Self-exclusion allows you to block yourself from gambling for a set period or, depending on the program, permanently. You can also set limits on how much you deposit or lose. Many licensed casinos offer these tools, while some US states operate self-exclusion programs that cover multiple licensed operators.
Millions of people in the US gamble without experiencing serious problems. For some, however, gambling can stop being entertainment and start causing real harm to their finances, relationships, or well-being. If that is happening to you or someone you care about, self-exclusion is one practical tool that can help you stop gambling.
If you need help right now: Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 (also reachable as 1-800-MY-RESET). It is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, every day, across the US.
This guide explains self-exclusion, the available options, how to set it up, and where to find support. It also compares self-exclusion with other responsible gambling tools.
If you want to act now, skip to How to Self-Exclude, Step by Step, or Where to Get Help Right Now.
Key Insights for Gambling Self-Exclusion
- Self-exclusion means voluntarily banning yourself from gambling for a fixed period or permanently. Once active, it can prevent you from logging in, depositing, or placing bets with the covered operator.
- You can self-exclude at different levels in the US: through an individual casino or, where available, through a state-run program covering multiple licensed operators.
- There is no national federal self-exclusion registry in the US. State programs are currently the broadest self-exclusion option available to players.
- Deposit and loss limits are less strict options if you are not ready for a full gambling block. They can still help you stay in control.
- Self-exclusion is not foolproof. It does not automatically block every unlicensed or offshore gambling site, so it can be useful to combine it with blocking software and professional support.
- Help is available 24/7. The National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 can connect you with counselling, treatment, and other support.
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When Gambling Becomes a Problem
A gambling problem can develop whether you gamble online or at a physical casino. Recognising the warning signs early can make it easier to act before the situation gets worse.
Common warning signs include:
- Behavioural: Gambling more money or spending more time than you planned. Chasing losses. Lying about how much you gamble. Trying again and again to cut back but failing.
- Financial: Borrowing money or using savings to gamble, hiding financial activity, or gambling with money intended for rent, bills, or other essentials.
- Emotional: Feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot gamble, experiencing guilt or shame after gambling, or gambling to escape stress or difficult emotions.
If any of these patterns sound familiar, you do not have to deal with them alone. Our gambling addiction guide covers warning signs and treatment options in more depth. The National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 can also connect you with trained counsellors and local support. Loved ones can call too.
Responsible gambling programs should provide information about gambling risks and give players access to tools such as limits and self-exclusion. You can also use our responsible gambling tools. To self-exclude from a specific casino, you will usually need to use the operator’s account settings or contact its support team. We recommend asking for written confirmation, so you have a record of the request.
What Is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a formal and voluntary arrangement. You ask a casino or gambling authority to stop you from gambling. This lasts for a set period or, in some cases, forever.
Once self-exclusion is active, the covered operator may limit access to your account. It may block new deposits and bets. It may also stop gambling marketing and promotional messages, based on its rules.
The key word is voluntary: you request the exclusion yourself. That makes it different from an operator banning your account for violating its terms.
Self-exclusion creates a barrier between you and gambling. A decision you make today can help protect you when the urge to gamble is strongest.
The Main Types of Self-Exclusion
Casinos and state programs may offer several options, ranging from spending limits to a complete gambling block. The options and time periods vary between operators and states.
| Type | What it does | Typical length | Best for |
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can add to your account | Ongoing until changed | Staying within a set budget while continuing to play |
| Loss limit | Caps how much you can lose over a defined period | Session, day, week, or month | Preventing losses from escalating |
| Time-out / cool-off | Temporarily restricts access to your account | 24 hours to 30 days, depending on the operator | Taking a short break |
| Temporary self-exclusion | Blocks access to gambling with the covered operator | Six months to several years, depending on the program | Taking a longer break |
| Permanent self-exclusion | Blocks gambling with the covered operator indefinitely | Permanent | Making a firm decision to stop |
Deposit Limits
A deposit limit lets you cap how much you can add to your casino account. It applies over a set time, like $50 per week or $100 per month.
It does not stop you from gambling, but it can help you control how much money you put into your account. Depending on the operator, increasing a limit may also involve a waiting period.
Loss Limits
A loss limit caps how much you can lose during a session or over a defined period.
For example, if you deposit $200 and set a $100 loss limit, the operator may restrict further play once you reach the specified loss threshold, depending on how its system calculates losses.
Loss limits can be particularly useful for players who tend to continue gambling after losing money.
Time-Outs and Cool-Off Periods
A time-out is a short, voluntary break from gambling. Depending on the casino, it may last from 24 hours to 30 days.
During the time-out, your account may be restricted from deposits and gambling. Promotional communications may also be paused.
Time-outs can help when you notice unhealthy gambling patterns. They let you take a short break. You do not need a longer exclusion.
Temporary Self-Exclusion
Temporary self-exclusion blocks you from gambling with the covered casino or program for a specified period.
The exact minimum period varies. Some programs offer exclusions lasting months or years.
Because you cannot keep gambling with the covered operator during the exclusion period, this is a stronger option. It is stronger than a deposit or loss limit.
Permanent Self-Exclusion
Permanent self-exclusion, sometimes called lifetime exclusion, is the strongest option available at some casinos and gambling programs.
It is designed to prevent you from gambling with the covered operator indefinitely. Depending on the program, reopening an account or requesting reinstatement may not be possible.
How to Self-Exclude, Step by Step
There are two main ways to self-exclude in the US, and you can use one or both.
- Exclude yourself at a specific casino. Log in and look for self-exclusion or account-limit options in the responsible gambling or account settings section. You can also contact the casino’s support team by chat, email, or phone. Choose the available exclusion option and duration, then ask for written confirmation.
