What self-exclusion means
When you self-exclude, gambling operators must stop you from logging in, opening new accounts and placing bets for the period you choose. They should also stop sending you marketing.
A national scheme covers every operator licensed in that country at once. Without one, you exclude yourself separately at each operator, usually from the responsible gambling section of your account or by contacting customer support.
National self-exclusion schemes
Several countries run a single register that all locally licensed operators must check. The periods and rules differ, and in every scheme listed here a chosen period cannot be cancelled early.
| Country | Scheme | Periods | Ending it |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GAMSTOP | 6 months, 1 year or 5 years (5 years can renew automatically) | Cannot be removed during the minimum period; afterwards it stays active until you ask for removal |
| Sweden | Spelpaus.se | 10 days, 1, 3 or 6 months, or indefinitely | Cannot be ended early; an indefinite exclusion can be ended at the earliest after 12 months |
| Denmark | ROFUS | 24 hours, 1, 3 or 6 months, or final | Temporary periods expire automatically; a final exclusion lasts at least 1 year and 7 days and must be lifted on request |
| Finland | Central self-exclusion register under the new Gambling Act | Indefinite or fixed periods, per game or for all licensed operators | The new act applies from 1 July 2027; until then you exclude yourself in your Veikkaus account |
| Norway | No single national register | Set in your account with Norsk Tipping or Norsk Rikstoto | Follows the operator's rules |
What self-exclusion does not cover
A national register only applies to operators licensed in that country. Sites licensed elsewhere do not check GAMSTOP, Spelpaus or ROFUS, so an account you hold with such a site stays open until you close it yourself.
That is why self-exclusion works best as one layer of several: close every account you hold, install blocking software on your devices and ask your bank to block gambling payments.
- Close or self-exclude every individual account you have.
- Install a gambling blocker on your phone and computer.
- Turn on a gambling block in your banking app if your bank offers one.
- Unsubscribe from casino emails and text messages.
Closing the gaps self-exclusion leaves
Who has to check the register
A national register binds operators licensed in that country. Sites without a local licence are not connected to it.
Block access on your devices
Blocking software stops gambling sites in the browser and in apps, including sites outside the register.
Block payments
A gambling block in your bank or card app stops many gambling payments, whichever site they go to.
How to self-exclude step by step
Choose the longest period you can commit to. In the UK, register at GAMSTOP; in Sweden, at Spelpaus.se with your e-ID; in Denmark, at ROFUS with MitID. Then do the same at every operator that is not covered, and save the confirmation messages you receive.
Questions and answers
Can I cancel self-exclusion if I change my mind?
Not during the period you chose. GAMSTOP, Spelpaus and ROFUS are designed so the decision cannot be reversed early, which is what makes them effective.
Does self-exclusion cover all online casinos?
No. A national scheme covers only operators licensed in that country. Close accounts at other sites directly and use blocking software.
Is self-exclusion free?
Yes. GAMSTOP, Spelpaus.se and ROFUS are free to use.
Sources
Spelinspektionen — Spelpaus.se leaflet
borger.dk — Spilafhængighed og ROFUS
Eduskunta — Committee report on the Finnish Gambling Act (HaVM 28/2025)