Self-exclusion: closing the door for a while, or for good
Self-exclusion is a decision to block your own access to gambling for a period or indefinitely. It exists at two levels: with a single operator, and — in some countries — through a national scheme that covers every locally licensed operator at once. This generic page explains both.
Two levels
| Level | Coverage | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Your account with one operator (sometimes its sister sites) | Other operators are unaffected |
| National scheme | All operators licensed in that country | Only operators within that licensing system |
Durations and reversal
Operators typically offer fixed periods — months or years — and indefinite exclusion. Many do not allow early reversal, and some require a waiting period and a request in writing before an account can reopen. Read the operator's rules before choosing a duration, and choose longer rather than shorter.
What it does not cover
A national scheme protects you only with operators inside that country's licensing system. Sites without a local licence are not connected to it. Sites that advertise «no self-exclusion» are offering exactly the bypass that the scheme is designed to prevent.
Bonuses and balance at self-exclusion
Active bonuses usually lapse when you self-exclude; any cash balance remains yours and is returned under the operator's rules. Do not wait to «finish the bonus» first: that reasoning is precisely what self-exclusion is there to interrupt.
Making it stick
- Ask the operator for written confirmation.
- Check that marketing emails and messages stop.
- Install gambling-blocking software on your devices.
- Turn on your bank's gambling block if it offers one.
- Tell someone you trust.
Before you choose a duration
Short exclusions are tempting because they feel reversible. Experience from support services suggests the opposite approach works better: choose a period long enough to break the habit, and plan what you will do with the time and money that gambling used to take. Remove saved logins and delete apps on the same day you exclude, so there is nothing left to tempt you back.
Support
Self-exclusion works best alongside support. Free, confidential support is available from Gambling Therapy (online chat and forums in many languages) and from Gamblers Anonymous (meeting finder). More tools: Responsible gambling.