Casino Welcome Bonus Offers 2026: What UK Players Actually Get

The typical casino welcome bonus in the UK has changed shape over the last five years. Where operators once handed out 100% deposit matches up to £500 with a 20x wagering requirement, the current landscape favours lower amounts, tighter terms, and far more transparent small print. The Gambling Commission's rules have forced this shift, and players have benefited from it, even if the headline numbers look less flashy.

Understanding what sits behind a welcome offer matters more than the size of the bonus itself. A £50 free bet with 1x wagering beats a £200 match with 40x requirements every single time, yet most players glance at the big figure and stop reading. This guide breaks down the mechanics of casino welcome bonuses in the UK market for 2026, compares the major operators, and shows you how to calculate the real value of any offer you encounter.

How UK Casino Welcome Bonuses Work in 2026

Every casino welcome bonus follows the same basic structure. You register an account, make a qualifying deposit, and the operator credits your balance with bonus funds or free spins. The devil lives in the conditions attached to those credits, and UK regulations now demand those conditions appear clearly before you commit your money.

The Gambling Commission introduced stricter rules on bonus terms back in October 2022, requiring operators to display wagering requirements, time limits, and game restrictions in plain language. That regulatory shift reshaped how welcome offers look today. You will rarely see a 100% match above £150 from a UK-licensed operator anymore, simply because the maths no longer works in the operator's favour once terms are transparent.

What changed after the 2022 Gambling Commission review?

The October 2022 review forced operators to simplify bonus messaging. Terms must now state the exact wagering requirement, the maximum bet allowed with bonus funds, and any game weighting restrictions upfront. Previously, some operators buried a 60x requirement in a PDF terms page. That practice is gone for UK licence holders, and the visible result is smaller but cleaner offers.

Most UK-licensed casinos now offer welcome packages between £25 and £150 in bonus value. The average wagering requirement sits around 35x the bonus amount, down from 45x in 2020. Time limits average 30 days. Game weighting typically counts slots at 100%, table games at 10% or less, and live dealer games often excluded entirely.

How do wagering requirements actually affect your withdrawal?

Wagering requirements dictate how many times you must play through your bonus before withdrawing any winnings derived from it. A £50 bonus with 35x wagering means you must place £1,750 in bets before cashing out. That figure sounds daunting, but slot volatility and return-to-player rates determine whether you clear it profitably or lose the bonus first.

Consider a slot with a 96% RTP. Every £100 wagered returns £96 on average, meaning you lose roughly £4 per £100 cycled. Clearing a £1,750 requirement costs around £70 in expected losses. If your bonus was £50, the expected value sits at negative £20 before you even start playing. That is the reality of bonus hunting in 2026.

What is the difference between bonus funds and real money?

UK casinos separate your deposit balance from your bonus balance. Real money winnings from your deposit can be withdrawn at any time, subject to standard withdrawal processing. Bonus funds sit in a separate pot, governed by wagering requirements, game restrictions, and a maximum bet limit that typically ranges from £2 to £5 per spin.

Most operators also apply a conversion cap. If you win £500 from a £50 bonus, the operator may limit your withdrawal to £250 or £300, depending on their terms. This cap exists because high-volatility slots can theoretically turn a small bonus into a massive payout, and operators protect themselves against that tail risk.

Why do operators offer free spins instead of deposit matches?

Free spins cost operators less than cash bonuses. A free spins package of 50 spins at £0.10 per spin represents £5 in theoretical value, yet it carries a perceived value of £25 to £50 in marketing terms. Operators can also restrict free spins to specific slots, often new or underperforming titles from providers like NetEnt or Pragmatic Play.

The wagering on free spin winnings typically sits at 35x to 40x, similar to cash bonuses. However, the maximum win from free spins rarely exceeds £100, and the conversion rate from spin to withdrawable cash averages between 5% and 15% for most players. Free spins work best as a supplement to a deposit match, not as a standalone offer.

Comparing the Best Casino Welcome Bonuses in the UK

The UK market hosts over 200 licensed online casinos, each competing for your first deposit. The table below compares the standout welcome offers from major operators as of early 2026. These figures come from operator websites and reflect the standard terms available to new UK customers.

