What is self-exclusion?
Definition and example from our casino glossary.
Definition
Self-exclusion is a formal request to be blocked from gambling with an operator, or across a national scheme, for a fixed period of months or years.
Self-exclusion is one of the strongest responsible-gambling tools. When you self-exclude, the operator must close or block your account, return any remaining balance, stop marketing to you and prevent new accounts for the chosen period. In regulated markets the minimum period is usually substantial, for example six months, and the exclusion normally cannot be lifted early. National multi-operator schemes, such as GAMSTOP in Great Britain or Spelpaus in Sweden, extend the block to all licensed operators in that market through a single registration. Self-exclusion has limits: it does not cover unlicensed sites or operators licensed elsewhere, so combining it with blocking software, bank gambling blocks and support services makes it more effective. If you are already wondering whether you need it, that is usually a good reason to act now rather than later.