GAMSTOP vs Gamban: What Each Blocks and Why You May Need Both

What is the main difference between GAMSTOP and Gamban?

GAMSTOP Online and Gamban act at different points. GAMSTOP gives licensed gambling businesses identifying details so they can check whether a person is registered for self-exclusion and take reasonable steps to prevent access. Gamban works on a phone, tablet or computer and blocks connections to gambling websites and apps covered by its system.

The official GAMSTOP help centre recommends using both tools, as well as bank tools, for maximum protection from online gambling. Think of the setup as three layers: the operator account, the device and the money used to deposit.

What does GAMSTOP Online cover?

GAMSTOP covers online gambling websites and apps run by businesses licensed to provide remote gambling in Great Britain. You choose an exclusion period during registration. The exclusion cannot simply be cancelled during that period, and it remains in place at the end until the required removal process is completed.

Coverage depends on accurate, current identity details. Include the names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers requested during registration and update GAMSTOP if important details change. It does not replace separate schemes for betting shops, casinos, bingo premises or adult gaming centres.

• Best for closing access to participating licensed online operator accounts.
• Works across operators rather than requiring a separate request to each one.
• Does not install a technical block on the device itself.
• Does not cover every gambling business outside the Great Britain licensing system.

What does Gamban cover?

Gamban is installed on individual devices. It aims to stop those devices reaching a large number of gambling sites and apps, including services beyond the set of operators covered by GAMSTOP. Device software can therefore cover a different route back to gambling.

Install it on every device you can use, not only the phone associated with one gambling account. Check supported operating systems, installation instructions and what happens if you replace or reset a device. No blocking software should be described as impossible to work around, so keep the other layers active.

• Best for creating a technical barrier on protected phones, tablets and computers.
• Coverage follows the installed device rather than your operator identity.
• A new, borrowed or unprotected device can remain a gap.
• It does not by itself stop a supported payment from another route.

Should I use GAMSTOP, Gamban or both?

Use both when your goal is to stop online gambling. GAMSTOP makes accounts with licensed operators harder to access, while Gamban blocks access from protected devices. Add a bank gambling block so that a device or account gap does not immediately become a deposit.

If cost or device compatibility is a concern, contact the National Gambling Helpline and ask about currently available blocking support. Do not delay the free GAMSTOP registration or bank controls while comparing software features.

1. Register with GAMSTOP Online using complete and current details.
2. Install Gamban or another suitable gambling blocker on every available device.
3. Activate gambling-payment blocks and ask what cooling-off delay applies to removal.
4. Remove gambling apps, saved passwords, marketing and stored payment methods.
5. Tell one trusted person which layers are active and where a gap could still remain.

What should I do if a gambling site still opens?

Leave the site without depositing and note which device, account and payment route were available. Check that your identity details match your GAMSTOP registration and that the device blocker is installed, active and up to date. Report a blocking issue through the relevant service rather than repeatedly testing it.

If the business is licensed in Great Britain and you were able to gamble while excluded, contact the business and GAMSTOP with clear dates and account details. The Gambling Commission accepts information about failures but states that it cannot provide refunds for money spent. Keep the focus on closing access and getting support now.

Build a plan around the tools, not just the installation

Blocks create time, but you still need an action for the moment you discover a gap or feel an urge. Choose a person to contact, a place to move to and a financial step that protects the remaining money. Keep the National Gambling Helpline number available outside the blocked device.

StayClear can remind you why the layers are active before payday, sport, evenings or another known risk period. The reminder should point back to self-exclusion, blocking and support rather than invite you to negotiate with the limit in the moment.