Note how PlayOJO stands apart from the field. Their 50 free spins carry no wagering requirement on winnings, meaning whatever you win is yours immediately. That is the exception rather than the rule in the UK market, and it explains why PlayOJO consistently ranks among the most player-friendly operators for bonus terms.

The table also reveals a pattern worth noting. Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, and Coral all cap their matches at £50 to £100, and their wagering requirements cluster between 30x and 35x. The days of £500 matches with 20x wagering have vanished from UK-licensed sites, replaced by a more conservative but more honest product.

Which operator offers the best value for a £50 deposit?

Running the maths on a £50 deposit across the major operators produces clear winners. At William Hill, your £50 deposit yields a £50 bonus with 30x wagering, meaning £1,500 in total playthrough. At 96% RTP, the expected cost of clearing sits around £60, leaving you with a negative expected value of £10 on the bonus alone.

PlayOJO's approach changes that calculation entirely. Their 50 free spins at £0.10 per spin give you £5 in spins, and any winnings convert at 1x wagering. The expected value of those spins, assuming a 96% RTP slot, sits around £4.80. You lose nothing from your deposit, and the spins represent pure upside, however modest.

For players who want a deposit match, 888 Casino's 90-day time limit offers the most breathing room. Their £100 match at 35x wagering requires £3,500 in playthrough, but you have three months to clear it rather than the industry-standard 30 days. That extended window reduces the pressure to bet aggressively and lowers the risk of chasing losses.

Are no-deposit bonuses worth claiming in 2026?

No-deposit bonuses, typically 10 to 20 free spins or a £5 to £10 cash credit, remain the rarest offer type in the UK. The Gambling Commission's rules on bonus abuse and multi-accounting make these offers expensive for operators to run, so most restrict them to new customers who verify their identity before claiming.

The value of a no-deposit offer depends entirely on its wagering requirement. A £10 no-deposit bonus with 40x wagering requires £400 in playthrough, which carries an expected loss of £16 at 96% RTP. That means the bonus has negative expected value for the player, and you would be better off skipping it entirely.

Sky Bet and Paddy Power both offer no-deposit free spins to new customers, but the 7-day time limit on Sky Bet's spins creates real pressure. You must clear 40x wagering on winnings within a week, which suits players who can dedicate time to low-stakes slot play. Casual players will likely lose those winnings before they convert.

What wagering requirement should you accept as reasonable?

Any wagering requirement below 30x on the bonus is genuinely player-friendly in the current UK market. Between 30x and 35x sits the industry standard. Above 40x, the offer starts to favour the house significantly, and you should calculate whether the bonus value justifies the playthrough burden.

The calculation is straightforward. Multiply the bonus amount by the wagering requirement to find your total playthrough. Then multiply that figure by the house edge of the games you plan to play. For slots at 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. A £100 bonus at 35x requires £3,500 in bets, costing you approximately £140 in expected losses.

That £140 cost exceeds the £100 bonus value, meaning the offer has negative expected value. You are effectively paying the casino for the privilege of wagering their money. This is why savvy players focus on low wagering requirements and high RTP slots rather than chasing the largest headline bonus figures.

How Regulation Shapes Casino Bonus Design

The Gambling Commission's influence extends far beyond wagering requirement transparency. Their rules on customer verification, deposit limits, and marketing practices have fundamentally changed how operators structure their entire onboarding flow. A welcome bonus in 2026 is as much a compliance exercise as it is a marketing tool.

Operators must now verify your identity before you can deposit or play with real money. This know-your-customer process requires government-issued ID, proof of address, and sometimes a selfie for biometric matching. The verification typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though some operators have reduced this to under 10 minutes using automated systems from providers like SmartSearch.

Why do UK casinos cap welcome bonuses at £100?

The maths of bonus clearing explains the £100 cap. A £500 bonus at 35x wagering requires £17,500 in playthrough, and the operator must fund that exposure against their gross gambling yield tax. UK operators pay a 21% remote gaming duty on gross profits, which eats into the margin on any bonus that converts to real losses.

Operators also face the reality of bonus abuse. Professional players and bonus hunters target high-value offers, using matched betting techniques and low-volatility games to extract guaranteed value. The £100 cap reduces the maximum loss per bonus hunter to a manageable figure, making the abuse less attractive while keeping the offer competitive for genuine players.

