Former MP’s passport case: how self-exclusion and ID checks are meant to protect you

What the court heard

Prosecutors said that in April 2022, while she was an MP and in what was described as acute psychiatric distress, Ms Wallis used her own computer to change the date shown on an image of her genuine passport. That let her open an account on a gambling site despite having self-excluded, and she deposited money that was lost. Nobody else’s identity was used, and the judge said culpability and harm were at the lowest level. She has since applied again to be blocked from gambling sites.

How self-exclusion works in Britain

GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme. Every online casino licensed by the Gambling Commission must be part of it. Once you register, licensed sites must stop you opening accounts or gambling for the period you choose, six months, one year or five years, and the exclusion cannot be lifted early. Licensed sites check your identity, age and address before you can gamble, and match those details against GAMSTOP.

No system is perfect, which is why experts recommend layering protections: GAMSTOP, blocking software such as Gamban, gambling blocks offered by most UK banks, and talking to someone you trust. Unlicensed sites ignore GAMSTOP altogether; the Commission’s latest research found more than half of illegal-site users had played on non-GAMSTOP sites.

Where to get help

• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, free and open 24/7.
• GAMSTOP: register at gamstop.co.uk to block UK-licensed sites.
• Bank blocks: most UK banks let you block gambling transactions in their app.
• Our guide: see safer gambling for more support, including help for family and friends.