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BetStop vs GamStop — what actually blocks what

Both are free national self-exclusion registers. They're often confused, but they cover different jurisdictions and both have blind spots.

Updated 24 April 2026 · Reviewed by the AussiePuntersHQ editorial team

Side-by-side comparison

	BetStop (AU)	GamStop (UK)
Launched	August 2022	April 2018
Who must use it	All licensed Australian online & phone wagering operators	All UKGC-licensed online gambling operators
Exclusion lengths	3 months, 6 months, 1, 3, 5 years or permanent	6 months, 1 year, 5 years
Covers offshore casinos?	No	No
Covers land-based venues?	No (online/phone only)	No (separate scheme for betting shops)
Funded by	Australian Government · ACMA administered	UK operators & UKGC
Official site	betstop.org.au	gamstop.co.uk

Why punters get them confused

Many casino sites display a "GamStop" badge for the UK market because that's where they hold a licence. Australian players often assume this also protects them — it doesn't. If an operator doesn't hold an Australian licence, neither BetStop nor GamStop will block them.

Important

Self-exclusion registers only work inside their home jurisdiction. An unlicensed offshore casino has no legal obligation to check either list.

How to use BetStop (step-by-step)

Go to betstop.org.au.
Verify your identity (Medicare / driver's licence / passport).
Choose an exclusion length — we recommend starting with 3 or 6 months rather than permanent, so you don't pressure yourself.
Confirm. Your name is added to the national register within minutes and every licensed AU operator must deny you service.
Optional but recommended: pair it with an app-level blocker like Gamban or BetBlocker so offshore sites are also locked.

What BetStop can't do

Stop you opening an account with an unlicensed offshore casino
Block land-based venues (clubs, casinos, TABs) — state-specific schemes apply there
Undo an exclusion early — that's by design
Stop you using a VPN to reach a non-AU operator (this is the biggest practical gap)

If you or someone you know needs help right now

Gambling Help Online — free 24/7: 1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (crisis support, 24/7)
BetStop: betstop.org.au
Gamban blocking software: gamban.com