GamStop is now an 8 year sentence in 2025 ? 'Previously Gamstopped players'

[PaulM45]

I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this because GAMSTOP’s data retention policy is seriously pissing me off.

I signed up for a six-month self-exclusion in early 2023, understanding that I wouldn’t be able to gamble during that time after I won 6 figures on a sports bet. My exclusion officially ended in mid-2023, and I assumed that was the end of it. However, when I recently tried to sign up at some online casinos, I’m still getting blocked!

I contacted a few operators, and they told me that because I was previously on GAMSTOP, my details are still flagged, and they won’t let me register. This led me to do some research, and what I found is pretty shocking.

Despite Gamstop telling me 40 times I was not on there system, I was still being blocked for operatators who I had never signed up to ever, nor the sister sites etc etc

I looked into GAMSTOP’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and found out that they now retain personal data for seven years after a self-exclusion ends. That means even though my SE expired over a year ago, casinos can still see that I was once on GAMSTOP and refuse to let me play. They have now confirmed this.

GDPR says

• Data should not be kept longer than necessary for its original purpose (Article 5(1)(c) – Data Minimization Principle??).
• I have a right to erasure (Article 17) when data is no longer needed.
• The performance of a contract cannot be used as an excuse to keep data indefinitely. Once my exclusion ended, the contract was fulfilled.

I submitted a Right to Erasure request under Article 17 of GDPR, arguing that since my exclusion ended, my data should be deleted. GAMSTOP refused, saying I agreed to their Terms of Use, which state they can keep my data for seven years. They claim this is for "responsible gambling" and "compliance," but when I asked them to provide a specific legal requirement that forces them to keep my data, they couldn’t give me one.

From everything I’ve read, contractual terms do not override GDPR. Just because they put "we will keep your data for seven years" in their terms doesn’t mean it’s legally valid. Under GDPR, data retention must be necessary and proportionate, and they must be able to justify it with a legal basis, not just their internal policies.

 

[Webzcas]

You are not the first person that has encountered this problem when their self exclusion at Gamstop comes to an end. Might be worth seeing if some of the UKGC casino reps we have on the forum know the full SP as it were.

It is Friday afternoon, but I will tag in @Mark_Lottomart and @L&L-Jan as if either are about, they might be able to provide information from an operator's perspective.

 

[slot_zombie]

I'm still banned from UK casinos many years after my GAMSTOP break ended. It is a life sentence (almost) and there is nothing that can be done.

 

[dunover]

I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this because GAMSTOP’s data retention policy is seriously pissing me off.

I signed up for a six-month self-exclusion in early 2023, understanding that I wouldn’t be able to gamble during that time after I won 6 figures on a sports bet. My exclusion officially ended in mid-2023, and I assumed that was the end of it. However, when I recently tried to sign up at some online casinos, I’m still getting blocked!

I contacted a few operators, and they told me that because I was previously on GAMSTOP, my details are still flagged, and they won’t let me register. This led me to do some research, and what I found is pretty shocking.

Despite Gamstop telling me 40 times I was not on there system, I was still being blocked for operatators who I had never signed up to ever, nor the sister sites etc etc

I looked into GAMSTOP’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and found out that they now retain personal data for seven years after a self-exclusion ends. That means even though my SE expired over a year ago, casinos can still see that I was once on GAMSTOP and refuse to let me play. They have now confirmed this.

GDPR says

• Data should not be kept longer than necessary for its original purpose (Article 5(1)(c) – Data Minimization Principle??).
• I have a right to erasure (Article 17) when data is no longer needed.
• The performance of a contract cannot be used as an excuse to keep data indefinitely. Once my exclusion ended, the contract was fulfilled.

I submitted a Right to Erasure request under Article 17 of GDPR, arguing that since my exclusion ended, my data should be deleted. GAMSTOP refused, saying I agreed to their Terms of Use, which state they can keep my data for seven years. They claim this is for "responsible gambling" and "compliance," but when I asked them to provide a specific legal requirement that forces them to keep my data, they couldn’t give me one.

