A self-exclusion program provides you with the opportunity to step away from gambling and online casino play entirely. It’s a step beyond simply setting deposit limits and session times. Instead, you request an immediate ban from a casino or sportsbook if you cannot stay in control.
What is Self-Exclusion?
What is self-exclusion in gambling? In short, this is a chance for you to ban yourself from any gambling activities. You can enlist for exclusion from online gambling sites, land-based venues, VGT establishments, or even fantasy contests.
When you apply for self-exclusion, you lose access to your gambling account and cannot place wagers, collect winnings, or recover losses. If you go against the order and gamble before the self-exclusion period elapses, all winnings are confiscated, and you may face further penalties. The good news is that you work with the self-exclusion casino or sportsbook to help you remain in control of your gaming activities.
Why Should You Self-Exclude?
The most common reason for self-exclusion is gambling addiction. This is when you cannot stop placing bets, thinking about gambling, or losing money despite the adverse effects on both you and your loved ones.
Online gambling self-exclusion is a personal choice, meaning no one can apply on behalf of someone else. Therefore, it’s up to you to take action when you think that your gambling might be out of control.
The process starts with a self-assessment to determine if you fit the criteria for problem gambling. If you do, take a firm step and ban yourself from casino gambling activities. Here are some reasons you might want to enlist in the self-exclusion casino program:
- You are getting into more and more debt
- You constantly chase losses
- Your gambling is negatively impacting others
- You no longer enjoy gambling as a pastime
- You are constantly thinking about gambling
- You are prioritizing gambling over work, relationships, and family
- You are ready for a change
Types of Self-Exclusion in Online Gambling
Self-exclusion gambling sites allow you to choose the amount of time you wish to be excluded. There is no one-size-fits-all here, so you must decide for yourself what’s most appropriate. In most cases, this decision is based on the severity of the gambling problem.
Cooling-Off Periods
You can request a time-out if all you need is a quick break between sessions. The self-exclusion casino normally accommodates a few hours or a day. Time-out requests can be made by contacting customer support. Friendly agents are on hand to assist and give you all the time and information you need to play safely.Short-Term Self-Exclusion
If you exhibit bad gambling behaviors you can enlist for a short-term exclusion. As the name implies, the program only excludes you for a short while – usually 24 hours to a few days or weeks. You can use this time to reflect on your previous transactions and betting behaviors. This assessment will allow you to spot and fix problem gambling behavior before they take root.Long-Term Self-Exclusion
If you have a history of problem gambling and recognize some of its symptoms, a long-term gambling ban might be beneficial. This program can last for one to five years, during which you will have no access to gambling activities. Long-term self-exclusion is useful when you know that you have had issues with your gambling behavior. The exclusion timeframe is long enough to give you some time to think about gambling and if you can realistically play safely.Indefinite Self-Exclusion
You can also enter a binding agreement with the state regulator by indefinitely listing on the voluntary exclusion list. This will exclude you from gambling forever, and you won’t be able to hold a casino account. Indefinite self-exclusion is a drastic measure, commonly reserved for recovering gambling addicts. If you place your name on the exclusion list indefinitely, this order will stand until you apply for its removal. However, there are no guarantees that the authorities will honor your request.Global Self-Exclusion
While local or site-specific self-exclusion is helpful, you can also register for a universal gambling ban. Global self-exclusion is when you exclude yourself from multiple websites at once. The length of global self-exclusion varies and will depend on the level of severity of the gambling problem. But longer-term or indefinite exclusion options are available. Global self-exclusion is not conducted or implemented by the operator. This exercise is handled by third parties through an app installed on your device.
Complete Gambling Account Closure
Another way to exclude from gambling is to close your account. But think through it carefully, as this is a permanent measure that will cease all your activity and benefits on the gambling platform.
Account closure should only be an option if you no longer want to gamble at any time. If you are unsure, a long-term self-exclusion online gambling scheme might be a more fitting alternative.
Session Limits
Session limits are a practical, responsible gambling tool available at regulated gambling sites. This tool is not self-exclusion per se, but it provides help with problem gambling before you think about banning yourself from casino sites.
You can implement session limits on a variety of activities. Self-exclusion gambling sites will allow you to limit the amount of time spent playing, the amount of money you deposit, and the total wagers placed.
Specific Types of Self-Exclusion Gambling
In most cases, self-exclusion is activity-specific. Therefore, when you register for online gambling self-exclusion, you will still have access to land-based casinos, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports.
This option fits quite well if you are struggling to control your online gambling behavior, for example, but have no issues when it comes to land-based casinos. However, global self-exclusion is the way to go if you are interested in a blanket ban.
How to Ban Yourself From a Casino or a Sportsbook
The steps you must take to ban yourself from the casino depend on the type of self-exclusion you aim for. If you are looking for something site-specific, then contacting customer support is the ideal option.
But when a more universal self-exclusion is required, you must add your details to the voluntary self-exclusion list online. You must supply the following information:
- Your full name as it appears on a government-issued ID
- Home or mobile phone number
- Email address
- Home address
- Any other relevant personal and financial information
- Select the period for which the ban will be in effect.
How to Remove Yourself From Self-Exclusion
Enlisting for self-exclusion is straightforward and usually goes through without incident if all your information is in place. However, removing your name from the list takes more time.
You can request that your name be removed from the voluntary self-exclusion list. The relevant department at the casino reviews your application, and a recommendation is issued. In some US states with regulated online gambling, this may be done through the state gaming commission.
In the first instance, contact the customer support team at your self-exclusion casino. You must answer some questions about your current gambling activity and financial situation.
You may also be asked about your ability to source income for your online gambling activities. This might include providing bank statements to prove you can afford to play games for real money.
Responsible Gambling
Managing your bankroll, only playing with money you can afford to lose, and implementing limits on your time and deposits are responsible gambling practices you must adopt when gaming online. Online gambling sites have several tools that you can use, but the buck stops with you when it comes to your safety and security.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of a range of other useful resources from safe gambling organizations. Enquire about treatments, programs, and advice from these reputable organizations:
