Self-exclusion: stepping away properly
Self-exclusion is a decision to be barred from gambling for a period. It can be done at the level of a single account, and in many countries through a national register that applies to every licensed operator at once.
Account-level exclusion
Every responsible operator lets you exclude your account for a set period or permanently. During that time you cannot deposit or play, and marketing should stop. Ask support or use the option in account settings.
National registers
Several countries run central self-exclusion schemes linked to all locally licensed operators. Your national regulator's website explains whether such a scheme exists where you live and how to join it. Registers usually set a minimum period and a waiting time before you can reverse the decision.
Why waiting periods matter
A delay before an exclusion can be lifted protects the decision you made in a clear moment against a later impulse. Slot players know the "just one more session" pull after a losing run; that is exactly what the waiting period blocks.
Limits of exclusion
A register only covers operators linked to it. Sites licensed elsewhere may not be included. That is why exclusion works best alongside other measures.
Complementary steps
- Exclude or close each account you have used, one by one.
- Install gambling-site blocking software on your devices.
- Ask your bank whether it can block gambling payments.
- Unsubscribe from promotional e-mails and notifications.
- Talk to someone you trust.
Support during a break
Gambling Therapy offers free online support in many languages, and Gamblers Anonymous has meetings worldwide. See responsible gambling.
Using the time
Notice what used to trigger play: times of day, moods, types of game. Many slot players find that autoplay and special-round games held them most. That knowledge is useful when the period ends.
When the period ends
Before returning, decide whether you really want to. If you do, start with strict deposit limits and a clear spin budget, and avoid the games you identified as hardest to stop.
Shorter breaks
If you are not ready for exclusion but want to slow down, the deposit, loss and session limits in your account are a first step.