From everything I’ve read, contractual terms do not override GDPR. Just because they put "we will keep your data for seven years" in their terms doesn’t mean it’s legally valid. Under GDPR, data retention must be necessary and proportionate, and they must be able to justify it with a legal basis, not just their internal policies.

Yes, the GAMSTOP process means you have to call them to have it lifted, even after it expires as it's not automatic say like a casino's timeout is. A single casino's SE though often works the same as GAMSTOP and you need to call them to have it removed.

Trouble is, as you've observed, with the onus on responsible gambling, nannying and big fines too the operators now see anybody who has SE'd as undesirable and risky for their business. If you've been GAMSTOPPED it's even worse as then you are toxic and most casinos will not service you with an account.

You cannot blame them as their risk outweighs the benefit.

So yes, effectively GAMSTOP now means a lifetime SE or ban from UKGC sites. So the inevitable unlicensed and/or crypto is the destination for those players' money.

 

[philderby]

Listen, If you signed up to GamStop it means you admitted you have a problem and you are putting active tools in place to stop gambling. What do you think the operators think if the day you are over the banned period you want straight in again? Ill give you my opinion and its why did you put restrictions in place to begin with?

 

[PaulM45]

This is the 2nd time I have used the service, in over 30 years of gambling.
Both have been after decent wins.

It's misleading advertising a 6 month break when effectively this is 10 years of no gambling.

Once the self-exclusion period has ended, GamStop can no longer rely on "legitimate interest" or a "legal obligation" to justify further processing or sharing of my data. Legally, I have the right to revoke consent for GamStop to continue sharing my information with gambling operators.

They cannot claim legitimate interest or legal obligation once the SE as ended. So legally, I would have a right to revoke their access to sharing my data with casinos.

If they want to be childish and insist the keep the data on there systems but not be able to do a thing with it, I would be willing to fight that our or principle but the simplest thing to do would just be to agree to delete it.

 

[goatwack]

I think the reasons for using Gamstop differ between individuals, and the service caters to those whose gambling spending habits are out of control, yet also those who simply want to take a time-out across all brands.

I'd also imagine that all regular gamblers are addicted to some degree, and would otherwise struggle to self-impose the sort of blanket ban amongst their favourite haunts that the likes of Gamstop facilitates.

I used it for the sole purpose of blocking all sites, because as some may attest to, getting a casino to exact an account closure is impossible, offering mere Self-exclusions in their stead, which can be circumvented with ease, truth be told.

I'd been fully aware of the data lockup and SE 'extension' upon registration, the kind of things whilst not ideal, I'd do again if just for the peace of mind this provided.

Fact is, Gamstop only truly exists because of casinos' inability to effectively enforce player-friendly gambling tools, and their apathy towards the customer all too apparent.

Hoarding one's personal data for that duration does seem excessive, yet the resultant spam will be no different to what casinos already peddle.

So I may be in Gamstop Jail and signup comes at a price, but it does what it says on the tin, data-whoring or not

 

[YouTubeSlots]

Never understood why people use Gamstop. I have never used it, if you really want to stop you will, and if you really want to play you will.

It's like making a new company called Crackstop. As long as you are addicted to crack you will find a way to get your crack fix.

And as long as you are addicted to gambling you will find a way to play still.

I.e off shore casinos using someone else's details etc to get your gambling fix.

I'm not saying you shouldn't use it and I'm sure it helps some people, But as with all addictions you have to want to stop yourself.

 

[Reelsoffun]

I tend to agree with @philderby if things got to the point where the player felt the need to GAMSTOP rather than just a local time out at casinos then maybe it should be for good.

History tells us that once an addiction has taken hold the only real way forward is to STOP completely, whether it be drugs, booze or gambling, so I can totally see why casinos esp. UK casinos see it as what should be a permanent thing.

