ChristineOThere are so many different reasons why people take a long-term break from online gambling. Gambling self-exclusion can be a tricky topic to understand. With our self-exclusion FAQs, we’re here to guide you through what it means for you and your account.
Self-exclusion FAQs
Self-exclusion means choosing to take a long-term break from online gambling. This mechanism prevents you from gambling on your chosen website. Need to know more? Read on.
Why do people self-exclude?
People choose to self-exclude for a number of reasons. A long term break can be helpful if you’re trying to work towards a particular financial or personal goal. However, another major reason people self-exclude is if they think they have, or are at risk of developing, a gambling problem. If you notice any of these problem gambling signs, you need to take a long-term, if not permanent, break from online gambling.
Another reason could be if they know, or suspect, their account is being used by someone who is gambling underage. Self-excluding in the first step you should take, but certainly not the last.
How do you self-exclude from online gambling?
Although all sites will differ a little in this respect, it should be easy to self-exclude from online gambling on any website. If it isn’t, this is a red flag that the site might not be as tuned in as it should be when it comes to responsible gambling.
Take a look in your account settings and you should be able to easily find an option to self-exclude, along with any self-exclusion FAQs you need answered. Alternatively, contact customer services and tell them you want to self-exclude.
What is the length of an online gambling self-exclusion?
This depends on the person and on the circumstances. On whatever gambling site you’re using, the brand’s self-exclusion FAQs should answer this. But although it depends on the site, you can expect the self-exclusion to last for a minimum of six months up to five years. Or else, you can choose to permanently self-exclude.
Looking to take a shorter break? Maybe a time out is suitable for you. Those are shorter term breaks, that typically last anywhere from 24 hours to a month.
What are the effects on your account?
Self-exclusion is designed to stop you from gambling. Therefore, when you self-exclude, you can no longer place wagers for that pre-defined period of time. However, you can still withdraw your balance at any time.
Does self-exclusion cover all types of online gambling?
This is a tricky one and it will depend on the site. Sometimes when you self-exclude it covers all types of gambling and real-money play offered at a particular site. Other times, it covers just one type of gambling. For example, you can self-exclude from online casino games, but still play poker for real money.
We always recommend self-excluding from all forms of gambling if you’re considering taking a break. Check what the options are at your site’s self-exclusion FAQs.
Can you cancel a self-exclusion?
No, you can’t cancel a self-exclusion. You’ve got to wait until whatever time period you’ve chosen has elapsed. If you try to get around it by setting up a new account, that account will be shut down and you’ll be permanently barred from online gambling.
Are there any knock-on effects from self-excluding from one site?
Yes, sometimes when you self-exclude from one site, you are automatically self-excluded from all sites that are owned by the same company. We think this is a great feature, making your life a little simpler than having to remember to self-exclude from several sites.
However, check the self-exclusion FAQs to check if it extends to other sites. And if so, what these sites are.
What are the next steps after I self exclude?
The answers to this will depend on a few different factors, including why exactly you’re considering self-excluding.
How do I stop being reminded about online gambling?
When you self-exclude, it’s to take a complete break from online gambling. And that extends to thinking about online gambling too!
Most sites will automatically stop sending you marketing emails once you choose to self-exclude. Details of that should be in their self-exclusion FAQs. But if they don’t, just hit unsubscribe.
You should also uninstall any desktop or mobile device apps from gambling sites. Plus take the time to unfollow all gambling related social media accounts. On your daily scroll, it’ll just be irritating to get reminders about something that’s not relevant for you right now. Find a few nice cake or kitten feeds to fill the void instead!
If I think I have a gambling problem, is self-exclusion the only thing I should do?
Absolutely not. If you think you have a problem with online gambling, you need to get help from a professional organisation.
Be Gamble Aware is a fantastic resource for anyone in the United Kingdom. You can call them on 0808 8020 133 or use their online services.
You can find lots of organisations outside the UK too, so there are plenty of options wherever you’re based. These international gambling help organisations do amazing work and are a brilliant support for anyone who needs help or advice.
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