Gambling self-exclusion: how it works and where to start

Self-exclusion is a tool that lets you ban yourself from gambling for a set period. Once you are excluded, operators taking part should close or lock your account, stop marketing to you and refuse new sign-ups.

Why people use it

• To stop completely while breaking a habit.
• To take a long break after a difficult period.
• To protect their finances during stress.
• As part of treatment with a counsellor.

How it helps

Urges tend to pass. Self-exclusion puts a barrier between an urge and a bet, which gives you time to ride it out. It is not a cure on its own, but it is one of the most effective practical tools available.

If you are deciding whether you need it, our how to stop gambling guide covers warning signs and first steps.

Most gambling sites offer several responsible gambling tools. They differ in strength.

Deposit and loss limits

You set a maximum you can deposit or lose over a day, week or month. Good for staying in control while still playing. Our gambling budget guide explains how to pick limits.

Time-out or cool-off

A short break, commonly from 24 hours up to about six weeks. Your account is locked for that time and reopens afterwards. Useful if you feel things slipping but want a short reset.

Self-exclusion

A longer ban, often six months, one year, five years or permanently. During the period, the account usually cannot be reopened, even if you ask.

Account closure

Simply closing an account is weaker than self-exclusion. On some sites a closed account can be reopened quickly.

Which to choose

If you are asking whether you need self-exclusion, it is often worth choosing it. A longer period is safer than a shorter one; you can always choose not to return afterwards.

Every responsible gambling site should let you self-exclude from your account.

How it usually works

1. Log in and look for "Responsible gambling", "Safer gambling" or "Account limits".
2. Choose self-exclusion and a period.
3. Confirm. Some sites also ask you to confirm by email.
4. Withdraw any remaining balance if the site allows.

If there is no option

Contact support and ask in writing to be self-excluded for a specific period. Keep a copy of the message.

Do it everywhere

Self-excluding from one site does not stop you from using another. List every site you have an account with and exclude from each one. Then consider a wider scheme or blocking software to cover sites you have not used yet.

On PVPspinArena, you can contact support to close or lock your account, and the responsible gambling page lists tools and help.

In the US, gambling is regulated state by state, and so is self-exclusion.

How state programmes work

Many states with legal casinos, sports betting or online gambling run a self-exclusion list. You apply through the state gaming regulator, often online or in person, and choose a period such as one year, five years or lifetime. Licensed operators in that state must then block you.

Examples

States such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and others run programmes for online and land-based gambling. Details, including periods and whether you can remove yourself early, vary by state.

Limitations

• A state list only covers operators licensed in that state.
• It usually does not cover offshore or crypto sites.
• You may need to join more than one state's list if you travel or live near a border.

Check your state gaming regulator's website for current rules. The National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER) can also point you to local options.

Several countries run national self-exclusion schemes that cover many operators with one registration.

United Kingdom: GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is a free scheme for online gambling. Registering blocks you from online operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission for the period you choose, usually 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. It does not cover operators without a UK licence.

Other countries

• Sweden runs Spelpaus, a national self-exclusion register.
• Denmark runs ROFUS.
• Australia runs BetStop for online and phone wagering.
• Several other European countries have national registers linked to their licensing systems.

What these schemes do not cover

National schemes only apply to operators licensed in that country. Offshore sites, including many crypto casinos, are not included. That is why blocking software is an important extra layer.

Blocking tools stop gambling websites and apps from loading on your devices. They cover sites that self-exclusion lists do not.

Common options

• Gamban: blocks gambling sites and apps across phones and computers.
• BetBlocker: a free, charity-run blocker for multiple devices.
• Device controls: phone and router settings can block categories of sites.
• Bank blocks: many banks can block card payments to gambling merchants.

Tips

• Install blocking on every device you use.
• Choose settings that make it hard to uninstall quickly.
• Combine with bank blocks for a second layer.
• Ask someone you trust to hold any unlock codes.

Blocking works best alongside self-exclusion, not instead of it.

Crypto gambling sites are often licensed offshore, which means national and state schemes usually do not cover them. You need to take extra steps.

Steps that help

1. Self-exclude directly with each crypto site you have used.
2. Install blocking software that covers crypto casinos.
3. Remove quick access to crypto: delete exchange apps from your phone, or move funds to a wallet that is harder to reach.
4. Block gambling at your bank to stop buying crypto on impulse for gambling.
5. Remove verified wallets from gambling accounts where possible.

Why it matters

Crypto transfers are fast and cannot be reversed, which removes the natural pauses that bank payments create. Adding barriers puts some of those pauses back.

If you are also managing a crypto wallet, keep security in mind while making changes; our seed phrase guide explains how to move funds safely.

While excluded

• Expect some urges, especially early on. They usually pass within 15 to 30 minutes.
• Fill the time gambling used to take with other activities.
• Keep in touch with support, whether a helpline, a counsellor or a peer group.
• If you slip on a site not covered by your exclusion, add it to your blocks and tell someone.

When the period ends

Many schemes do not automatically reopen accounts; you may have to ask. Before doing anything, ask yourself whether returning is a good idea. Many people choose to extend.

If you do return

Set strict deposit and time limits from the start, and stop immediately if the old patterns come back. The gambler's fallacy and chasing losses are common early warning signs.

Help is always available. The responsible gambling page lists helplines and support services.

A little preparation makes self-exclusion more effective.

Before you register

• List every account: casinos, sportsbooks, poker, crypto and skin sites.
• Withdraw balances where possible, or note them so you can ask support later.
• Decide on a period: longer is usually better.
• Tell someone you trust what you are doing.

On the day

• Self-exclude from each site on your list.
• Register with any state or national scheme that applies to you.
• Install blocking software on every device.
• Turn on gambling blocks with your bank.

After registering

• Keep confirmation emails in case you need them.
• Report any marketing you receive to the operator and, if relevant, the regulator.
• Tell support immediately if a site lets you open a new account despite an exclusion.

Self-exclusion is a strong tool, but it has limits worth knowing.

• It does not cover sites outside the scheme you joined.
• Determined attempts to get round it, such as new emails or other people's accounts, may work on some sites.
• It does not address the reasons behind gambling, such as stress or low mood.
• It does not deal with debts that already exist.

That is why it works best as one part of a plan. Pair it with blocking software, money controls, and support from a helpline, counsellor or peer group. Our how to stop gambling guide sets out a full step-by-step plan.

Self-exclusion has to be chosen by the person who gambles. You cannot usually register someone else. But you can help.

What helps

• Talk calmly and without blame. Focus on how gambling is affecting them and you.
• Offer practical help: sitting with them while they register, helping list accounts, or installing blocking software together.
• Suggest a helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER in the US supports family members as well as gamblers.
• Protect your own finances: separate accounts and remove shared cards from gambling sites.

Look after yourself

Living with someone who gambles can be stressful. Support groups such as Gam-Anon exist for family and friends. You do not have to handle it alone.

Third-party exclusion

A few jurisdictions allow family members to request an exclusion in limited cases, often through a court or regulator. Rules vary widely, so check with your local regulator if this is a concern.

More responsible play reading lives in our Responsible play guides.