Responsible Gaming: Setting Limits and Self-Exclusion Options

Disclaimer: It’s not your fault if you’re feeling a little out of control. Help is available for those in the United States at the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, or through ncpgambling.org/chat. Those in the UK can reach out to the National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133, or through Gamcare live chat, gamcare.org.uk. None of this is intended as legal, financial or medical advice. It’s just a guide on the basics of safe play. Below, we’ll quickly cover exactly what “responsible gambling” is, a few ways you can control it, and how self-exclusion works. You’ll see tools from banks and apps, as well as advice from experts and where to reach out for help. Ultimately, it’s all about one thing — safe, worry-free play.

This guide shows simple steps to stay safe when you play. You will learn what “responsible gaming” means, how to set limits, and how to use self-exclusion. You will also see tools from banks and apps, and where to get help. The goal is clear: keep play fun, safe, and under control.

What Responsible Gaming Really Means

Five elements of good play: boundaries, stops, transparency, accountability, and self-knowledge. When one piece is weak, risk increases. Boundaries and stops let you take action before risk increases.

Responsible gaming is about control and informed choices. You choose before you play how much you can spend and how long you can play. You use site tools that help you stick to your plan. You read the rules. You take breaks. You know where to get support. Rules and tools can be different in each country. Always check what is offered where you live.

The following features are available in most if not all licensed sites. They are called limits and they help you stay in control and manage your money, but also manage gameplay. You must set limits before playing. Such features are the below:

The Main Types of Limits and How They Work

Pro tip: Decreasing Limit is usually immediate. Increasing limit is often delayed (e.g. 24 hours- 7 days to allow “cold feet”). This can be expected when using licensed environment.

• Deposit limits: You set how much money you can add to your account per day, week, or month. This helps you stop overspending. If you try to add more, the site will block it.
• Loss limits: You cap how much you can lose in a set time. When you hit the cap, you cannot place more bets until the time resets.
• Wager/bet limits: You cap total bets over time. This slows the pace of play and helps you make calmer choices.
• Session/time limits: You set how long you can play per session or per day. When you hit the limit, you get logged out or must take a break.
• Reality checks: A pop-up shows how long you have played and how much you are up or down. It prompts you to review your plan and take a break.
• Time-out/cool-off: You lock your account for a short period, like 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. This is for short breaks.
• Product-specific limits: You set different limits for slots, live casino, poker, or sports. This is useful if one product is more intense for you.
• Withdrawal locks/reversal blocks: If offered, this stops you from canceling a withdrawal to keep gambling. It helps you protect winnings.

Important: Lowering limits is usually instant. Raising limits often has a delay (for example, 24 hours to 7 days) so you have time to rethink. This delay is normal on licensed sites.

Step-by-Step: Setting Limits on Most Gambling Sites

Before you start

• Check the licence: Play only on sites with a valid licence. In the UK, see the UK Gambling Commission public register at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. In New Jersey (US), see the Division of Gaming Enforcement at nj.gov/oag/ge.
• Check the tools: Make sure the site offers deposit, loss, and time limits; time-out; and self-exclusion. Check if they have reality checks and withdrawal locks.
• Check support speed: See if live chat or email can help you set or tighten limits fast.
• Use trusted reviews: Independent review portals like www.bet-nv.com can help you verify licence info and see if limits and self-exclusion work as promised.

How to set deposit, loss, and time limits

1. Log in and open your account menu.
2. Go to “Responsible Gambling,” “Safer Gambling,” or “Player Protection.”
3. Pick the limit type: deposit, loss, wager, or time.
4. Choose the period: daily, weekly, or monthly. Pick a number you can afford to lose fully.
5. Confirm. Some sites send an email or SMS to verify.
6. Test it: try to go over the limit. The site should block it.

You can set your reality check to remind you at 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Whatever works for you. It’ll come up and tell you how much you’ve won or lost and how much time you’ve spent online. You should also set a session timer that will automatically log you out after a period, again at your discretion. These measures will help you take a moment, slow down, catch your breath, and reflect.

How reality checks and session timers work

How to get self-excluded at casinos, gaming sites, etc. What it is: Self-exclusion is a formal request to block your access to a site (or many sites) for a set period. This can be months or years. During this time you cannot log in or open new accounts with that operator or, with national registers, with any operator in the scheme. When to use it: Use self-exclusion if you feel loss of control, if you chase losses, if gambling causes stress, money issues, or harm at home or work, or if play is on your mind all the time. A short time-out may help for small concerns. But if harm is ongoing, choose self-exclusion.

Self-Exclusion: What It Is, When to Use It, and What to Expect

What it is: Self-exclusion is a formal request to block your access to a site (or many sites) for a set period. This can be months or years. During this time you cannot log in or open new accounts with that operator or, with national registers, with any operator in the scheme.

Taking time-out is a positive measure. It protects you and your loved ones. Some say it helps them clear their heads. Time-out is most effective when combined with restrictions on your devices and assistance from support services.

What to expect:

• Your account will close for the set period. You cannot reopen it early.
• You should be removed from marketing lists. If you still get emails or SMS, tell support to stop them.
• Funds in your account should be paid out if allowed by the rules. Ask support about any balance left.
• After the exclusion ends, some sites need extra steps to reopen. Some will not reopen at all by policy.

