Self-exclusion, limits and breaks
Account tools let you put rules on your play before you need them. They are usually found in the account settings, under a heading such as responsible gaming or limits, and can also be set through support. This page explains what each tool does, how they differ, and what happens to an active bonus when you use them. There is no single international self-exclusion register; the tools described here work at the level of the operator's account, and some countries run their own national schemes.
The tools at a glance
| Tool | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can pay in per day, week or month | Keeping to a set budget |
| Loss or wager limit | Caps net losses or total stakes over a period | Limiting the effect of long sessions |
| Session reminder | Shows elapsed time and play at intervals you choose | Noticing how long you have played |
| Time-out | Blocks play for a short period | A cooling-off break |
| Self-exclusion | Closes access for a long or indefinite period | Stepping away completely |
How limits usually behave
Lowering a limit normally applies at once. Raising it or removing it normally applies only after a waiting period, so that the decision is not taken in the heat of a session. Note the date a change will take effect. If a limit can be raised instantly with one click, treat it with more care than one that waits.
Time-outs and self-exclusion
A time-out is a short break you choose. Self-exclusion is a longer commitment, often for months or years, during which the operator should block your access and stop sending you marketing. During self-exclusion, you should not be able to reopen the account early. If you have accounts with other operators, set exclusion on each of them; one operator's block does not cover another's.
What happens to an active bonus
Setting a limit or a time-out does not cancel a bonus by itself, but it can stop you completing the requirement before the deadline, after which the bonus expires. Self-exclusion usually forfeits any active bonus. That is the right outcome: no bonus is worth delaying a break. If you have a real-money balance when you self-exclude, ask support how it will be returned to you.
How to set them
- Log in and open the account settings or profile section.
- Find the responsible gaming or limits area.
- Choose the tool, the amount or period, and confirm.
- If you cannot find it, contact support and ask in writing; keep the reply.
Free help
Gambling Therapy offers free online support in many languages, and Gamblers Anonymous has a meeting finder. A local support service where you live may also help. More on the responsible gambling page.