How to Use Self-Exclusion Tools: A Player's Guide to Taking a Break

What Is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a formal request to a gambling operator — or a national register — to block your account and prevent you from gambling for a set period of time. It is not just closing your account. It is a binding restriction that the operator is legally required to enforce in licensed markets.

You can set self-exclusion for a fixed period (typically 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years) or permanently. During the exclusion period, the operator must not allow you to log in, deposit, or receive marketing communications.

How to Self-Exclude at a Single Casino

Every licensed casino is required to offer a self-exclusion option in the account settings or responsible gambling section. The process usually takes less than five minutes:

1. Log in to your account
2. Go to the Responsible Gambling or Account Settings section
3. Select "Self-Exclusion" or "Take a Break"
4. Choose your exclusion period
5. Confirm your request — some casinos require you to re-enter your password or click a confirmation email

Once confirmed, your account is locked. Any remaining balance should be returned to you per the operator's withdrawal policy.

National Self-Exclusion Registers

Many countries now operate national or multi-operator self-exclusion schemes that block you across multiple platforms at once. These are more powerful than single-site exclusions:

• UK: GamStop — covers all UK Gambling Commission licensed sites
• Sweden: Spelpaus — covers all Swedish licensed operators
• Germany: OASIS — covers licensed German gambling providers
• Netherlands: CRUKS — mandatory for all Dutch licensed operators

If you register with a national scheme, operators are required by law to check against it at login and refuse access to excluded players.

Deposit Limits and Cooling-Off Periods: Lighter Alternatives

If a full exclusion feels too drastic, most licensed casinos also offer:

• Deposit limits: Daily, weekly or monthly caps on how much you can deposit
• Loss limits: A maximum amount you can lose in a given period
• Session time limits: Automatic logout after a set time
• Cooling-off periods: A short break of 24 hours to 30 days, after which access is restored automatically

Deposit and loss limits are usually applied immediately. Increases to those limits must typically wait 24–72 hours to take effect — this delay is a deliberate consumer protection measure.

What to Do If You Need Support

Self-exclusion tools are a practical measure, not a substitute for support if gambling has become a problem. Organisations that can help include:

• GamCare (UK): gamcare.org.uk
• Gambling Therapy (international): gamblingtherapy.org
• BeGambleAware (UK): begambleaware.org

Bonus Rush only recommends casinos that hold valid licences and provide accessible responsible gambling tools. If you have concerns about your gambling, use the tools available — they are there for a reason.