Self-exclusion and limits: boundaries before you need them
Limits and exclusions are the most effective tools for staying in control — especially when set while everything is still fine. This page explains the tools commonly found in account settings and what they do and do not cover.
Go to the offerCommon tools
- Deposit limit per day, week or month.
- Loss or wager limit for a period.
- Session reminders after a set time.
- Time-out for days or weeks.
- Self-exclusion for a longer period or indefinitely.
Which of these the operator offers and what they are called is shown in the account area, often under “responsible gaming”. If a tool is missing, ask support in writing for an exclusion.
Scope of an exclusion
An exclusion set in one account usually applies only to that operator. Some countries run national exclusion registers covering all licensed operators there; whether such a register exists where you live, and whether it covers a given site, is a question of local law. To protect yourself fully, exclude yourself from each operator separately.
Limits and the cashier
A deposit limit works directly in the cashier: once reached, no further deposits go through. Many operators apply reductions immediately and increases only after a waiting period. An exclusion does not normally stop you withdrawing an existing balance — clarify that first and request the withdrawal before excluding if possible.
Extra layers
- Ask your bank about blocking card payments to gambling merchants.
- Use blocking software or device settings.
- Unsubscribe from operator marketing.
- Tell someone you trust.
Help
Gambling Therapy offers free, confidential online support in many languages; Gamblers Anonymous has a meeting finder. Local help lines in your country are often the quickest route to personal support.
Choosing the right tool
A deposit limit suits someone who wants to keep playing within a budget. A time-out suits someone who wants distance for a few days or weeks, for example after a heavy loss. A self-exclusion suits someone who wants to stop. If you are unsure which applies, choose the stronger option; you can always decide later, while an exclusion that is too weak offers little protection.