Guide to Cancel GamStop Self-Exclusion for UK Players
Following a break from gambling, many people wish to cancel GamStop and start enjoying their favourite games again. If you are looking to cancel or remove your self-exclusion, you are likely interested in getting around the system. In this guide, we’ll explain your options when it comes to avoiding GamStop.
What Is GamStop and How Does It Work?
GamStop is a self-exclusion programme that allows UK players to block themselves from accessing UKGC-licensed gambling sites. Once registered with GamStop, your details are placed on a central database, and participating operators must stop you from logging in, opening an account, or placing bets during your chosen self-exclusion period.
When you join the self-exclusion programme, you can choose from a period of six months, one year, or five years. During this time, it is not possible to cancel GamStop or remove GamStop. Only once the selected period has passed can you confirm whether you want your exclusion to expire. Because of this inflexibility, many people start looking for ways to get around GamStop or explore options outside the system.
Reasons You May Want to Cancel GamStop?
There are many reasons why you may decide to cancel GamStop after registering with the scheme. Your circumstances may have changed, and you may feel ready to return to online gambling. Any of the following may apply to you:
- You signed up impulsively: Many people register with GamStop during a stressful moment or after a short losing streak. After taking a break, you may feel more in control and decide that a long GamStop self-exclusion period is no longer necessary.
- You feel your gambling habits have improved: A self-exclusion programme can be useful for creating distance from gambling, and many people use this time to assess their behaviour. If you believe you can now adopt healthy gambling habits, you may want to cancel GamStop and start playing again.
- You want access to more gambling sites: GamStop blocks access to a large number of UK-licensed gambling sites, which are some of the most trustworthy online, and you may want to be able to play at these highly respected sites.
For these reasons and more, it is not unusual for people to look for ways to remove GamStop or get around GamStop restrictions. Understanding your options will help you decide the best way forward if you want to return to online gambling.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Remove GamStop
If you are wondering how to remove GamStop or remove GamStop restrictions, it helps to understand what options are available and what action you can take to leave self-exclusion programs like it. By following these steps to remove GamStop, you will soon be off the exclusion list and playing again.
1. Check Your Self-Exclusion Period
Start by logging into your GamStop account to check which GamStop self-exclusion period you selected when registering. You may have chosen six months, one year, or five years. Knowing your end date will help you decide whether to wait for expiry or look for ways to avoid GamStop sooner.
2. Contact GamStop Customer Support
You can contact GamStop customer support to confirm your self-exclusion status and check how long remains of your self-exclusion period. They can explain what happens when your exclusion ends and what you need to do next.
3. Request to Remove GamStop Block
When your self-exclusion period ends, you need to submit a request to remove the GamStop block. This is the formal step that shows you want your self-exclusion programme to finish and that you want to regain access to gambling sites.
4. Wait for the Cool Down Period
After your request, you may need to wait for the cool down period to pass. During this time, the self-exclusion program can still prevent you from accessing gambling sites. You will remain unable to use UK Gambling Commission-licensed gambling websites until the cool down period ends.
5. Confirmation of GamStop Removal
Once the cool down period has passed, you should receive confirmation of GamStop removal. This confirms that your self-exclusion has ended and that you are no longer being blocked by GamStop from playing at UK gambling sites.
6. Start Playing at UK Gambling Sites
After confirmation, you can try registering at UK Gambling Commission sites again. The operators will check your details against the GamStop system. If your self-exclusion programme has ended correctly, then you should be able to open an account and start playing.
What If You Can't Stop or Unregister from GamStop?
Unfortunately, if you cannot cancel GamStop or remove GamStop because your self-exclusion period is still active, there is no official way to cancel the block early. The self-exclusion programme is fixed, which means you must normally wait until your chosen period ends before access to gambling sites is restored.
Because of this, many players look for alternative sites that bypass the GamStop system and other self-exclusion programs. One popular option is using non GamStop casinos. These sites are not connected to the GamStop database and therefore do not check whether you are registered with the self-exclusion program.
Non GamStop casinos allow you to completely avoid GamStop and enjoy online gambling even while a self-exclusion period is still active. There are many excellent casinos not on GamStop, and they will allow you to start playing immediately.
Tips for Gambling Responsibly After Removing GamStop
Even if you cancel GamStop or circumnavigate GamStop, it is still important to approach gambling in a controlled and sensible way and develop healthy gambling habits. Following these tips will help you gamble online safely at all times.
- Set a gambling budget: The most important of gambling habits is to decide how much money you are comfortable spending before you start playing. Stick to this amount and never spend money you can’t afford to lose, no matter how tempted you are.
- Limit your playing time: Plan in advance how long you want to spend gambling and take regular breaks. Be strict about keeping these limits, as it will help prevent long sessions that can lead to impulsive decisions.
- Use built-in responsible gambling tools: Most quality gambling sites offer several tools to help you gamble safely, such as deposit limits, loss limits, and session reminders. These tools are worth using, as they go a long way to helping you stay in control.
- Only gamble for entertainment: Always approach gambling as a form of entertainment, and never as a way to make money. This will keep it more enjoyable and prevent it from becoming something that you depend upon.
GamStop Doesn’t Have to Stop You
If you have been wondering how you can cancel GamStop, remove GamStop, or simply get around GamStop, then hopefully you now have some answers. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove yourself from the programme if you have registered. The only way you will return to GamStop casinos is by waiting for your exclusion period to expire. However, there are plenty of high-quality non-GamStop casinos available that offer fantastic games, generous promotions, and high levels of customer service, so with a bit of research, you should soon be enjoying your favourite games again.
FAQ
How Do I Remove GamStop Self-Exclusion?
Unfortunately, you cannot remove GamStop while your self-exclusion period is active. Once your selected self-exclusion period ends, you must confirm that you want your exclusion to expire. After this, your GamStop block is removed, and you can start playing again.
How Long Is the GamStop Exclusion Period?
GamStop offers three self-exclusion periods: six months, one year, or five years. The period you choose when registering cannot be shortened, so think carefully before choosing. You must wait until your selected term expires before access to gambling sites is restored.
Is It Safe to Remove a GamStop Block?
Removing a GamStop block is a personal decision. If you feel ready to return to gambling, and you believe you can adopt healthy gambling habits without it being a risk, then it is perfectly safe. However, it is always advisable to use responsible gambling tools, even once GamStop has been removed.
Can I Cancel GamStop Before the Self-Exclusion Period Ends?
No, you cannot cancel GamStop before your self-exclusion period ends. The programme does not allow early removal. This is why many people look for ways to get around GamStop or turn to alternative casinos and gambling websites.
How Do I Check if My GamStop Exclusion Is Still Active?
You can check your status by contacting GamStop customer support or logging into your GamStop account. They can confirm your self-exclusion period and whether your exclusion is still active.
What Are the Alternatives to Cancelling GamStop?
The main alternative is using non-GamStop casinos. These sites are not connected to the GamStop database and allow players registered with GamStop to access gambling without waiting for their exclusion period to end.