Self-exclusion: how to step away from gambling

Self-exclusion is a request to be blocked from gambling for a set period or for good. It is the strongest tool in a casino account, and it is designed to be hard to undo. If you are reading this page because you think you need it, that instinct is worth trusting: it is far easier to reopen a door later than to close it in a difficult moment.

The options, from lightest to strongest

Limits. Deposit, loss or session limits keep you playing within a budget. See the responsible gambling page.
Time-out. A short break during which you cannot play; the account reopens automatically at the end.
Self-exclusion at one operator. A longer block, often for months or permanently. It usually covers the operator's account and may extend to its other brands.
A national blocking register. Where a country has one, a single registration blocks licensed operators in that market. If you live in Denmark, the Danish version of this site covers ROFUS on its responsible gambling page.
Device and bank blocks. Blocking software and gambling blocks offered by some banks add a layer that works across sites.

How to self-exclude in a casino account

Look in the account settings for a section called responsible gambling, player protection or similar. The self-exclusion option there usually asks you to choose a period and confirm. If you cannot find it, write to the operator's support with a clear sentence: "Please self-exclude my account for [period] with immediate effect." Ask for a written confirmation. Do not let anyone talk you into a shorter period or a "break instead".

Money and bonuses during exclusion

Before or right after the exclusion starts, ask to withdraw your real-money balance. Bonus money and any winnings still tied to an unfinished wagering requirement are normally removed when the account is closed for protection reasons. That can feel like a loss, but chasing a bonus to the end is exactly the pattern exclusion is meant to break. Also unsubscribe from promotional e-mails and messages; an operator should stop marketing to excluded players, but removing yourself from lists helps.

Covering more than one site

An exclusion at one operator does not stop you opening an account elsewhere. If that is a risk for you, combine it with a national register where available, blocking software on your phone and computer, and a gambling block on your bank card if your bank offers one. Telling one person you trust also makes a real difference.

Free support

Self-exclusion works best alongside support. Gambling Therapy offers free, confidential help online in many languages, including live chat and groups. Gamblers Anonymous runs mutual-help meetings in many countries. Talking to someone does not commit you to anything.

If the operator does not respond

A self-exclusion request should be acted on promptly. If you are still able to play after asking, or you keep receiving offers, document it with dates and screenshots and follow the steps on our complaints page. You can also report it to the regulator named in the operator's footer. Our own terms of use explain what this site can and cannot do.

FAQ

What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?

A time-out is a short, fixed break — typically from a day to several weeks — after which the account reopens. Self-exclusion is longer, often six months or more, or permanent, and usually cannot be reversed early.

Does self-excluding at one casino block the others?

No. An exclusion set in one operator's account normally covers that operator, sometimes all of its brands. To block several sites you need a national register where your country has one, or blocking software on your devices.

What happens to my balance and an active bonus?

Operators usually let you withdraw your real-money balance before or after the exclusion starts. An active bonus and winnings tied to it are normally forfeited. Withdraw first if you can, but do not delay the exclusion to finish wagering.

Can I cancel self-exclusion if I change my mind?

Usually not before the period ends, and that is the point of it. For permanent exclusions, operators often require a cooling-off period and a written request before any reopening is considered.