If you’re gambling too much, you can choose to block yourself from gambling online. This is known as self-exclusion. This article is a simple, detailed guide on how it works and how to activate it. All the info you need is right here.
What Is Casino Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is when you ask gambling companies to stop you from gambling with them for a certain time. It could be between 6 months and 5 years. You won’t be able to use their websites, or apps during that time. You can also use gambling-blocking software to stop your devices from accessing gambling sites. Self-exclusion has helped many people with gambling issues, but it’s not a panacea. Some people might also need extra help from professionals to take control of their gambling.
When Should You Consider Self-Excluding From an Online Casino?
The choice to self-exclude depends on you and your unique situation. Here are just some scenarios where it might be necessary:
- If you regularly spend on gambling more time or money than planned
- If you already have financial problems or debt caused by gambling.
- If gambling affects your work, relationships, or mental health.
- If you or others acknowledge a gambling problem that you can’t control.
- If you’ve got the idea that you need to quit gambling entirely
How To Self-Exclude From a Specific Gambling Site
Here’s how to self-exclude from a particular gambling site with which you have an account:
- Log into your account on the site.
- Go to the Responsible Gambling section and find the self-exclusion feature.
- Read the terms and instructions there.
- Contact customer support and tell them about your decision. They may ask you security questions or about personal details.
- Choose the duration of your exclusion period.
- Wait for confirmation. Note that on some platforms, it may take up to 48 hours for your request to be processed.
Once self-excluded, your account will be temporarily closed, and you won’t be able to open a new one. You’ll also be removed from the site’s marketing database and won’t receive any promotional emails during the exclusion period. When the exclusion period ends, you won’t automatically be added back to the marketing database.
Can I cancel self-exclusion?
You can’t end the exclusion early. Do not even try to cheat the casino. If you attempt to gamble online with someone else’s details, it is illegal in Ireland and can lead to a police investigation. You would face legal problems and be banned permanently from the site where you attempted to cheat.
What happens to my money?
When you choose to exclude from a site, your money stays safe. Any bets still open will be returned to your balance. The casino will try to send back your remaining money using the last way you took money out. If this method doesn’t work anymore, the support team will help you find another way to get your funds.
Self-Ban From All Betting Platforms
To avoid online gambling, you can also sign up for a self-exclusion program through apps like GamBan, Betfilter, and Gamblock. These apps block access to gambling sites, thus supporting those trying to overcome gambling problems.
Here’s a simple explanation of how these apps work:
- When you register, the app saves your information.
- It then blocks access to all the gambling sites it knows.
- If you’ve been on gambling sites before, the app will stop any more messages from them. And if you try to join a gambling site again, the app won’t let you.
- You have to wait until the end of your chosen period to stop the block.
- Apps like GamBan might cost money, but in Ireland, you can get them for free through TalkBanStop. Just contact the National Gambling Helpline.
- These apps can be used on both computers and mobile devices.
Steps to start using a self-exclusion app
Step 1. Read the Terms and Conditions
It’s important to read and know what you’re signing up for. Take some time to learn about the app’s features and rules.
Step 2. Download the App
…and install it on your device.
Step 3. Provide Your Info
The app needs your correct name, birthday, address, phone number, and email to work right.
Step 4. Pick a period
You can choose how long you don’t want to gamble. Some apps have specific time options like 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.
Step 5. Wait for confirmation
After you sign up, look out for a confirmation email. Once you get this email, your self-exclusion starts right away or within 24 hours.
Additional Steps To Stop Gambling
If you feel like self-exclusion doesn’t fully stop you from gambling, there are several more steps you can take:
I advise you to talk to people who can give you the extra motivation to stay committed to your goals. That could be a friend, a family member, your doctor or a psychologist. You can find such people in organizations that specifically deal with gambling issues. Luckily Ireland has many such NGOs that help prevent and treat gambling addiction. For example, joining a group like Gamblers Anonymous can give you a feeling of belonging. You can share your stories, and believe me, afterwards, you will be able to handle things better.
Your bank or financial company can also help you avoid gambling. Ask them to set limits on your spending or block transactions related to gambling.
But the most important thing is to find a new hobby that would fill your time and give you all the “happy” hormones that you get from gambling. This could be sports, learning something new, or volunteering.
