Does GamStop apply to all sister sites?
A common worry: if you self-exclude at one casino, can you still be tempted by its sister sites? For UKGC-licensed operators the answer is clear — and reassuring. Here's exactly how self-exclusion scope works across operator groups.
What GamStop is
GamStop is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. Registering lets you block yourself from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites and apps for a chosen period — six months, one year, or five years. Integration with GamStop is a mandatory licence condition for every UKGC operator, which is the key to understanding sister-site coverage.
Does it cover sister sites?
Yes — comprehensively. Because GamStop operates at the level of the UKGC licence, not the individual brand, every sister site that holds a UKGC licence is covered. When you self-exclude, you're not blocking one website; you're blocking yourself from the entire licensed market. Every brand a group operates — and every brand operated by every other UK-licensed group — becomes inaccessible.
How self-exclusion propagates
Operators check the GamStop register at registration and login. Sister sites under one group share the same KYC and player database, so a self-exclusion is recognised instantly across all of them. Even sister sites you've never visited will refuse registration, because the check happens against your identity, not your account history. There is no "back door" between sister sites — the shared infrastructure that links them is exactly what enforces the exclusion.
What "not on GamStop" means
You'll see the phrase "not on GamStop" used to describe casinos licensed offshore — by jurisdictions other than the UKGC — which therefore aren't connected to the scheme. It's important to be clear-eyed about this: such sites sit outside UK player protections entirely. There's no UKGC complaint route, no guaranteed fund segregation, and no GamStop safety net. For anyone who has chosen to self-exclude, these sites represent a serious risk, and seeking one out can undermine the very protection self-exclusion provides.
Getting support
If you're thinking about self-exclusion, that instinct is worth acting on. GamStop registration is free at gamstop.co.uk. For confidential support, the National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, and GamCare and BeGambleAware offer free advice and counselling.
FAQ
If two brands are sister sites, does excluding one exclude the other?
Yes — automatically and immediately, because both hold UKGC licences and GamStop operates at licence level.
Can I shorten my self-exclusion if I change my mind?
No. GamStop exclusions cannot be cancelled early; they run for the full period you chose. This is by design, to protect you in moments of temptation.
Does GamStop cover gambling adverts too?
Self-exclusion focuses on access to gambling sites. To reduce gambling advertising, you can also use tools like GAMSTOP's guidance alongside ad-preference controls and gambling-blocking software.