A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Exclusion from Online Casinos

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to self-exclusion from online casinos, an essential component of responsible gambling. In our digital era, with online gambling being so easy to access, it's crucial to understand and implement self-exclusion practices. To help you stay on top of things, we’ve created this guide to help you manage your online gambling activities.

What is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary action you can take to exclude yourself from online gambling. It involves making an official agreement with the online casino(s) you wish to exclude yourself from. This enables them to then block your access for a specific length of time, allowing you to take a break without the pressure of keeping yourself in check.

Making this kind of commitment to self-exclude can help you reflect on your gambling activities, give you a better understanding of how you want to gamble in the future, if at all, and ultimately help you to maintain control.

How to Self-Exclude

The self-exclusion process itself is fairly straightforward.

Here’s everything you need to know about how it works and what you can expect if you decide it’s the right choice for you:

Step 1: Decide to Self-Exclude


First of all, you will have to decide that you want to take a break from gambling online. This is totally up to you. It’s a proactive decision you make, not something that anyone or anything else decides.

Step 2: Reach out to the Casino


Next, you’ll need to contact the online casino or gambling platform and request to be self-excluded. This usually involves filling out a form on their website or making arrangements via their customer service.

Step 3: Choose How Long You Want to Be Excluded

As part of organizing your self-exclusion with any online platform, you’ll be asked how long you want your self-exclusion to last. This can vary from a few months to several years, depending on what feels right for you. During this period, you won't be able to access your account to play games or make bets.

Step 4: Take A Comprehensive Approach

Some self-exclusion programs are linked across multiple online gambling sites, which allows you to be excluded from more than one site at a time. This is especially helpful if you use multiple platforms.

Step 5: Consider Gambling Blocking Software

If you would like an extra layer of control, consider using gambling-blocking software like Gamban, Betblocker or Gamblock. You can download an app that allows you to block multiple sites and casino accounts right from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Step 6: The Exclusion Begins


At this point, the self-exclusion period has begun, and you have to sit tight until the time is up. The casino won’t let you access your account or allow you to open any new ones.

Step 7: Support and Resources

It’s important to know where to look for support throughout this process. Many online gambling sites also provide links to resources and support services to help you during your self-exclusion period.

When to Consider Self-Exclusion

It’s important to be aware of warning signs that could indicate the need for self-exclusion, even if you’re not currently considering it. Though they vary from person to person, here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

• You feel like you’re spending too much money gambling.
• It affects your personal and professional relationships.
• You’re thinking about gambling constantly or more often than you would like.
• You find yourself chasing losses.
• You experience anxiety, guilt or shame around gambling.
• You haven’t been able to successfully restrict your gambling time.

If any of these apply to you, self-exclusion could be a great next step to take.

The Benefits of Self-Exclusion

While it’s not a magic fix for serious gambling problems, making the commitment to self-exclude does come with a lot of benefits. You should take these into account if you’re wondering whether a self-exclusion period might be a good idea.

Regain Control

Feeling out of control is a huge part of why many people decide to self-exclude and regaining some of that control can be a huge relief.

Take a Real Break

During a self-exclusion period, you’re forced to take a break from gambling with no pressure to maintain the break yourself. This allows some breathing room and a chance to reflect on your gambling and how you may or may not wish to continue in the future.

Reduce Financial Stress

Excluding yourself from gambling outlets can provide financial relief. It allows time to regroup and reassess your finances.

Improve Your Mental Health

Being able to take a break, regain control, and removing some financial stress can all contribute to improving your overall mental health and well-being. Health is wealth, and it’s important to take care of yourself.

Reflect on Your Gambling

Taking a self-exclusion period can give you the chance to think calmly about your gambling habits. This break can help you figure out what’s working, what needs adjustment, and any other lifestyle changes you may want to make.

Maintaining Self-Exclusion

During a self-exclusion period, it can be useful to have some tips and tricks to rely on. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and everyone experiences self-exclusion in their unique way. Therefore, it is crucial to do what feels right for you. To help you figure out what could work best for you, we have compiled a list of the most effective options below:

• Use Blocking Software: Prevent temptation by installing software that blocks access to online gambling sites and apps on all your devices.
• Avoid Triggers: It’s important to identify and avoid situations, environments, or emotional states that trigger the urge to gamble. This is easier said than done but should always be a priority both during and after a self-exclusion period.
• Plan for Temptations: When you feel the urge to gamble, have a plan in place. This could involve calling a friend, engaging in a distracting activity, or practicing relaxation techniques.
• Let Loved Ones Know: It can be helpful to tell trusted family or friends about your decision to self-exclude. They can offer support and encouragement to help you stay committed.
• Seek Support: Consider joining support groups like Gamblers Anonymous or seek counseling. Find emotional support and advice from others going through similar challenges.
• Find Alternative Activities: Develop new hobbies or revisit old interests to fill the time previously spent gambling. Engaging in alternative activities can redirect your focus and provide an essential sense of fulfillment.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your success in staying away from gambling. Recognizing your achievements can increase your confidence and motivation.

Helpful Resources

Whether you’re looking for more information or feel you’re ready to commit to self-exclusion, there’s plenty of help available:

• GamCare is a leading provider of advice, information and support for anyone who is struggling with gambling-related issues.
• GambleAware has a guide to self-exclusion, self-exclusion programs and a few helpful tools for managing your gambling.
• GamStop allows anyone to self-exclude from any gambling websites licensed in the UK.
• Gambling Therapy from Gordon Moody offers online therapy to anyone looking for help with gambling.

At the end of this page, you'll also find a list of global self-exclusion contacts, to help you out wherever in the world you currently are.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing self-exclusion is an essential and responsible decision for those who want to take control of their gambling habits. By prioritizing your well-being and using available resources, you can demonstrate resilience and take a significant step towards a healthier relationship with gambling. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are many resources out there to support you.

Global Support Contacts For Self-Exclusion

Wherever you're at with self-exclusion, the following resources are available to offer support and guidance worldwide.