Many see GAMSTOP as a last resort and players should realistically treat it as so.

On the other hand players should also be warned before they sign up that it could become permanent with many casinos and maybe even more in the future.

 

[justdoit]

you need to ask to remove your Data, if you dont they will keep selling your data to casinos banks gp etc,

 

[andysbetting1187]

I think there are two completley different groups involved in this (from speaking to other people who have had similar experiences as the OP). One is Gamstop, the other is the casinos themselves.

When you sign up to Gamstop, you select a period of time that you cannot play for, and these details are stored for said period and you are unable to register for any UKGC sites (which is the whole point of Gamstop). When the period comes to an end, you request to come off the register as you want to play again.

The problem comes when you try to sign up with a casino, as they have on their system that you were previously on Gamstop and even though that time has expired, the casino then has a business decision to make on wether they accept a player who has previously effectivley self-excluded from all online gambling.

@dunover summarised it very well earlier in the post - effectivley you become toxic/radioactive. The reason for why a person was on Gamstop is pretty much irrelavant - as a brand a casino does not want to end up with a complaint/PR issue of someone coming off gamstop, registering back with their brand and then potentially spunking their money as they would be seen as being irresponsible for allowing a person to come back - its easier for the casino to just not allow any sign up and not worth the risk of allowing it

I know a few people who have had tried multiple times to explain to the likes of William Hill/Sky/Leo Vegas etc. that they only went on gamstop due to a big win or they wanted a short term break, but ultimatley they just get the "computer says no" response

To me, it is almost at a point that signing up for gamstop for any period of time, ultimatley results in either a very narrow field of operators who would allow you to sign up, if any. A few years ago I almost signed up for it myself after a couple of big wins, but it was only after a few people who I knew had been on it told me that they were struggling to get signed up with any major online platform that I swerved it

 

[Reelsoffun]

I know a few people who have had tried multiple times to explain to the likes of William Hill/Sky/Leo Vegas etc. that they only went on gamstop due to a big win or they wanted a short term break, but ultimatley they just get the "computer says no" response

That is the issue though IMO its not a tool to be used this way, if you want a short break due to a large win or just a break, the standard casino RG tools should be enough, no need to use a sledge hammer to crack a nut by going the GAMSTOP route.

Right or wrong I feel GAMSTOP should be just that, a last resort if you like and I can totally understand why many casinos see it this way and are refusing to take players back.

If you can't stop yourself spending a big win back or control yourself to the extent you can't time out then maybe you shouldn't be gambling in the first place.

The only thing I feel GAMSTOP did wrong is to have time periods, it should just have been a permanent option, like I said in another post once someone has got to that point they are never going to be a safe gambler, and losing control will always only be one bet away.

 

[DreddBeat]

My 6 month GamStop period expires next week. I only signed up because I was on a terrible losing streak, so it seemed like a wise thing to do. Now I get the feeling they won't let me back in, and I will be forced to join those dodgy online casinos if I want to play again.

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

My 6 month GamStop period expires next week. I only signed up because I was on a terrible losing streak, so it seemed like a wise thing to do. Now I get the feeling they won't let me back in, and I will be forced to join those dodgy online casinos if I want to play again.

We apply a lower deposit limit to players who join who were previously Gamstop registered, but this can be increased if you can evidence affordability. Not ideal I appreciate but you’d be surprised how many players appreciate the protection.

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

Yes, the GAMSTOP process means you have to call them to have it lifted, even after it expires as it's not automatic say like a casino's timeout is. A single casino's SE though often works the same as GAMSTOP and you need to call them to have it removed.
.

Sorry I missed this thread earlier.

I think there’s a technical reason for the issues players face and why some operators have problems.

I’ve seen instances where players are checked for Gamstop on registration and the code looks for “N” meaning they are not Gamstop registered. The problem is, which some operators don’t take into consideration, is that there are 3 response codes from the Gamstop API:

Y - Currently registered
N - Never registered
P - Previously registered

The P response, in my experience, is what is causing the issues.