- Enrol in your state’s self-exclusion program. Many regulated US states operate self-exclusion programs through a gaming authority, lottery commission, or another government body. These programs can cover multiple licensed operators, but the exact rules, application process, and coverage vary by state.
- Reinforce the exclusion with blocking software. A blocking app can add another layer of protection by restricting access to gambling websites and apps across your devices.
Because the details vary by state, the safest approach is to contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 and ask about the program available where you live.
There is currently no federal self-exclusion registry covering all US gambling operators. State programs can provide broader coverage within their respective jurisdictions.
Gambling Blocking Software
Casino-level and state-level self-exclusion programs may not cover every gambling website or app you could access. Blocking software adds another layer of protection by restricting gambling content on your devices.
- BetBlocker is a gambling-blocking tool available for mobile and desktop devices. It can be used to restrict access to gambling websites.
- Gamban is a paid gambling-blocking application designed to block access to gambling websites and apps across supported devices.
- GamBlock is another gambling-blocking solution designed to make it more difficult to bypass gambling restrictions.
Before choosing a blocking app, check its current features, supported devices, pricing, and cancellation or removal policies.
One of the most useful features of gambling blockers is that they add another barrier between you and gambling. When you feel an urge to play, they can help.
Self-Exclusion Pros and Cons
Self-exclusion can be a powerful tool, but it is worth understanding both its benefits and limitations.
| Pros | Cons |
| Creates a barrier between you and gambling during moments of temptation | Requires you to take the first step and request the exclusion |
| Some state programs can cover multiple licensed operators | There is no single federal program covering every US operator |
| Can remove you from gambling-related marketing and promotions | May not cover unlicensed or offshore gambling sites |
| Can be free to set up | You may still encounter gambling content outside the covered operators |
| Can be temporary or permanent, depending on the program | Reversing or ending an exclusion may be difficult or impossible |
| Can be combined with blocking software and professional support | Works best as part of a broader support plan |
Self-exclusion is generally most effective when combined with other protective measures, such as blocking software, financial safeguards, and professional or peer support.
Common Misconceptions About Self-Exclusion
People may think it is hard to self-exclude, but most casinos have made it easy; here are a few misconceptions.
“Self-exclusion means I can never gamble again.”
Not necessarily. Many programs offer temporary exclusions or shorter time-outs. Permanent exclusion is also available in some programs, but the options depend on the casino or state program.
“If I self-exclude at one casino, I’m covered everywhere.”
No. An exclusion from one casino generally applies only to that operator. If your state has a wider self-exclusion program, you may be able to ban yourself from several licensed operators at the same time.
“Setting a deposit limit means I’m admitting I’m an addict.”
No. Deposit limits are a responsible gambling tool that anyone can use to stay within a predetermined budget.
“Self-exclusion blocks every gambling site online.”
No. The scope of self-exclusion depends on the operator or program. It may not cover unlicensed or offshore sites. That is why blocking software adds another layer of protection.
Where to Get Help Right Now
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): Call or text 1-800-522-4700, or use the live chat at NCPGambling.org/chat. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. The helpline can connect you with local counseling, treatment, and other support.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A free peer-support program offering online and in-person meetings across the US.
- Gam-Anon: Support for family members and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: Provides free, confidential referrals to treatment and support services. Call 1-800-662-4357.
- In a crisis or emergency: Call 911, or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For more information about staying in control, see our guides to responsible gambling and casino safety.
If gambling is causing problems in your life, support is available. Reaching out can be an important first step.
FAQs for Self-Exclusion
What is gambling self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a voluntary option. You ask a casino or gambling authority to stop you from gambling. This can be for a set time or forever. The exact restrictions depend on the operator or program.
How do I self-exclude from an online casino?
Log in and look for self-exclusion or account-limit options in the responsible gambling or account settings area. If you cannot find them, contact the casino’s support team by chat, email, or phone. Choose the available exclusion option and duration, then ask for written confirmation.
Can I self-exclude from all US online casinos at once?
Not at the national level. There is no federal self-exclusion registry covering all US online casinos. However, some states operate self-exclusion programs that cover multiple licensed operators within the state. Contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for guidance on the options available where you live.
How long does self-exclusion last?
It depends on the program. Time-outs can last from 24 hours to several days or weeks, while temporary self-exclusion periods can last months or years. Permanent exclusion may last indefinitely.
Can I cancel or reverse a self-exclusion?
It depends on the operator or program. Short-term limits or time-outs may end on their own. Longer or permanent exclusions may be hard or impossible to reverse. Some programs require a formal reinstatement process and waiting period.
What is the difference between a deposit limit and self-exclusion?
A deposit limit restricts how much you can add to your account while allowing you to continue gambling. Self-exclusion is a stronger step. It stops you from gambling with the covered operator or program for the chosen period.
Does self-exclusion stop me from gambling on unlicensed sites?
Not necessarily. Self-exclusion generally applies only to the operators or gambling programs covered by the exclusion. It may not block unlicensed or offshore sites. Blocking software can provide an additional layer of protection.
Will self-exclusion affect my credit score or show up on a background check?
Self-exclusion is generally not a criminal record. However, privacy and data-handling rules can vary between programs. Check the operator’s or regulator’s privacy policy. It explains how your information is handled.
Can I self-exclude on behalf of a family member?
Generally, no. Self-exclusion is a voluntary process that must be requested by the person who wants to stop gambling.
If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, share the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Encourage them to seek support. Family members can also contact support services for guidance.
What happens to money in my account when I self-exclude?
The treatment of any remaining balance depends on the operator’s terms and the applicable rules. Before self-excluding, check the casino’s terms or contact support to ask how your balance will be handled and how withdrawals are processed.