The Gambling Commission's social responsibility requirements add another layer. Operators must conduct affordability checks on players who deposit large amounts, and a £500 welcome bonus would trigger enhanced due diligence for many new customers. The £50 to £100 range keeps most players below those thresholds, reducing friction in the onboarding process.

How do payment methods affect bonus eligibility?

Most UK casinos exclude certain payment methods from bonus qualification. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller typically fall outside bonus eligibility because they allow rapid deposits and withdrawals that facilitate bonus abuse. Debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal usually qualify, though PayPal eligibility varies by operator.

Betfair casino and Betway casino both exclude Skrill and Neteller deposits from their welcome offers. The rationale is straightforward: e-wallet transactions can be reversed or routed through multiple accounts more easily than card payments. UK-licensed operators must report suspicious activity to the Gambling Commission, and bonus abuse sits high on their radar.

Deposit limits also vary by payment method. Most operators cap debit card deposits at £5,000 per transaction, while bank transfers can reach £50,000 subject to enhanced verification. For welcome bonus purposes, the minimum qualifying deposit typically sits between £5 and £20, with £10 being the most common threshold across the market.

What role do game providers play in bonus terms?

Game weighting restrictions trace directly back to the providers whose games populate casino lobbies. High-volatility slots from Hacksaw Gaming and Nolimit City carry higher bonus weighting because they can produce massive wins from small stakes. Low-volatility titles from NetEnt and Microgaming often count at 100% but generate steadier, smaller returns.

Live dealer games from Evolution and Playtech typically count at 5% to 10% toward wagering requirements, if they count at all. The house edge on live blackjack and roulette sits between 0.5% and 2.7%, far lower than slots, which makes them dangerous for operators offering bonus funds. Excluding them or weighting them heavily protects the bonus economics.

Progressive jackpot slots from providers like Microgaming and NetEnt often sit outside bonus wagering entirely. The jackpot contribution to RTP distorts the maths, and operators cannot accurately price the bonus cost when a single spin could trigger a seven-figure payout. Check the terms before playing any progressive slot with an active bonus balance.

Calculating the Real Value of a Casino Welcome Bonus

The headline bonus figure tells you almost nothing about the offer's true worth. Two operators can both advertise a £100 match with 35x wagering, yet one offer carries significantly more value because of differences in game weighting, time limits, and maximum bet restrictions. Learning to calculate expected value transforms how you evaluate any welcome offer.

The formula is simple in theory. Start with your bonus amount, multiply by the wagering requirement, and apply the house edge of your chosen games. Subtract the expected loss from the bonus value. The result, whether positive or negative, represents the offer's true worth before you account for the fun of playing.

How do you calculate expected value from a bonus?

Take a concrete example. Betfred casino offers a £30 bonus on a £10 deposit with 30x wagering. Your total playthrough requirement is £900. If you play slots with a 96% RTP, the expected loss on that playthrough is £36. Your bonus value is £30, so the expected value of the offer is negative £6.

Now compare that to William Hill's £50 bonus on a £10 deposit with 30x wagering. The playthrough is £1,500, and the expected loss at 96% RTP is £60. Your bonus value is £50, so the expected value sits at negative £10. Despite the larger headline figure, both offers carry similar negative expected value relative to their bonus amounts.

The calculation changes when you factor in the RTP of specific games. Some slots from Pragmatic Play and Play'n GO offer RTPs above 97%, while others drop below 94%. Choosing the highest RTP games available reduces your expected loss and can flip a negative expected value offer into a marginally positive one.

What is the true cost of meeting wagering requirements?

Time is the hidden cost in any bonus offer. Clearing £1,500 in wagering at £2 per spin means 750 spins. At a realistic pace of 3 seconds per spin, that represents 37 minutes of continuous play, assuming no interruptions for bonus rounds or feature triggers. Most players take longer because they pause, check balances, or switch games.

The maximum bet restriction adds another layer. If the operator caps bonus bets at £2, you cannot accelerate your playthrough by betting £10 per spin. A £5 maximum bet doubles your clearing speed but also doubles your variance, potentially wiping out your balance before you clear the requirement.

Time limits create a further constraint. A 30-day window sounds generous, but it translates to roughly 25 spins per day at £2 per spin to clear a £1,500 requirement. That pace is manageable for most players, but it assumes daily engagement rather than a single weekend session.

