Self-exclusion: how national registers work

Self-exclusion: how national registers work

Self-exclusion is a crucial harm-reduction tool for individuals who recognize that their gambling habits are becoming problematic. It allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling activities for a set period, typically ranging from six months to several years. During this time, licensed operators are legally required to prevent you from accessing their services. This article explains how self-exclusion works, the differences between single-operator and national schemes, and what to expect from self-exclusion registers in various countries.

What is self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a formal process where you request to be barred from gambling activities. This can be done through individual operators or via a national self-exclusion register. The goal is to help you avoid the temptation of gambling when you are trying to quit or reduce your gambling habits. For more detailed information on what self-exclusion entails, you can visit our self-exclusion glossary entry.

Self-exclusion is a free service and is considered an important part of responsible gambling initiatives. It is not a substitute for professional help, but it can be a useful first step for those looking to regain control over their gambling.

Single-operator vs. national self-exclusion schemes

Single-operator self-exclusion involves contacting a specific gambling operator and requesting to be barred from their services. This can be effective if you have identified particular operators whose services you wish to avoid. However, it requires you to contact each operator individually, which can be time-consuming and may not cover all the gambling opportunities you wish to exclude yourself from.

National self-exclusion schemes, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive solution. These schemes allow you to self-exclude from all licensed gambling operators within a country through a single registration process. This can be more convenient and effective, as it ensures that you are excluded from a wide range of gambling activities.

For example, in the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission oversees the national self-exclusion scheme known as GAMSTOP. Once registered, individuals are excluded from all online gambling operators licensed in the UK. This is particularly useful for those who gamble online and want to ensure they cannot access these services during their self-exclusion period. More information on GAMSTOP can be found on our help page.

How national self-exclusion registers work

National self-exclusion registers are designed to make the self-exclusion process as straightforward as possible. Here’s a general overview of how they typically work:

• Registration: You provide some personal details and choose the duration of your self-exclusion. This can often be done online or via a phone call.
• Verification: Some form of identity verification is usually required to ensure that the person registering is who they claim to be. This helps prevent misuse of the system.
• Exclusion period: Once registered, you are excluded from all participating gambling operators for the duration you have chosen. This can range from six months to several years, depending on the scheme.
• Support: Many schemes offer additional support services, such as access to counseling or support groups, to help you during your self-exclusion period.

It’s important to note that while national self-exclusion registers are effective, they are not foolproof. For instance, they may not cover unlicensed or offshore gambling operators, which operate outside the jurisdiction of national regulators. For more information on the risks associated with offshore gambling, please visit our player protection page.

What self-exclusion does and does not cover

Self-exclusion is designed to prevent you from accessing specific gambling services, but it does have limitations:

• What it covers: Self-exclusion typically covers all licensed gambling operators within a country, including online and offline casinos, sports betting, and lottery services.
• What it does not cover: It may not cover unlicensed operators, offshore gambling sites, or informal gambling activities. Additionally, it does not prevent you from opening new accounts with operators not covered by the scheme.

For a comprehensive understanding of what self-exclusion covers in your country, it is advisable to consult the specific self-exclusion register in your jurisdiction. You can find more information on this in our help section.

National self-exclusion registers around the world

Several countries have established national self-exclusion registers to help individuals manage their gambling habits. Here are a few examples:

• United Kingdom: GAMSTOP is the national self-exclusion register for online gambling. It allows individuals to self-exclude from all online gambling operators licensed in the UK. For more information, visit our help page.
• Sweden: The Swedish Gambling Authority operates a national self-exclusion register called Spelpaus. This register covers all licensed gambling operators in Sweden.
• Italy: The Italian self-exclusion register, known as Gioco Responsabile, allows individuals to self-exclude from all licensed gambling operators in the country.

For information on self-exclusion registers in other countries, please consult our help section or the relevant gambling authority in your jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

How long does self-exclusion last?

Self-exclusion periods can vary depending on the scheme and the individual’s preference. Typically, they range from six months to several years. Some schemes allow you to choose the duration, while others have fixed periods.

Can I cancel my self-exclusion before it expires?

No, self-exclusion is designed to be a binding agreement. Once you have registered, you cannot cancel it before the chosen period ends. This is to ensure that individuals do not change their mind under the influence of gambling cravings.

What happens if I try to gamble during my self-exclusion period?

If you attempt to gamble with a licensed operator during your self-exclusion period, the operator is legally required to prevent you from doing so. However, self-exclusion does not cover unlicensed or offshore operators, so it is important to be aware of this limitation.

Is self-exclusion effective?

Self-exclusion can be an effective tool for those looking to take a break from gambling. However, it is not a standalone solution and should be used in conjunction with other support measures, such as counseling or support groups. For more information on support services, visit our help page.

If gambling is causing harm, free confidential help is available — /help/.