Self-Exclusion Programs for Responsible Gambling

Self-exclusion is a responsible gambling tool that lets people restrict access to gambling services for a selected period. It can be used when someone wants to take a break from gambling or needs more time to review their gambling activity.

Self-exclusion rules, account procedures, and available support options differ between gambling services.

What is self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a self-regulation tool that suspends access to an online casino account for a set period.

For a short break from gambling, some online casinos offer a time-out option. Self-exclusion is generally used for longer restrictions and may be available for a fixed period or indefinitely.

How long can I self-exclude for?

Self-exclusion can last from a short fixed period to a longer or indefinite restriction. During that time, you cannot use the account to gamble.

Check the account terms to see whether any remaining balance can be withdrawn while the restriction is active.

Can I self-exclude from multiple casinos at the same time?

Self-exclusion at one online casino does not automatically block access to every other casino. However, an exclusion may apply to several services when they are operated by the same company or are included in a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.

Some self-exclusion schemes can cover more than one gambling service, but users should check exactly which services are included.gamblingcommission.gov

What happens if I try to gamble during my self-exclusion period?

If you try to gamble through an account that is under self-exclusion, the site should block gambling activity through that account while the restriction remains active.

The treatment of deposits, withdrawals, winnings, and account access can differ between services. Review the self-exclusion terms before activating the restriction.

What support is available when I self-exclude?

People who are concerned about their gambling can contact independent gambling-support services, financial counsellors, or healthcare professionals. Help may also be available through helplines, counselling services, and organisations that address gambling-related harm.

Speaking with trusted friends or family members can also be helpful for some people.

What happens to my private data during self-exclusion?

Online casinos may keep account and self-exclusion records for legal, regulatory, and operational reasons. Information about how personal data is collected, used, stored, and shared should be available in the website’s privacy policy.

Marketing communications may also be restricted during a self-exclusion period under the operator’s policies or applicable requirements.

How can I end a period of self-exclusion?

When the selected exclusion period ends, the account may remain inactive until the user completes the site’s reactivation process. This may involve submitting a request, completing a cooling-off period, or confirming that the user wishes to restore account access.

Review the self-exclusion conditions before requesting account reactivation.

How can I reduce the risk of returning to gambling?

Self-exclusion can restrict access to a particular gambling service, but it may not block access to every gambling opportunity.

It can be combined with practical measures such as budgeting support, blocking software, financial controls, or independent counselling. If gambling is difficult to manage, independent support services can provide further information and assistance.

Why can cooperation between gambling services matter?

A self-exclusion applied at one casino may not restrict access to other gambling services. Wider self-exclusion arrangements can help extend restrictions across multiple services where they are available.

Understanding the scope of the selected exclusion option is important before it is activated.

Summary

Self-exclusion is a responsible gambling option that restricts access to an online casino or gambling service for a selected period. Time-outs can be used for short breaks, while self-exclusion provides a longer-term restriction.

Before activating self-exclusion, users should check the duration, the services covered, account-balance procedures, and the process for restoring account access. People who are concerned about their gambling can also consider independent support.

This page is provided for informational purposes only.