GAMSTOP vs Gamban vs GamCare: What Is the Difference?
GAMSTOP, Gamban and GamCare are three separate services designed to help people control or stop their gambling. Although their names are sometimes used interchangeably, each provides a different type of protection.
- GAMSTOP prevents registered users from gambling with online operators licensed in Great Britain.
- Gamban is software that blocks gambling websites and apps on your devices.
- GamCare provides confidential advice, emotional support and treatment for people affected by gambling.
For stronger protection, the three services can be used together.
GAMSTOP vs Gamban vs GamCare at a Glance
| Feature | GAMSTOP | Gamban | GamCare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of service | National self-exclusion scheme | Gambling-blocking software | Support and treatment service |
| Main purpose | Blocks access to licensed UK gambling accounts | Blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices | Helps people deal with gambling-related harm |
| Covers UK-licensed operators | Yes | Yes | Not applicable |
| Can block unlicensed gambling sites | No | Many of them | No |
| Provides personal support | Limited guidance and signposting | Technical support and resources | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Paid in England and Scotland; free in Wales | Free |
| Where it works | Participating gambling operators | Installed phones, tablets and computers | Phone, live chat, WhatsApp and support services |
| Minimum commitment | 6 months | Depends on subscription | No fixed commitment |
| Best suited to | Formal online self-exclusion | Reducing access across your devices | Advice, recovery support and treatment |
What Is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is the national online self-exclusion scheme for the United Kingdom. It allows users to exclude themselves from gambling websites and apps operated by companies licensed in Great Britain.
Once registered, participating operators compare the details supplied by the user with the details attached to gambling accounts. A match should prevent the person from opening a new account or using an existing one.
All online gambling operators licensed by the Gambling Commission must participate in GAMSTOP.
How long does GAMSTOP last?
Users can currently select a minimum exclusion period of:
- Six months
- One year
- Five years
- Five years with automatic renewal
The exclusion cannot be cancelled during the selected minimum period. It also does not automatically disappear as soon as that period ends. The user must complete GAMSTOP’s removal process if they later decide to reactivate access.
What does GAMSTOP cover?
GAMSTOP covers online gambling companies licensed to serve customers in Great Britain. This includes participating casino, betting, bingo and poker operators.
However, GAMSTOP does not install anything on your phone or computer. It also cannot guarantee that websites operated outside its participating network will be blocked. Attempting to use non-participating sites while self-excluded may remove an important layer of protection and can expose users to operators without equivalent UK consumer safeguards.
Advantages of GAMSTOP
- Free to use
- Covers all online operators licensed in Great Britain
- Prevents both new registrations and access to matched existing accounts
- Cannot be cancelled during the minimum exclusion period
- Offers an automatic-renewal option
Limitations of GAMSTOP
- Does not function as device-blocking software
- Does not cover every gambling website worldwide
- Depends on accurate and up-to-date personal information
- Does not replace counselling or personal support
What Is Gamban?
Gamban is blocking software installed directly on a phone, tablet or computer. It is designed to stop the device from accessing gambling websites and apps.
Unlike GAMSTOP, which operates through participating gambling companies, Gamban works at the device level. Its blocklist includes both licensed and many unlicensed gambling platforms, making it a useful additional barrier.
One licence can cover multiple personal devices, and the software is designed to be difficult to remove.
How much does Gamban cost?
As of September 2026, Gamban states that it costs £4.99 per month or £29.99 per year in England and Scotland, following a seven-day free trial. Gamban remains free in Wales. Prices and availability may change, so check the official website before subscribing.
What does Gamban block?
Gamban is designed to restrict access to products such as:
- Online casinos
- Sports-betting sites and apps
- Poker and bingo websites
- Lottery sites
- Crypto gambling platforms
- Skin betting and loot boxes
- Certain trading platforms commonly associated with gambling behaviour
Its blocklist is regularly updated, although no blocking software should be treated as completely foolproof.
Advantages of Gamban
- Blocks many licensed and unlicensed gambling sites
- Works across major device platforms
- Covers multiple personal devices under one licence
- Provides a barrier during moments of impulse
- Can be used alongside GAMSTOP and bank gambling blocks
Limitations of Gamban
- Usually requires a paid subscription outside Wales
- Must be installed on every device used
- Does not close or formally suspend gambling accounts
- Is not a counselling or treatment service
- No technical blocking tool can guarantee that every gambling service will always be detected
What Is GamCare?