We have code which looks for the P response and sets a lower threshold to protect those who have previously used the service.

 

[DreddBeat]

We apply a lower deposit limit to players who join who were previously Gamstop registered, but this can be increased if you can evidence affordability. Not ideal I appreciate but you’d be surprised how many players appreciate the protection.

Oh nice. Thanks. I will be returning to Lottomart next week if you allow it.

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

Oh nice. Thanks. I will be returning to Lottomart next week if you allow it. Username is xxx.

Probably best to delete your username from the post buddy and speak to our live chat team they will look after you.

 

[toms596]

Sorry I missed this thread earlier.

I think there’s a technical reason for the issues players face and why some operators have problems.

I’ve seen instances where players are checked for Gamstop on registration and the code looks for “N” meaning they are not Gamstop registered. The problem is, which some operators don’t take into consideration, is that there are 3 response codes from the Gamstop API:

Y - Currently registered
N - Never registered
P - Previously registered

The P response, in my experience, is what is causing the issues.

We have code which looks for the P response and sets a lower threshold to protect those who have previously used the service.

Is it still your policy to block anyone who has used Gamstop more than twice? I remember wanting to come back but not being allowed to

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

Is it still your policy to block anyone who has used Gamstop more than twice? I remember wanting to come back but not being allowed to

I’d have to check that for you, I’m on vacation at the moment though, could you jump on live chat and check? If not let me know and I’ll give someone a call.

 

[toms596]

There is no rush Mark enjoy your holiday and I'll check in another time

 

[Hammy75]

I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this because GAMSTOP’s data retention policy is seriously pissing me off.

I signed up for a six-month self-exclusion in early 2023, understanding that I wouldn’t be able to gamble during that time after I won 6 figures on a sports bet. My exclusion officially ended in mid-2023, and I assumed that was the end of it. However, when I recently tried to sign up at some online casinos, I’m still getting blocked!

I contacted a few operators, and they told me that because I was previously on GAMSTOP, my details are still flagged, and they won’t let me register. This led me to do some research, and what I found is pretty shocking.

Despite Gamstop telling me 40 times I was not on there system, I was still being blocked for operatators who I had never signed up to ever, nor the sister sites etc etc

I looked into GAMSTOP’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and found out that they now retain personal data for seven years after a self-exclusion ends. That means even though my SE expired over a year ago, casinos can still see that I was once on GAMSTOP and refuse to let me play. They have now confirmed this.

GDPR says

• Data should not be kept longer than necessary for its original purpose (Article 5(1)(c) – Data Minimization Principle??).
• I have a right to erasure (Article 17) when data is no longer needed.
• The performance of a contract cannot be used as an excuse to keep data indefinitely. Once my exclusion ended, the contract was fulfilled.

I submitted a Right to Erasure request under Article 17 of GDPR, arguing that since my exclusion ended, my data should be deleted. GAMSTOP refused, saying I agreed to their Terms of Use, which state they can keep my data for seven years. They claim this is for "responsible gambling" and "compliance," but when I asked them to provide a specific legal requirement that forces them to keep my data, they couldn’t give me one.

From everything I’ve read, contractual terms do not override GDPR. Just because they put "we will keep your data for seven years" in their terms doesn’t mean it’s legally valid. Under GDPR, data retention must be necessary and proportionate, and they must be able to justify it with a legal basis, not just their internal policies.

Just had the exact same. GAMSTOP are utter scumbags who think they are above the law

 

[Hammy75]

I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this because GAMSTOP’s data retention policy is seriously pissing me off.

I signed up for a six-month self-exclusion in early 2023, understanding that I wouldn’t be able to gamble during that time after I won 6 figures on a sports bet. My exclusion officially ended in mid-2023, and I assumed that was the end of it. However, when I recently tried to sign up at some online casinos, I’m still getting blocked!