Which games offer the best odds for clearing bonuses?

Slots remain the default choice for bonus clearing because they count at 100% toward wagering. Within the slot category, games with high RTP and low variance offer the most predictable path. Starburst from NetEnt, at 96.09% RTP, remains a perennial favourite for bonus play because its low variance keeps balances stable.

Table games, where permitted, offer better odds but slower clearing. A £5 minimum bet on blackjack at 99.5% RTP with perfect strategy would clear £1,500 in 300 hands, but most operators weight blackjack at 10% or exclude it from bonus wagering entirely. The weighting penalty negates the RTP advantage in most cases.

Video poker occupies a middle ground. Some UK casinos, including 32Red casino and Grosvenor Casinos, offer video poker at full weighting with RTPs above 99%. Jacks or Better with optimal strategy returns 99.54%, and the 100% weighting makes it mathematically superior to slots for clearing bonuses. The catch is that few players master the strategy.

Welcome Bonus Terms That Should Trigger Caution

Not every welcome bonus deserves your deposit. Certain terms signal an offer designed to extract value rather than reward new players. Learning to spot these red flags protects your bankroll and prevents the frustration of winning big only to discover you cannot withdraw.

The most common trap involves maximum conversion caps. An operator might offer a £100 bonus with 35x wagering but cap your winnings from that bonus at £200. If you hit a lucky streak and turn the bonus into £800, you only withdraw £200. The cap rarely appears in the headline marketing, hiding instead in the full terms document.

What are the most common bonus traps in UK casinos?

Maximum bet restrictions catch many players off guard. Most operators limit bonus play to £2 or £5 per spin, and exceeding that limit voids your bonus and any associated winnings. A player who forgets and places a £10 bet while clearing a bonus loses everything, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses.

Game exclusion lists vary wildly between operators. Some exclude entire categories like live casino or table games, while others name specific slots that cannot be played with bonus funds. BetMGM casino and bwin casino both maintain extensive exclusion lists that include popular high-RTP titles, forcing bonus players toward lower-return games.

Time limits shorter than 14 days deserve scrutiny. A 7-day window on a 40x wagering requirement demands aggressive play that increases variance and risk. Operators including MrQ casino and Casumo casino have experimented with short windows on promotional offers, though their standard welcome packages typically allow 30 days.

How do you spot unfair bonus terms before depositing?

The terms and conditions document contains every relevant detail, but navigating it requires knowing what to look for. Search for the words wagering, maximum bet, conversion cap, and excluded games. If any of these sections contain language you cannot understand, contact customer support for clarification before depositing.

Legitimate UK operators must display their bonus terms clearly under Gambling Commission rules. If you cannot find the full terms within three clicks of the bonus offer, treat that as a warning sign. Licensed operators like LeoVegas casino and Unibet casino link directly to their terms from every promotional banner.

Check the operator's licence number on the Gambling Commission website. Every UK-licensed operator displays their licence number in their website footer. Cross-reference that number against the Commission's public register to confirm the licence is active and not subject to review or suspension proceedings.

Why do some bonuses exclude certain payment methods?

Payment method exclusions protect operators from bonus abuse. Skrill and Neteller allow instant deposits and withdrawals, enabling players to move money between accounts rapidly. A player could deposit £100 via Skrill, claim a bonus, clear the wagering, and withdraw before the card payment even settles.

Debit card deposits carry a processing delay of 3 to 5 business days for withdrawals, creating a natural cooling-off period that complicates bonus abuse. PayPal offers similar protection because chargebacks and disputes are more difficult to execute than e-wallet transfers.

Some operators also exclude prepaid cards and certain digital wallets from bonus eligibility. Paysafecard deposits typically do not qualify for welcome bonuses because the prepaid nature makes tracking and refunds difficult. Always check the payment method terms before depositing if you plan to claim a bonus.

Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming a Welcome Bonus

Claiming a casino welcome bonus follows a predictable sequence across all UK operators. The process takes between 5 and 15 minutes for most players, though verification delays can extend the timeline. Understanding each step before you start prevents costly mistakes and ensures you actually receive the bonus you expect.

