Self-exclusion, limits and breaks
Some countries run national self-exclusion registers for online gambling; many do not. Where none applies, the tools available are each operator's own. This guide by Mariela Briceño explains which tools to look for and how to choose.
Go to the offerTypical account tools
| Tool | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Daily, weekly or monthly cap | From day one |
| Session limit | Reminder or logout after a set time | If you lose track of time |
| Time-out | Blocks the account for days or weeks | After a bad run or a hard moment |
| Self-exclusion | Closes the account for months or indefinitely | If gambling has stopped being leisure |
How to choose
Limits suit people who want to keep playing with control. A time-out suits people who need distance. Self-exclusion suits people who feel they cannot stop. If you are torn between two options, choose the stronger one; you can reconsider later, once the urge has passed.
Read the operator's terms
Check how quickly a limit takes effect, whether raising it has a cooling-off period and whether self-exclusion can be reversed. Good tools apply decreases instantly and increases with a delay.
After self-excluding
Withdraw any balance, uninstall apps, unsubscribe from promotional emails and consider blocking gambling sites on your devices. Excluding yourself from one casino does not exclude you from others.
Where to get help
Gambling Therapy offers free online support in many languages, with chat and forums. If your country has a national register or helpline, use it as well.
Blocking software and support
Besides operator tools, there are apps that block gambling sites on phones and computers. Telling someone you trust about your decision also helps: a person who knows you are taking a break is one more brake.
Coming back
If you decide to return after a break, start with a lower deposit limit than before and keep a written record of every session. If the old patterns come back quickly, that is useful information: it may be time for a longer exclusion.