Gambling Self-Exclusion Guide — How to Block Yourself

What Is Self-Exclusion from Gambling?

Self-exclusion is a tool that allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling activities for a set period. It's one of the most effective responsible gambling measures available, designed to help people who feel they're losing control of their gambling habits.

How Self-Exclusion Works

When you self-exclude, you ask gambling operators to close your accounts and prevent you from opening new ones for a chosen period (typically 6 months to 5 years, or permanently). During this time:

• Your existing accounts are closed
• You cannot open new accounts with participating operators
• Marketing communications stop
• Access to gambling websites and apps is blocked where technically possible

National Self-Exclusion Programs

Different countries offer different self-exclusion systems:

GamStop (UK) — the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Covers all UK-licensed online gambling operators. Registration takes about 5 minutes at gamstop.co.uk. Periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. OASIS (Germany) — Germany's national exclusion system covering all licensed operators under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag. Spelpaus (Sweden) — Sweden's national self-exclusion register. Covers all Spelinspektionen-licensed operators. Periods: 1 month to permanent. BAN (Belgium) — Belgium's EPIS system allows exclusion from all licensed gambling. National Register (Netherlands) — CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) covers all Dutch-licensed operators.

Individual Casino Self-Exclusion

Most online casinos also offer their own self-exclusion options, independent of national schemes:

• Go to your casino account settings
• Look for "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection"
• Select "Self-Exclusion"
• Choose your exclusion period
• Confirm your decision

Note: individual casino exclusion only covers that specific casino. For comprehensive protection, use national schemes where available.

Other Responsible Gambling Tools

Self-exclusion isn't the only option. Consider these tools first if you want to limit rather than stop:

Deposit limits — set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose in a given period. Session time limits — set alerts or automatic logouts after a specified playing time. Cool-off periods — temporary breaks (24 hours to 6 weeks) where your account is suspended but not closed. Reality checks — pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and your session results.

Gambling Blocking Software

Additional tools to support your self-exclusion:

Gamban — paid service that blocks gambling sites across all your devices (phone, tablet, computer). Works alongside self-exclusion for extra protection. Browser extensions — free extensions like BetBlocker that block gambling URLs. ISP-level blocking — some internet providers offer family-safe filters that include gambling site blocking.

When to Consider Self-Exclusion

Consider self-exclusion if you recognise any of these patterns:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned
• Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or essentials
• Chasing losses — depositing more to try to win back what you lost
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed about gambling
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Neglecting work, relationships, or health due to gambling

You don't need to hit rock bottom to self-exclude. It's a preventive tool as much as a recovery tool.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know needs support:

• UK: GamCare — 0808 8020 133, gamcare.org.uk
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling — 1-800-522-4700
• Australia: Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858
• International: Gambling Therapy — gamblingtherapy.org (free, multilingual)

Visit our responsible gambling page for more resources and support links.

Summary

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool for regaining control. Whether through national schemes like GamStop, individual casino settings, or blocking software, multiple layers of protection are available. There's no shame in using them — they exist because responsible gambling matters.

FAQ

What is self-exclusion and how does it work?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to ban yourself from gambling platforms for a set period. Once registered, the operator must close your accounts, block access, and stop marketing to you. It cannot be reversed early in most jurisdictions.

Can I self-exclude from just one casino or all at once?

This depends on your jurisdiction. Many countries have national self-exclusion registers (e.g., ROFUS in Denmark, Spelpaus in Sweden, BetStop in Australia) that cover all licensed operators simultaneously. Individual operator exclusions are also available.

Is self-exclusion permanent?

Options vary by program. Most offer temporary exclusion periods (3 months, 6 months, 1 year) as well as permanent exclusion. Some programs allow reinstatement after a cooling-off period with mandatory counselling.

Will self-exclusion affect my bank account or credit score?

No. Self-exclusion only affects your gambling accounts. It has no impact on your banking, credit score, or other financial services. It is a private gambling-specific measure.

Where can I get help for problem gambling?

Every country has support services. Common resources include national gambling helplines (available 24/7, free and confidential), online chat services, counselling, and peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous. Check the resources section in this article for numbers specific to your country.

Related Guides

• Slot Bankroll Management — set limits before you need exclusion
• Slot Myths Debunked — don't chase myths
• Free Spins & No Deposit Guide — lower-risk play options