Start by choosing an operator from the list of UK-licensed sites. Confirm the welcome offer matches your deposit amount and playing style. A player who prefers live blackjack should not claim a bonus that excludes table games, while a slot enthusiast has more flexibility in their choice.

What documents do you need for casino verification?

UK operators require proof of identity, proof of address, and sometimes proof of payment method. A valid passport or driving licence satisfies the identity check. A recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax letter dated within the last 3 months confirms your address. Some operators accept digital verification through services like Experian or TransUnion.

The verification process typically completes within 24 hours, though some operators offer instant verification for UK residents whose records match credit bureau data. Gambling Commission rules require full verification before any withdrawal, so completing this step early avoids delays when you request your first cashout.

Payment method verification requires matching the name on your casino account to the name on your card or e-wallet. A mismatch triggers an automatic flag and a manual review that can take up to 72 hours. Ensure your casino account uses your legal name exactly as it appears on your payment documents.

How long does a welcome bonus take to appear?

Most operators credit welcome bonuses automatically within seconds of your qualifying deposit. The bonus funds appear in a separate balance, distinct from your real money balance. Free spins may take longer, with some operators distributing them in batches of 10 or 20 per day over a week.

If your bonus does not appear within 10 minutes of depositing, contact customer support before playing. Playing with real money before the bonus credits can invalidate your claim, depending on the operator's terms. Bet365 casino and Sky Bet casino both require you to claim the bonus within 30 days of registration, and failing to opt in forfeits the offer.

Some operators require a bonus code during registration or deposit. These codes appear in promotional emails or on affiliate websites, and entering them incorrectly means you miss the bonus entirely. Copy the code exactly as shown, including any capital letters or special characters, to avoid claim errors.

What mistakes void your welcome bonus?

Exceeding the maximum bet limit voids your bonus and any winnings derived from it. The limit typically sits between £2 and £5 per spin or bet, and it applies to every wager made with bonus funds. Check the limit before playing and set your bet size accordingly.

Playing excluded games with an active bonus also voids the offer. Some operators block excluded games when you have bonus funds, while others allow play and void the bonus retroactively. The latter scenario is more dangerous because you may not realise you have violated the terms until you attempt a withdrawal.

Withdrawing before clearing the wagering requirement forfeits your bonus balance. Some operators allow partial withdrawals of your real money balance while keeping the bonus active, but most require you to clear the full wagering before any withdrawal. Confirm the operator's policy before requesting a cashout with an active bonus.

Alternative Promotions Beyond the Welcome Bonus

Welcome bonuses represent the first offer in a longer relationship, not the only one worth evaluating. Many UK operators run ongoing promotions that rival or exceed their welcome offers in value. Regular players who understand the full promotional calendar can extract more value from their chosen casino than any single deposit bonus provides.

Reload bonuses, free spin drops, cashback offers, and loyalty programmes each serve different player types. A high-volume slot player might prefer cashback that returns a percentage of losses, while a weekend player values reload bonuses that boost their regular deposits. Matching the promotion to your playing pattern maximises its value.

Which ongoing promotions offer the best value?

Cashback offers provide the most predictable value because they return a percentage of your losses regardless of outcome. Sky Vegas casino and Grosvenor Casinos both run weekly cashback programmes returning 5% to 10% of net losses. A 10% cashback on £100 in losses returns £10, effectively reducing your house edge by a tenth.

Reload bonuses typically offer 25% to 50% matches on deposits made after your initial welcome bonus. Virgin Games casino and MrQ casino run weekly reload offers that mirror their welcome bonus terms. The wagering requirements on reload bonuses often sit lower than welcome offers, making them proportionally more valuable.

Free spin drops reward regular play without requiring additional deposits. Operators distribute free spins to active players based on their recent activity, with values ranging from 10 to 100 spins per week. These spins carry the same wagering requirements as welcome bonuses but represent pure upside since they cost nothing to claim.

How do loyalty programmes compare across operators?

Loyalty programmes reward cumulative play through tiered status levels. The top UK programmes, operated by 888 Casino, Betway casino, and Grosvenor Casinos, offer cashback, exclusive promotions, and faster withdrawal processing at higher tiers. Points accumulate based on wagered amounts, typically 1 point per £10 wagered on slots.

