Not to be confused with a self-exclusion form, which is the application document used to start the measure.
Responsible Gambling & Harm
Self-exclusion gambling
A self-exclusion gambling measure is a formal, voluntary ban that a person requests from an operator or regulator to stop themselves from gambling for a set period, typically because of harm.
- Also known as
- Voluntary self-exclusion (VSE); GAMSTOP in the UK; Spelpaus in Sweden27
- Applies to
- Online gambling, land-based venues, casinos, bingo, betting, gaming machines, sports betting, horse-race betting, and lotteries15
- Duration
- Typically six months to five years in the UK; some programs allow lifetime bans26
- UK regulation
- Gambling Commission Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.5.6 requires non-remote casino, bingo, and betting licences to offer self-exclusion schemes3
Key points
- A person formally requests exclusion, and the operator must refuse access or accept bets during the exclusion period15.
- If the person tries to gamble, the business must take reasonable steps to stop them; breaches may lead to removal or penalties16.
- In Sweden, the nationwide Spelpaus system applies to all licensed operators78.
- Self-exclusion is a harm-reduction restriction, not a treatment for gambling addiction itself14.
How self-exclusion works
- The person registers with a scheme (e.g., GAMSTOP in the UK) or signs a form with an operator15.
- The operator or regulator adds the person to a exclusion list and blocks their access6.
- During the set period, the person cannot gamble at participating venues or sites2.
- After the period ends, the exclusion may be renewed or allowed to lapse6.
Where this term is used
Not the same as
- Self-exclusion form for gambling — the form is the application document, whereas self-exclusion is the protection measure itself
Related terms
Responsible play
Self-exclusion form for gambling
The application document used to start a self-exclusion arrangement.
Responsible play
Gamcare self-exclusion
Information on GamCare's support for self-exclusion and related advice.
Responsible play
Bingo self-exclusion
How self-exclusion applies specifically to bingo venues and online bingo.
Responsible play
Addiction and gambling
The relationship between gambling addiction and harm-reduction tools like self-exclusion.
Responsible play
Casino self-exclusion form
The specific form used to self-exclude from a casino.
Responsible play
Gambling addiction signs
Signs that may indicate a gambling problem and when self-exclusion might be considered.
Sources
- Self-exclusion gamblingcommission.gov.uk Defines self-exclusion and outlines operator duties under UK regulation.
- What is self-exclusion and how can it help? gamcare.org.uk Provides the typical duration range and the GAMSTOP programme name.
- Guidance to licensing authorities - Self-exclusion gamblingcommission.gov.uk Specifies the Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.5.6 requiring self-exclusion schemes.
- Who uses self-exclusion to regulate problem gambling ... - PMC pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Supports the definition and the distinction from gambling addiction treatment.
- Self-exclusion from gambling: A toothless tiger? - PMC - NIH pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Describes the application process and the types of gambling covered.
- Review of Self-exclusion from Gambling Venues as an ... - PMC pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Provides duration information and explains the consequences of attempted gambling.
- Self-Exclusion from Gambling—A Measure of COVID-19 ... pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Mentions Spelpaus as the Swedish nationwide system.
- Self-exclusion and breaching of self-exclusion from gambling pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Confirms Spelpaus applies to all licensed operators in Sweden.
Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.