If gambling feels out of control, self-exclusion is one of the strongest tools you can use.
It lets you block access to betting sites, casinos, and sportsbooks for a chosen period — even if you change your mind later.
This guide explains:
- what self-exclusion means
- when to use it
- how to activate it
- what happens to your money afterward
If you need urgent emotional or financial support, visit External Help.
What Is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion means you voluntarily tell a gambling operator:
“Do not let me log in, bet, or deposit for a chosen period.”
Important facts:
- You pick the duration (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, 5 years).
- During that time, you cannot reopen your account.
- The operator must block you from depositing or betting.
- In some countries (like the UK), multi-operator schemes such as GAMSTOP let you block all licensed sites at once.
Self-exclusion is legally recognized in regulated gambling markets — and designed to protect you.
When Should You Use Self-Exclusion?
You should consider self-exclusion if:
- You keep gambling after promising to stop.
- You’re chasing losses.
- You’re hiding gambling from people around you.
- You’re gambling to deal with stress, boredom, or loneliness.
- You feel like you can’t stop on your own.
Choosing to self-exclude is not a failure. It’s a way to take back control.
How to Self-Exclude From a Betting Site
- Log in to your betting account.
- Go to Account, Profile, or Responsible Gambling / Player Protection.
- Find “Self-Exclusion” or “Account Closure.”
- Choose how long you want to be blocked.
- Confirm.
If you can’t find it, contact support and say:
“I want to self-exclude for [time period] due to gambling problems.
Please confirm in writing when the exclusion is applied.”
That phrasing creates a written record the operator must act on.
What Happens to Your Money?
Normally:
- You can still withdraw remaining balance.
- You cannot deposit new funds.
- Your bonuses or promotions may be voided — that’s normal.
If a bookmaker refuses to release your money after you exclude, take screenshots and get support via Gambling Help.
Self-Exclusion vs. Time-Out vs. Account Closure
Time-Out / Cool-Off
Short-term break (24h to 30 days). Ideal for quick resets or bad streaks.
Self-Exclusion
Medium- or long-term block (6+ months). Designed to stop gambling harm.
Full Account Closure / Permanent Ban
Permanent, unreversible closure flagged for gambling harm.
“I’m done with this forever.”
After You Self-Exclude
After excluding:
- Delete gambling apps and bookmarks.
- Unsubscribe from promo emails.
- Block gambling websites using browser extensions.
- Talk to someone who understands — External Help.
Remember: this is not the end of your journey — it’s the start of recovery.
18+ | Please gamble responsibly.
Block yourself today and start rebuilding. Free, confidential help available → /responsible-gambling/external-help/
