Each-Way AtlasCheck a bookmaker's licence
How do you set a deposit limit or block betting accounts?
You set a deposit limit inside your account with each bookmaker, while GAMSTOP blocks your accounts with licensed operators in Great Britain at once. GAMSTOP is a free service from The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited, with terms of 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 5 years with automatic renewal. If you need help now, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Editorial team of Each-Way Atlas · Checked
If you need help now
You do not have to set a limit first. Talk to someone today.
- National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133: free, confidential, open 24/7, with chat and WhatsApp as well.
- Samaritans 116 123 if you are in distress, and 999 in an emergency.
- GambleAware: gambleaware.org offers support to people in Great Britain.
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. This page carries no advertising and no partner links.
The short version: help is free and available at any hour, before or after you use a tool.
Set a deposit limit
A deposit limit caps how much you can pay in over a period. It works only at the bookmaker where you set it, so the first thing to know is that you must repeat it at every operator you use.
- Log in and open the account, safer-gambling or responsible-gambling settings. Labels differ between bookmakers, so search the help pages for "deposit limit" if you cannot find it.
- Choose the amount and the period that the operator offers.
- Pick a figure you can afford to lose, because a limit helps only if it is low enough to matter.
- Confirm it and check that the new limit shows in your account.
- Repeat at each bookmaker. Operators also provide time-outs and reality checks that you can switch on.
Why this matters: a limit decides the amount before the excitement of a race does.
Block your accounts with GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP blocks you at all licensed remote operators together. Taking part is mandatory for them (SR 3.5.5), and the scheme is open to UK residents. You can check the list of participating companies at gamstop.co.uk.
- Go to the GAMSTOP registration page.
- Choose a term: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 5 years with automatic renewal.
- Complete the registration with your details.
- Wait for the block to start. GAMSTOP's About page, read on 6 November 2026, says it takes effect within 24 hours. Check the current time on GAMSTOP before you rely on it.
The term cannot be cancelled while it runs. When it ends, the block stays until you contact GAMSTOP to lift it.
The short version: one registration covers every licensed operator, and it cannot be undone during the term.
Other ways to block
| Tool | What it does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GAMSTOP | Blocks online accounts with licensed operators in Great Britain | No charge |
| MOSES | Self-exclusion from betting shops | Not verified |
| BetBlocker | Blocking software for gambling sites | No charge |
| Gamban | Blocking software for gambling sites | Paid after a trial period |
| Bank blocks | A block on gambling payments set up with your bank | Not verified |
You can use several together. The details are on GambleAware's blocking page.
How we checked
We read the GAMSTOP, GamCare and GambleAware pages on 6 November 2026. The block terms and the 24-hour start come from GAMSTOP's About page and are due for a re-read.
We also list the UKGC technical standard RTS 12 as a source: its text is not yet recorded here, so it is Not verified.
Before you deposit anywhere, run Ten licence and safety checks before you deposit and read What age and identity checks must UK bookmakers carry out?. For the money side, see the Fee and limit calculator.
What changed
Last updated 7 November 2026: first version. More help is on Responsible gambling, and you can verify a licence with How do you check that a betting site is licensed by the UKGC?.
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