The value of loyalty points varies significantly between operators. PlayOJO converts points directly to cash at a rate of 1 point per £1, while other operators require you to exchange points for bonus funds with wagering attached. Direct cash conversion offers the best value because it avoids any additional playthrough burden.

VIP programmes operate separately from standard loyalty schemes and require an invitation. Invitations typically follow consistent high-stakes play, with thresholds varying by operator. VIP benefits include personal account managers, higher deposit limits, and bespoke bonuses that do not appear in the public promotions calendar.

Are casino bonuses better than sportsbook free bets?

Casino bonuses and sportsbook free bets operate under different maths. A sportsbook free bet returns only the winnings, not the stake, meaning a winning £50 free bet at odds of 2.0 returns £50 rather than £100. Casino bonuses, by contrast, allow you to keep both the bonus and the winnings after clearing the wagering.

The wagering burden on casino bonuses typically exceeds the requirements on sportsbook free bets. A sportsbook free bet might require a single bet at odds of 1.5 or higher, while a casino bonus demands 30x to 40x playthrough. The sportsbook offer carries less total playthrough but restricts you to a single event.

Operators like Bet365 casino and William Hill casino run both casino and sportsbook products, and their cross-promotions sometimes offer combined bonuses. A casino deposit might trigger a free bet on the sportsbook, or a sports bet might unlock free spins on selected slots. These crossover offers provide value across both verticals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Casino Welcome Bonuses

Players consistently ask the same questions about welcome bonuses, and the answers rarely change. The responses below address the most common queries with the specific numbers and terms that matter for your decision-making. If your question does not appear here, contact the operator's customer support directly for a definitive answer.

Can you withdraw a welcome bonus immediately?

No operator allows immediate withdrawal of bonus funds. Every welcome bonus carries a wagering requirement that must be met before conversion to withdrawable cash. The requirement ranges from 1x at PlayOJO to 40x or higher at less generous operators, and attempting to withdraw before clearing it forfeits the bonus balance.

What happens to your deposit if you forfeit a bonus?

Your original deposit remains yours, provided you have not wagered it with bonus funds. Most operators let you forfeit a bonus and withdraw your deposit, though some require you to meet the wagering requirement on your deposit before withdrawal. Check the operator's terms for a forfeit option, which typically appears in the bonus section of your account.

Do UK casinos offer no-deposit welcome bonuses?

A small number of UK-licensed operators offer no-deposit bonuses, typically 10 to 20 free spins or a £5 to £10 cash credit. Sky Bet and Paddy Power have both run these offers. The wagering requirements on no-deposit bonuses are usually higher than deposit bonuses, and the maximum withdrawal from such offers rarely exceeds £100.

How many casino welcome bonuses can you claim?

One per person, per operator, per lifetime. UK operators enforce strict one-bonus-per-customer rules and verify identity to prevent duplicate claims. Opening multiple accounts to claim multiple bonuses violates operator terms and can result in account closure and forfeiture of all balances.

Which casino has the lowest wagering requirements in the UK?

PlayOJO operates the most player-friendly terms with 1x wagering on free spin winnings. Other operators with low requirements include MrQ casino and Casumo casino, both of which have experimented with reduced wagering on select offers. The trade-off is typically lower bonus amounts or restricted game selection.

Are casino welcome bonuses worth claiming at all?

A welcome bonus is worth claiming when its expected value exceeds zero after accounting for wagering costs. Most UK offers carry negative expected value, meaning you lose money on average by claiming them. The exception is low-wagering offers like PlayOJO's, where the bonus costs nothing to clear and represents genuine value.

For most players, the entertainment value of extended play justifies claiming a bonus even when the maths runs negative. A £50 bonus that funds 500 extra spins at £0.10 per spin provides hours of entertainment for a cost of £10 to £20 in expected losses. That trade-off makes sense for recreational players who value the experience over the return.

The responsible approach involves setting a budget before claiming any bonus and treating the wagering requirement as part of your entertainment cost. Never deposit more than you can afford to lose, and always check the operator's responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options, before you start playing.

Remember that gambling carries inherent risks. The legal gambling age in the UK is 18, and anyone struggling with gambling should contact GamCare at 0808 8020 133 or visit gamcare.org.uk for free confidential support. Self-exclusion is available through GAMSTOP, the national online self-exclusion scheme, which allows you to block access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.