Licence Desk

GamStop casinos UK 2026: licensed sites, compared

A GamStop casino is an online casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Every one of them has to check the GamStop register, so a player who has self-excluded can't open or use an account. This page explains what that means, how to verify a licence yourself, and which well-known brands to check first.

See the brands How to check a licence

Last reviewed 21 September 2026. Rules and offers change, so confirm details on the operator's site and the Gambling Commission register. 18+ only. Affiliate disclosure.

GamStop casinos to check first

Six well-known brands that we understand to hold a UKGC licence, listed alphabetically. This is a shortlist to verify, not a scored ranking. Every UKGC-licensed casino must check GamStop. The buttons are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you register, at no cost to you.

What is a GamStop casino?

GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion service. When you register, every participating online gambling operator has to block you from opening or using an account for the period you chose. "GamStop casino" is the everyday name for an online casino that takes part.

Taking part isn't optional. Checking GamStop is a condition of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence, so in practice a GamStop casino is simply an online casino licensed in Great Britain.

Two things fall outside that definition. Casinos licensed by other regulators, such as Malta or Curaçao, don't check the register. And land-based casinos aren't covered by GamStop, which is for online gambling.

How GamStop works

  1. Register for free at gamstop.co.uk and verify your identity.
  2. Choose an exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
  3. Licensed operators check the register and block your accounts. They must also stop sending you marketing. The exclusion can't be cancelled early.

GamStop is a tool for people who want a hard stop. It works best alongside the limits inside each casino account, and alongside support if gambling is causing you harm.

How to check a casino is properly licensed

Any site can show a licence badge. A ten-minute check tells you whether the licence is real.

  1. Scroll to the footer and find the UKGC licence number and the name of the company that holds it.
  2. Search for that number or company on the public register on the Gambling Commission website.
  3. Confirm that the licence is active and that the company matches the one named in the site's terms and conditions.
  4. Treat a UKGC logo without a licence number as a warning sign. A logo alone proves nothing.

What a UK licence changes for players

UK-licensed casinos follow a set of rules that other regulators don't apply. As of 21 September 2026, the main ones for players are:

  • Slot stake limitsA maximum of £5 per spin for players aged 25 and over, and £2 for ages 18 to 24, in force since 2025. The limit applies to slots, not to games such as roulette or blackjack.
  • Slower, manual playAt least 2.5 seconds between slot spins, and no autoplay.
  • Capped bonus wageringSince 19 January 2026, wagering requirements can't exceed 10x the bonus. Casino promotions also can't be tied to other products, such as a sports bet. Check which games count toward wagering: a game that counts for 25% makes a 10x requirement behave like 40x on that game.
  • No credit cardsGambling with credit cards has been banned since April 2020.
  • Free dispute routeLicensed operators must offer access to an approved alternative dispute resolution service.
GamStop casinos vs non GamStop casinos
FeatureUKGC-licensedNon GamStop (offshore)
RegulatorUK Gambling CommissionAnother regulator, such as Malta or Curaçao
GamStopRequiredNot checked
Slot stake limit£5, or £2 for ages 18 to 24UK limits don't apply
Bonus wageringCapped at 10xUK cap doesn't apply
DisputesFree approved ADR serviceDepends on the operator and its regulator

Non GamStop casinos aren't covered on this page. They don't check the register, so a self-excluded player isn't blocked, and they sit outside UK regulation. If you have excluded yourself, the exclusion is there to help you.

If gambling is causing harm

Use the tools inside your account before you need them: deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders and cooling-off periods. If you want a complete break, GamStop can block every UK-licensed site at once. If you have self-excluded, please don't look for ways around it.

Free, confidential support is available at any hour:

  • GamCare, National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
  • BeGambleAware: information, tools and support
  • GamStop: free self-exclusion from UK-licensed online gambling

Frequently asked questions

What is a GamStop casino?

It's the everyday name for an online casino that checks the GamStop register. In practice that means any online casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, because checking GamStop is a condition of the licence.

Can I play at a GamStop casino if I have self-excluded?

No. Licensed operators must block you from opening or using an account for the whole exclusion period, and you can't cancel it early. If you're struggling, GamCare's free helpline is 0808 8020 133.

How long does GamStop last?

You choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years when you register. The service is free.

Are GamStop casinos safer than non GamStop casinos?

They operate under stricter UK rules, including slot stake limits, a 10x cap on bonus wagering, a ban on autoplay and a free route for disputes. That makes them more tightly regulated. It doesn't remove the risk of losing money, so set limits and only stake what you can afford to lose.

How do I check that a casino is UKGC licensed?

Find the licence number in the site's footer and search for it on the Gambling Commission's public register. Check that the licence is active and that the company name matches the one in the site's terms. A logo without a number proves nothing.

Does GamStop cover land-based casinos?

No. GamStop covers online gambling with UK-licensed operators. Casinos and other venues have separate self-exclusion arrangements that you make with the venue.