How to Self-Exclude Permanently From Online Casinos?

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Published: August 22, 2022
Updated: August 12, 2025

The online casino industry is dedicated to cleaning up the gaming space and creating a safer place for you to play responsibly!

In the past few years, a lot of emphasis has been placed on responsible gaming. Regulators are putting legislation in place, and operators have tools you can use to take control of your gaming.

When you find yourself losing control or feel it’s time to break away from online casinos, there are plenty of resources to help with self-exclusion. Today, we will take a look at the steps you can take to permanently self-exclude from online casinos.

How to self-exclude from online casinos?

There are many tools to help with self-exclusion: blocking software, limiting payments or content via apps, or reaching out for help to organisations like GamStop. Here's how to use them:

Blocking software

Casino games can be a great source of entertainment, but can also lead to problem gambling. When this happens, you might not be able to get out by yourself. One thing you can use to help is blocking software to keep yourself from accessing those websites or services.

This comes in handy when you find you struggle to control your gambling habit. Blocking software is essentially a program or an app you can install that will keep you from accessing sites that lure you into temptation.

Different types of blocking software include gambling-focused and general programs. Here are some popular options:

BetFilter: www.betfilter.com
BetBlocker: www.betblocker.org
Gamban: www.gamban.com
Gamblock: www.gamblock.com
NetNanny: www.netnanny.com

You can also access any of these and more via the responsible gambling page at your operator's website (if there isn't a page like this, steer clear). Another way is to visit our section dedicated to responsible gambling and find the choice that works for you and your region.

Use organisations like GamStop

Organisations like GamStop are there to help you resist temptation. What they do is restrict your entire access to online casinos.

GamStop is a very effective source for blocking access to online gaming. It is, however, not a simple click-and-block type source. There, you will need to complete a few steps.

If you’re serious about taking a break, head over to GamStop's website and complete the registration form. You will be asked to provide them with your details, which are then added to the database. They are used to make sure you are unable to register at any online casino.

Once you’ve taken the step to register at GamStop, you won’t be able to access any gambling website or apps. The organisation also provides you with a range of resources you can turn to for support, additional help, and advice if needed.
Even if you use blocking software, we recommend you also sign up with organisations like these to assist in keeping you further away from temptation.

Limit gambling-related content

You can now limit the content you receive via email and on social media. In the past years, more regulatory focus has been put on media access and assisting players in fighting temptation via social sites.

For example, safergamblinguk.org lets you know how to control gambling-related content on your favourite social media sites. So instead of leaving social media completely, you can restrict the ads and gambling-related content there.

Block gambling payments

The industry is truly proactive in helping curb problem gambling. You can also block gambling payments via your bank. There are different types of blocking options with each bank service.

Some have a card locking feature you can use for gambling transactions.
Others allow you to simply block any payments made to gambling sites or apps.
Then there are banks that have tools and support options, such as access to a Gamban license to block online gambling.
You may also be with a bank that offers a cool-off period where you can take a break from gaming.

In most cases, you will be able to make your requests online via your respective bank provider. No matter which bank you’re with, there will be a method to block or limit your gambling spending.

How does self-exclusion work?

In every regulated online casino, you will find that there is a self-exclusion option to help you opt out of gameplay when you no longer feel in control.

With some, you can manually self-exclude from the casino.
Others will need you to contact the casino support team to be added to the self-exclusion list.

When you decide to self-exclude, you need to keep in mind that this is for at least six months. Some casinos and betting shops have it for a minimum of a year. You will also need to provide proof of identity and will be unable to leave until the period has expired.

Here's what else to keep in mind:

During this period, you will be removed from all the marketing databases to ensure no contact is made in terms of promotional offers or other casino-related news that might lead you astray.
When you join a self-exclusion scheme, you give permission for your information to be shared with other operators that share the same scheme.
The idea is for you to stay responsible, learn how to play responsibly and keep to your self-exclusion agreement, but operators will do their part in helping you steer clear of temptation.

Regional preventative measures

Responsible gaming is not a new initiative but rather one that has been gaining momentum. Regulators have been putting more emphasis on playing responsibly and on what operators are expected to do.

The UKGC is one of the leading authorities when it comes to responsible gaming.
Sweden and the Netherlands were quick to follow the example set by the UKGC and are also famous for their stringent measure to keep players safe.

Measures restrictions on gambling ads, implementing deposit limits, and placing a ban on gambling via credit cards.

Is there a temporary self-exclusion?

Yes, you have the option to choose how long you need to take a break from the casino. It's called a time-out, which is a temporary self-exclusion from online gameplay. You can choose from options that are as short as 24 hours to as long as 2 months.

This is a great alternative and starting point for anyone who feels they might be heading in the wrong direction, but the idea of self-exclusion seems slightly excessive. The majority of online casinos have both temporary and long-term self-exclusion options available.

In short, it’s like you’re taking a quick break from your online casino account, but you know that you’ll be able to access it without any issues later on.

Even if you don’t have any problems, it’s always a good idea to take a temporary break from your account now and then. Especially if you find yourself spending too much time online.

If you want to know more about taking a temporary break, you can do so by learning more about play limits for online casinos.

Responsible gambling at online casinos

Online casino entertainment is all about the fun and games you get to enjoy. It doesn’t matter what time of day you play; it should always be a source of entertainment.

If at any point throughout your gameplay you feel that it is becoming more of a problem than a source of fun, then it is recommended to take a break temporarily or permanently and seek professional help.

Take advantage of blocking software, account limits, and other resources to remain in control when playing your favourite games. Browse through the resources on our responsible gambling page and get the help you need!