exclusion period ends?
No. You cannot cancel or shorten your Gamstop self-exclusion under any circumstances. You must wait for the full period to elapse before requesting removal.
How long does it take to cancel Gamstop?
The removal process takes a minimum of 24 hours due to the mandatory cooling-off period. After that, individual casino operators may take a few additional days to reactivate your accounts.
Will Gamstop contact me when my exclusion ends?
No. Gamstop does not notify you when your exclusion period expires. It is your responsibility to check and request removal when you are ready.
Can I re-register with Gamstop after cancelling?
Yes. You can register with Gamstop again at any time if you decide you want to self-exclude once more. There is no limit to how many times you can register and cancel.
Do non Gamstop casinos check if I am on Gamstop?
No. Casinos that are not licensed by the UKGC do not have access to the Gamstop database and cannot check your exclusion status. They operate under different jurisdictions with their own regulatory frameworks.
Is it legal to play at non Gamstop casinos while excluded?
Yes. There is no law against a UK player using an offshore casino while registered with Gamstop. However, we always encourage players to consider their reasons for self-exclusion before returning to gambling of any kind.
What if I forgot the email I used for Gamstop?
Call the Gamstop helpline on 0800 138 6518 and provide your full name, date of birth, and current address. They can locate your account using these details and help you through the removal process.
Can my bank block me from gambling after Gamstop is cancelled?
Your bank operates independently of Gamstop. Some UK banks have their own gambling blocks that customers can opt into. If you previously activated a gambling block with your bank, you will need to contact them separately to remove it. This is a different process from Gamstop cancellation.
Responsible Gambling
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. If you find yourself struggling, call the GamCare hotline at 0808-8020-133 for free, confidential support. BeGambleAware.org.
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