Cointelegraph is a free to read website, by purchasing a product through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost for our readers. Which will allow us to finance our operations and continue with our research work for our readers. We ensure all recommendations go through in-depth editorial checks to maintain accuracy and quality. You can learn more about this on Content Guidelines and How We Rate pagesResponsible gambling tools such as self exclusion are designed to help players stay in control of their gambling. If you find that online gambling is causing problems in your personal life, it may be one of the best tools to help you get back on the right track.
At Cointelegraph, we aim to promote responsible gambling and help players stay in control. Our team of dedicated professionals is focused on player safety above all other things. On this page, we explain what self exclusion is, how you can benefit from it, and how you can self-exclude from playing.
What Is Self Exclusion?
Self exclusion is a responsible gambling tool that allows players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling sites. Players who self-exclude cannot play or use the sites they are excluded from for the duration of the exclusion.
This mechanism is a great way for players with gambling problems to take a much-needed break while they look for solutions. Responsible gambling tools like this are a key part of our casino ranking methodology, as they demonstrate the operator’s dedication to player security.
How Self Exclusion Programs Work
There are different types of voluntary exclusion programs out there. Some will allow you to exclude yourself from playing at a certain site or group of sites, while others will exclude you from all regulated sites within a given legal jurisdiction.
In either case, a self exclusion program will typically ban you from playing or using other features of the relevant gambling operators. This way, you will not be able to play, make deposits or cash out, or even play free games on any of your registered accounts.
Why Choose Self Exclusion?
While gambling can be a fun hobby for most, a certain percentage of the population inevitably becomes addicted to it.
Out of all the responsible gambling tools out there, self exclusion is one of the most efficient ones. It allows a person to step away from the world of gambling and take a sober look at their actions. It is a tool that can allow you to seek help from a family member, friends, or trained professionals.
Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling or gambling addiction is a type of addictive behavior that can disrupt a person’s personal life and relationships.
Problem gamblers no longer gamble for fun and are not in full control of their gambling habits.
Much like any other addiction, problem gambling is an issue that must be taken seriously, and self exclusion is one of the tools that can be used to face it. self exclusion programs are also supported by gaming enforcement authorities to ensure a safer gambling environment and promote responsible gaming practices.
The Benefits of Voluntary Self Exclusion
The advantage of voluntary self exclusion is that it is not forced upon you but rather a step you choose to take in the right direction. Once you self-exclude from playing, you will get a chance to re-evaluate things.
How to Enroll in a Self Exclusion Program?
The exact process of how to enroll may depend on the legal jurisdiction you are in, but most offer a similar and relatively simple way to exclude from major gambling sites.
Steps to Self-Exclude from a Gambling Website
If you are looking to self-exclude from a single gambling operator, follow these steps to get on the self exclusion list quickly:
- Access the gambling site in question
- Visit the responsible gambling area
- Choose the self exclusion option
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Contact customer support if necessary
Types of Gambling Self Exclusion Programs
Gambling self exclusion has become one of the most effective ways to battle problem gambling. Multiple types of self exclusion programs have been created to help players in different areas of the world and different gambling verticals.
Self Exclusion for Online Gambling
The most common type of gambling self exclusion has to do with online gambling. Whether you play online casino games or engage in sports wagering activities, you may choose to exclude from play. Online gambling operators who adhere to responsible gambling practices offer this as one of their top RG options.
If you wish to exclude yourself from sports wagering or playing casino games online, you can do so at each individual gambling site. National and regional exclusion lists are also available to help you self-exclude from multiple operators simultaneously.
Land-Based Casino Self Exclusion
Self exclusion is also an option for live casino players. The majority of land-based casino venues worldwide offer this option. Once activated, this option bans the player from entering the premises on their own request. While land-based exclusions can be reversed, they are one of the best ways to stop yourself from playing for a period of time while you look to reexamine your priorities and fix any problems excessive gambling may have created.
National and Regional Self Exclusion Lists
Major gambling markets that regulate gambling sites on a regional level also offer self exclusion options across the entire market. Self exclusion lists such as GAMSTOP or MOSES allow players to self-exclude from playing at multiple sites at the same time.
Once you are added to a national or regional list, you will not be able to play at any online casinos or sports wagering sites licensed in that jurisdiction. This makes for an even better preventative measure, as you are denied access to any regulated site in your area, helping you avoid the temptation to join a new site and gamble there.
Managing and Removing Self Exclusion
Different online gambling operators and regulators may allow you to self-exclude for varying amounts of time. Once your self exclusion period is over, you may be able to remove the casino self exclusion, allowing you to play once again.
Once you are ready to end it, you will need to file a request and ask for your access to be restored. Otherwise, you may remain excluded from gaming activities indefinitely.
Filing a Removal Request
When you self-exclude from gaming activity and/or gambling venues in certain jurisdictions, your exclusion may not end automatically. Instead, you will be notified when the minimum exclusion period has ended, allowing you to file a self exclusion removal request.
If you decide you would like your self exclusion to be removed, you will need to file the request with the relevant regulator. Once a formal request is submitted, it will be ended, provided the minimum period has expired. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to end it prematurely, so don’t file any requests before you are notified that the minimum period has passed.
When and How to End Self Exclusion
As already explained, you won’t be able to end your self exclusion arbitrarily. Instead, you can only do so once the minimum period has passed. When this time comes, we advise you to think carefully about whether you are ready to play again. In many cases, you may notice that being excluded from play has helped your personal life in more ways than one.
You can remove it by contacting the operator or regulator you self-excluded with and asking for your gameplay privileges to be restored.
Maintaining Control Post-Exclusion
Once your self exclusion period is over and your accounts are restored, you will once again have the option to log in and play your favorite games. At this point, it is essential to remain in control and not fall into the same patterns you were in before.
Make sure to ask yourself the following questions and give honest answers about them post-exclusion:
If you find that your newly restored gambling privileges are once again causing you stress or creating negative situations in your personal life, going back may be the solution.
Supporting Responsible Gambling
Gambling addiction is a serious problem that should be tackled head-on. At Cointelegraph, we support responsible gambling and invite players to be honest about their gambling habits. By being honest with yourself and using the RG tools at your disposal, you can avoid the perils of problem gambling and ensure that gambling is and remains just another fun hobby.
Conclusion – Empowering Responsible Gambling Through Self Exclusion
Internet gaming is meant to be a fun activity for consenting adults and not one that causes problems in your personal life. At Cointelegraph, we strongly encourage responsible gambling with funds you can afford to play with and within reason. Your safety and well-being are our primary concerns, which is why we invite you to use all the tools at your disposal, including self exclusion, to ensure your gambling habits aren’t hurting you or those around you.