Self-Exclusion Programs

What is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to temporarily or permanently block your access to gaming platforms. It’s a tool designed to help you take a break from gambling when you feel you need it.

Self-exclusion is:

Voluntary: You choose to exclude yourself
Confidential: Your decision is private
Flexible: Available in various time periods
Reversible: Can be lifted after the exclusion period (with a waiting period)
Effective: Helps break problematic gambling patterns

Why Use Self-Exclusion?

When to Consider Self-Exclusion

Consider self-exclusion if you:

Feel you’re gambling too much or too often
Are spending more than you can afford
Are struggling to stick to your limits
Want to take a break from gambling
Are concerned about developing a gambling problem
Have tried other methods to control gambling without success
Need time to address gambling-related problems

Benefits of Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion helps you:

Take a break: Step away from gambling for a set period
Break patterns: Disrupt problematic gambling habits
Regain control: Give yourself time to reassess your relationship with gambling
Address problems: Focus on resolving gambling-related issues
Protect finances: Prevent further financial losses
Rebuild relationships: Focus on repairing relationships affected by gambling

Types of Self-Exclusion

1. Temporary Self-Exclusion

Temporary exclusion blocks your account for a specific period:

Short-Term Exclusions

24 hours: Quick break to reset
7 days: Weekly break
30 days: Monthly break

Best for: Taking a short break, testing your ability to stop, addressing immediate concerns

Medium-Term Exclusions

3 months: Quarterly break
6 months: Half-year break

Best for: Breaking problematic patterns, addressing financial issues, rebuilding relationships

2. Long-Term Self-Exclusion

Long-term exclusion blocks your account for extended periods:

1 year: Annual break
2 years: Extended break
5 years: Long-term break

Best for: Serious gambling problems, significant financial issues, comprehensive recovery

3. Permanent Self-Exclusion

Permanent exclusion permanently closes your account:

Cannot be reversed: Account is permanently closed
Final decision: Should be considered carefully
Complete protection: Maximum protection from gambling

Best for: Severe gambling problems, when you’re certain you want to stop permanently

How Self-Exclusion Works

The Process

Decision: You decide to exclude yourself
Application: Request exclusion through your account settings or customer support
Verification: Platform may verify your identity
Activation: Exclusion takes effect immediately or after a short waiting period
Enforcement: Platform blocks your access for the exclusion period
Completion: Exclusion ends automatically (for temporary) or remains permanent

What Happens During Exclusion

During the exclusion period:

Account is blocked: You cannot log in or access your account
Deposits are blocked: You cannot add funds to your account
Withdrawals may be allowed: You can usually withdraw existing funds
Account is frozen: Your account remains but is inaccessible
Support is available: You can still contact support for account-related issues

Reversing Self-Exclusion

Temporary Exclusions

Automatic expiration: Exclusion ends after the set period
Early reversal: Usually requires a waiting period (e.g., 7 days)
Cooling-off period: Must wait before exclusion can be lifted
Support contact: Contact customer support to request early reversal

Permanent Exclusions

Cannot be reversed: Permanent exclusions are final
New account: You may be able to create a new account (platforms may prevent this)
Consider carefully: Make sure permanent exclusion is right for you

How to Self-Exclude

Step 1: Access Self-Exclusion Tools

Log into your account
Navigate to account settings
Find “Responsible Gaming” or “Self-Exclusion” section
Review available options

Step 2: Choose Exclusion Type

Decide on:

Duration: How long you want to exclude yourself
Scope: Account-specific or platform-wide (if available)
Type: Temporary or permanent

Step 3: Complete the Process

Select exclusion period: Choose from available options
Read terms: Understand what exclusion means
Confirm decision: Confirm that you want to proceed
Verify identity: Complete any required verification
Wait for activation: Exclusion may take effect immediately or after a short period

Step 4: During Exclusion

Respect the exclusion: Don’t try to circumvent it
Use the time wisely: Address underlying issues
Seek support: Get help if needed
Plan for after: Consider how you’ll manage gambling after exclusion ends

Platform-Specific Features

Account-Level Exclusion

Blocks access to your specific account
Other accounts (if any) may still be accessible
Most common type of exclusion

Device-Level Exclusion

Blocks access from specific devices
May require app removal or software installation
Less common but more comprehensive

Platform-Wide Exclusion

Blocks access to all platform services
Prevents creating new accounts
Most comprehensive protection

Important Considerations

Before Self-Excluding

Consider:

Duration: How long do you need?
Permanence: Is permanent exclusion right for you?
Alternatives: Have you tried other methods (limits, breaks)?
Support: Do you have support during exclusion?
After exclusion: How will you manage gambling after?

During Self-Exclusion

Don’t circumvent: Respect the exclusion
Use the time: Address underlying issues
Seek help: Get professional support if needed
Stay committed: Don’t try to reverse exclusion impulsively

After Self-Exclusion

Assess readiness: Are you ready to return to gambling?
Set limits: Establish clear limits before returning
Monitor closely: Watch for warning signs
Get support: Continue seeking help if needed
Consider extending: Extend exclusion if you’re not ready

Limitations of Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is effective but has limitations:

Technical Limitations

Single platform: Usually applies to one platform only
New accounts: You may be able to create new accounts
Other platforms: Doesn’t prevent gambling on other sites
Offline gambling: Doesn’t prevent offline gambling

Personal Limitations

Requires commitment: You must respect the exclusion
Not a cure: Addresses symptoms, not underlying causes
May need support: Often works best with professional help
Not permanent solution: Temporary exclusions end eventually

Combining Self-Exclusion with Other Strategies

Self-exclusion works best when combined with:

Professional Support

Counseling: Address underlying issues
Therapy: Develop coping strategies
Support groups: Connect with others

Personal Strategies

Financial management: Address financial issues
Relationship repair: Rebuild damaged relationships
Lifestyle changes: Develop healthier habits
Stress management: Learn to manage stress without gambling

Getting Help During Exclusion

While excluded, you can still:

Contact support: For account-related issues
Access resources: Use educational and support materials
Seek counseling: Get professional help
Join support groups: Connect with others
Withdraw funds: Usually allowed during exclusion

Reversing Self-Exclusion

For Temporary Exclusions

To reverse early:

Contact support: Reach out to customer support
Request reversal: Ask to lift the exclusion
Wait for cooling-off: Complete any required waiting period
Confirm decision: Confirm that you want to reverse
Account reactivation: Your account is reactivated

Note: Early reversal usually requires a waiting period (e.g., 7 days) to prevent impulsive decisions.

For Permanent Exclusions

Cannot be reversed: Permanent exclusions are final
New account consideration: Platforms may prevent new account creation
Alternative platforms: You may be able to use other platforms (not recommended if you have a gambling problem)

Conclusion

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool for taking control of your gambling. Whether you need a short break or permanent exclusion, self-exclusion programs can help you step away from gambling and address problematic patterns.

Remember:

Self-exclusion is voluntary and confidential
It’s available in various time periods
It works best when combined with other support
It’s a tool, not a cure—address underlying issues
Help is available during and after exclusion

If you’re considering self-exclusion, it’s a sign that you’re taking your gambling seriously and taking steps to protect yourself. That’s a positive decision.

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