Self-exclusion
A tool that lets you block yourself from gambling with an operator, or with all licensed operators in some countries, for a set time or for good.
Two levels
With one operator. Almost every licensed casino lets you close your account for a set period from your settings or through support. Check whether it covers the whole group: many brands share an owner, and excluding from one may not cover its sister sites.
Across a whole market. Some countries run a national scheme. In Great Britain, GAMSTOP lets you exclude yourself from all UK-licensed online operators at once for six months, one year or five years. Germany has a central blocking system, OASIS, for licensed providers. Other markets have their own versions.
What to expect
- You can't reverse it early, even if you ask. That's on purpose.
- Marketing emails and texts should stop.
- Any remaining balance is normally paid back to you; ask support how.
- When the period ends, some schemes need you to actively reopen the account rather than it reopening automatically.
The gap to know about
A national scheme only covers operators licensed in that market. Offshore sites aren't connected to GAMSTOP or OASIS, which is why some advertise themselves as "not on GAMSTOP". If you're excluding yourself, blocking software on your devices and asking your bank to block gambling payments helps close that gap. Many UK banks offer a gambling block in their app.
Other tools, and help
Self-exclusion is the strongest step. Lighter options include deposit limits, time-outs of a day to a few weeks, and reality checks. If you're thinking about self-exclusion, it's worth talking to someone too. Gambling Therapy offers free support online, and our responsible gambling guide lists more.
Related
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Set limits before you play, and see our responsible gambling guide if it stops being fun.