GamCare is a UK charity providing information, advice and support to people affected by gambling-related harm.
It is different from both GAMSTOP and Gamban because its primary role is not to block gambling. Instead, it gives people access to trained advisers, recovery resources and treatment services.
Support is also available to partners, relatives and other people affected by someone else’s gambling.
What support does GamCare provide?
GamCare’s services include:
- The National Gambling Helpline
- Live chat and WhatsApp support
- Online communities and group chatrooms
- Local and remote support services
- Information about self-exclusion and blocking tools
- Support for affected family members and friends
- Referrals to further treatment where appropriate
The National Gambling Helpline is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133.
Advantages of GamCare
- Free and confidential
- Available 24 hours a day
- Provides human support rather than only technical restrictions
- Helps both gamblers and affected loved ones
- Can connect users with treatment and specialist services
Limitations of GamCare
- Does not directly block gambling accounts
- Does not install restrictions on devices
- Requires the individual to engage with the available support
- GamCare’s direct services primarily cover people in Great Britain
Which Service Should You Use?
The right option depends on the type of support required.
Choose GAMSTOP if:
You want to formally exclude yourself from every online gambling operator licensed in Great Britain for a fixed minimum period.
Choose Gamban if:
You want gambling websites and apps blocked directly on your phone, tablet and computer, including many sites outside the GAMSTOP network.
Choose GamCare if:
You want to speak to someone, understand your options or receive ongoing help with gambling-related harm.
Use all three if:
You want the strongest available combination of formal self-exclusion, device-level blocking and personal support.
Why Combining the Services Can Be More Effective
These services address different parts of the same problem:
- GAMSTOP restricts access to licensed gambling accounts.
- Gamban makes gambling sites and apps harder to reach from your devices.
- GamCare provides advice, emotional support and access to treatment.
An independent evaluation reported by GamCare in 2026 found that combining support, self-exclusion and blocking tools produced stronger outcomes than relying on a single measure alone.
Users can add further protection by activating a gambling-payment block through their bank, unsubscribing from gambling marketing and asking someone they trust to help manage access to money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GamCare the same as GAMSTOP?
No. GAMSTOP is a self-exclusion scheme, while GamCare is a support charity. Registering with GamCare does not automatically place someone on GAMSTOP.
Is Gamban connected to GAMSTOP?
They are separate services. Gamban blocks websites and applications on individual devices, while GAMSTOP requires participating gambling operators to restrict access to matched accounts. They can be used together.
Does GAMSTOP block every gambling website?
No. GAMSTOP applies to operators participating in the scheme, including all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. It is not a worldwide website-blocking tool.
Does Gamban block non-GAMSTOP casinos?
Gamban is designed to block a wide range of gambling websites and apps, including many unlicensed or offshore platforms. Its coverage is broader at the device level, but no software can promise to block every site permanently.
Can GAMSTOP be removed early?
No. A GAMSTOP exclusion cannot be cancelled during its selected minimum period. When that period has ended, the user must request removal and complete the applicable process, including a cooling-off period.
Can I use GamCare without registering with GAMSTOP?
Yes. You can contact GamCare whether or not you have registered with GAMSTOP or installed blocking software.
What if I am worried about another person’s gambling?
GamCare supports family members, partners and friends as well as people who gamble. You can contact the National Gambling Helpline for confidential advice.
The Bottom Line
GAMSTOP, Gamban and GamCare are complementary rather than competing services.
- GAMSTOP provides formal self-exclusion from licensed British online operators.
- Gamban creates a technical barrier across your devices.
- GamCare supplies the human guidance and recovery support that blocking tools cannot provide.
For someone who wants to stop gambling, using all three—alongside a bank gambling block—provides more layers of protection than relying on any one service alone.
If gambling is causing financial or emotional harm, call the free National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit GamCare.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Meta title: GAMSTOP vs Gamban vs GamCare: Full Comparison
Meta description: Compare GAMSTOP, Gamban and GamCare. Learn how self-exclusion, gambling-blocking software and confidential support differ—and which options can be combined.