I contacted a few operators, and they told me that because I was previously on GAMSTOP, my details are still flagged, and they won’t let me register. This led me to do some research, and what I found is pretty shocking.

Despite Gamstop telling me 40 times I was not on there system, I was still being blocked for operatators who I had never signed up to ever, nor the sister sites etc etc

I looked into GAMSTOP’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and found out that they now retain personal data for seven years after a self-exclusion ends. That means even though my SE expired over a year ago, casinos can still see that I was once on GAMSTOP and refuse to let me play. They have now confirmed this.

GDPR says

• Data should not be kept longer than necessary for its original purpose (Article 5(1)(c) – Data Minimization Principle??).
• I have a right to erasure (Article 17) when data is no longer needed.
• The performance of a contract cannot be used as an excuse to keep data indefinitely. Once my exclusion ended, the contract was fulfilled.

I submitted a Right to Erasure request under Article 17 of GDPR, arguing that since my exclusion ended, my data should be deleted. GAMSTOP refused, saying I agreed to their Terms of Use, which state they can keep my data for seven years. They claim this is for "responsible gambling" and "compliance," but when I asked them to provide a specific legal requirement that forces them to keep my data, they couldn’t give me one.

From everything I’ve read, contractual terms do not override GDPR. Just because they put "we will keep your data for seven years" in their terms doesn’t mean it’s legally valid. Under GDPR, data retention must be necessary and proportionate, and they must be able to justify it with a legal basis, not just their internal policies.

Exactly the same here. I have complained to the mp who deals with this. GAMSTOP seem to think they are above the law.

 

[Webzcas]

Just had the exact same. GAMSTOP are utter scumbags who think they are above the law

If they do not make it clear on their site how long they retain your data for, they should rectify this IMO. However, that said. Gamstop does offer a very valuable service and the fact that all UK licensed operators have to use it is very important.

FWIW, I updated my own Gamstop registration the other month which had been on auto renew for years, now set for a further five years, I registered back in 2018. I personally am happy they have my details

 

[chrisb]

I have the complete opposite. I signed up 7 years ago because I knew I had a gambling problem. After 4 years I was able to activate every single Gambling Account I had by a single phone call, stating that I was working from home and found myself gambling more and wanted to remove the distraction. However, I was now going back in to the office and wouldn't be able to access the site anymore. They kindly removed all the blocks.

4 years down the line I have lost around £150,000. I earn £18,000 per year, so yes my life and my savings and Pensions are down the toilet, so I signed up to Gamstop again. Tonight I visited a Genting Casino who asked for my name, address and date of birth and allowed me to lose £1,000 in cash. I feel dirty and low again. I thought Gamstop was meant to protect me from gambling, little realising it doesn't stop me from walking into somewhere off the street and gambling.

I thought I'd done the right thing using Gamstop, but realise it doesn't really protect me and I have a big problem and can't stop myself.

 

[andysbetting1187]

I have the complete opposite. I signed up 7 years ago because I knew I had a gambling problem. After 4 years I was able to activate every single Gambling Account I had by a single phone call, stating that I was working from home and found myself gambling more and wanted to remove the distraction. However, I was now going back in to the office and wouldn't be able to access the site anymore. They kindly removed all the blocks.

4 years down the line I have lost around £150,000. I earn £18,000 per year, so yes my life and my savings and Pensions are down the toilet, so I signed up to Gamstop again. Tonight I visited a Genting Casino who asked for my name, address and date of birth and allowed me to lose £1,000 in cash. I feel dirty and low again. I thought Gamstop was meant to protect me from gambling, little realising it doesn't stop me from walking into somewhere off the street and gambling.

I thought I'd done the right thing using Gamstop, but realise it doesn't really protect me and I have a big problem and can't stop myself.

Gamstop will only prevent you from gambling online - if you are slipping and going into bricks and mortar casinos you need to speak with the staff there and ask them to ban you - they will do it and you won't be able to get in, in the future