Self-exclusion: the strongest tool for stopping
Self-exclusion is a request to be blocked from gambling for a set period or permanently. It is the strongest tool available to someone who wants to stop, and it works at two levels: with a single operator and, in many countries, through a national register.
Operator-level self-exclusion
Most operators let you exclude yourself from your account settings or by contacting support. Typical options include a short time-out, a fixed period of months, or an indefinite exclusion. During the exclusion you cannot log in to gamble, and many operators stop marketing messages too. Some do not allow an exclusion to be lifted early, which is the point.
National registers
Several countries run a central register that blocks access to every locally licensed operator at once, sometimes also by game category. If your country has one, it is usually the most complete option, because it does not depend on remembering every account you have opened. Search for your national gambling regulator; its site normally explains how to register.
| Level | Covers | Typical durations |
|---|---|---|
| Time-out | One operator | Days to weeks |
| Operator self-exclusion | One operator | Months or indefinite |
| National register | All operators licensed in that country | Set periods or indefinite |
The limit to know
A national register only covers operators licensed in that country. Sites without a local licence are not connected to it. That is one more reason to check an operator's licence before opening an account. A site that advertises play "even if you are self-excluded" is a serious warning sign.
Steps that help
- Exclude yourself from every account you hold, not just one.
- Register with your national scheme if one exists.
- Install blocking software on phones and computers.
- Ask your bank whether it offers a gambling transaction block.
- Tell someone you trust, so the decision is not yours alone.
Self-exclusion and slots
If the problem is one type of game, some schemes allow exclusion by category. If gambling in general feels out of control, a full exclusion is the safer choice. Either way, outside support makes the process easier: contact your national gambling helpline, or free international support from Gambling Therapy (online chat and forums in many languages) and Gamblers Anonymous (meeting finder).
Other tools
Before or alongside self-exclusion there are deposit limits, loss limits and session reminders; see responsible gambling.