# How do you set a deposit limit or block betting accounts?

> Set a deposit limit in your account with each bookmaker, or register with GAMSTOP to block accounts at UK-licensed operators. Steps, terms and urgent help.

Source: https://eachwayatlas.uk/licence/set-a-deposit-limit-or-self-exclude/
Updated: 2026-11-07

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.

## 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](https://www.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.

1. 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.
2. Choose the amount and the period that the operator offers.
3. Pick a figure you can afford to lose, because a limit helps only if it is low enough to matter.
4. Confirm it and check that the new limit shows in your account.
5. 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](https://www.gamstop.co.uk/participating-companies).

1. Go to the [GAMSTOP registration page](https://www.gamstop.co.uk/register).
2. Choose a term: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 5 years with automatic renewal.
3. Complete the registration with your details.
4. 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

**Blocking tools · source: GambleAware and GAMSTOP pages · read 6 November 2026**

| 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](https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/gambling-blocking-and-self-exclusion/).

## 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](https://eachwayatlas.uk/licence/licence-checklist/) and read [What age and identity checks must UK bookmakers carry out?](https://eachwayatlas.uk/licence/age-and-id-checks-rule/). For the money side, see the [Fee and limit calculator](https://eachwayatlas.uk/pay/fee-and-limit-calculator/).

## What changed

Last updated 7 November 2026: first version. More help is on [Responsible gambling](https://eachwayatlas.uk/responsible-gambling/), and you can verify a licence with [How do you check that a betting site is licensed by the UKGC?](https://eachwayatlas.uk/licence/how-to-check-a-bookmaker-is-licensed/).

## FAQ

**Does GAMSTOP cost anything?**

No. GAMSTOP is a free service run by The National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited. It blocks your online accounts with licensed operators in Great Britain.

**How long does a GAMSTOP block last?**

You choose 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 5 years with automatic renewal. You cannot cancel during the term, and after it ends the block stays until you ask GAMSTOP to lift it.

**Who can I call if I need help now?**

The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is free, confidential and open 24/7. In a crisis call Samaritans on 116 123, or 999 in an emergency.