Self-exclusion is a strong step. It shows care for yourself and others. Many people say it gives them space to reset. It works best with other tools, like device blocks and help from support groups.

National and Third-Party Self-Exclusion and Blocking Tools

In some places, you can block yourself across many operators at once. You can also block gambling on your phone, tablet, or PC. Here are key tools (availability varies by country):

National self-exclusion registers

• UK – GAMSTOP: One sign-up blocks you from all licensed online gambling companies in Great Britain. Learn more at gamstop.co.uk. Regulator info: gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
• Sweden – Spelpaus: Self-exclude from all licensed operators. See spelpaus.se and regulator info at spelinspektionen.se.
• Denmark – ROFUS: National register run by the Danish Gambling Authority. See spillemyndigheden.dk/en/rofus.
• Germany – OASIS: Central exclusion system supervised by the Joint Gambling Authority. Info at gluecksspiel-behoerde.de.
• France – National self-exclusion: Apply online via the regulator (ANJ). See anj.fr.
• United States – state programs: Many states have their own lists for casinos and online operators. Examples: New Jersey DGE self-exclusion at njoag.gov; Pennsylvania PGCB at gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov. For general guidance, see NCPG at ncpgambling.org.

Device and app blocking tools

• Gamban: Blocks access to gambling sites and apps on your devices. See gamban.com. In the UK, some people can get Gamban free via GamCare.
• BetBlocker: Free blocking software with optional donation. See betblocker.org.
• GamBlock: Paid blocking options. See gamblock.com.

Banking and card gambling blocks

• Bank blocks: Many banks let you block gambling payments by card or by merchant code. Turning blocks off often has a delay, which helps safety. Learn more via GamCare’s guide at gamcare.org.uk.
• Spending alerts and limits: Many banking apps let you set spend caps and alerts. Use them to add another guard.

Ad and content controls

• Reduce triggers: You can limit gambling ads on some platforms. For Google, see Ad settings at myadcenter.google.com. Many social apps also have ad controls.
• Safer search: Turn on safe search and limit content that could trigger play. Small steps help.

How to Choose Safer, Licensed Operators (and What to Check in Reviews)

Pick sites that put safety first. Look for:

• Valid licence: Check the regulator register (for example, UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority, or your state regulator in the US).
• Strong tools: Easy deposit, loss, and time limits; time-out; self-exclusion; reality checks; withdrawal locks.
• Clear terms: Plain rules, fair bonuses, and no surprise fees.
• Good support: Fast, kind help when you ask to set or tighten limits or to self-exclude.
• Fast, fair payouts: No pressure to cancel withdrawals.
• Complaint record: Check if the site resolves issues and respects self-exclusion. Licensed sites must take this seriously.

When you read reviews, focus on safety checks, not just bonuses. See if the review tests limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. A good review will also check licence status and link to the regulator. Independent resources can save you time and reduce risk.

If You Are Worried About Your Gambling (Screening, Support, Next Steps)

Ask yourself simple questions:

• Do I spend more than I planned?
• Do I hide my play or money loss?
• Do I gamble to escape stress or bad moods?
• Do I chase losses?
• Is play hurting my sleep, work, study, or relationships?

If you said “yes” to any, take a step now. You can take an anonymous screen to check your risk. Try the NCPG screening tools at ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/screening-tools/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ncpgambling.org or the GamCare self-assessment at gamcare.org.uk/self-help/self-assessment-tool/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">gamcare.org.uk. In the UK, you can also find support at BeGambleAware. For global mental health guidance, see the World Health Organization at who.int/health-topics/mental-health" rel="noopener" target="_blank">who.int.

This content is intended for use only by those 18 or of legal age to gamble in your jurisdiction. Some conditions, services, and tools may not be available in your region. Please, respect the laws and regulations in your locale and site T's & C's.

• Set strict deposit and time limits. Lower them if needed.
• Use a time-out or self-exclusion right now if you feel unsafe.
• Install a gambling blocker (for example, Gamban or BetBlocker).
• Turn on a bank gambling block and spending alerts.
• Tell a trusted person and ask them to check in with you.
• Contact a helpline. Speaking to someone helps many people.

Helplines and support:

• US: National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-522-4700 | Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat | Text: 1-800-522-4700
• UK: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 | Live chat: GamCare
• Canada: See provincial helplines via NCPG resource finder (includes Canada links).
• Global: Find local help via your national regulator or health services. Start with WHO resources at who.int.

This content is for adults of legal gambling age only. Rules and tools vary by country. Always follow your local laws and site terms.

FAQs

What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?

No. This will not come up in a credit check as self-exclusion is not a form of credit. However, gambling debts that are unpaid could impact your creditworthiness. If you are concerned about gambling debts we advise you to get in touch with a free debt service in your country.

Can I cancel self-exclusion early?

Blocks are useful, but they have their limits. Put up multiple layers: the site limit, a device blocker and a gambling block via your bank. Layer them on top of self-exclusion if you think it’s necessary. For device blocks see Gamban and BetBlocker. For bank blocks see GamCare’s guide.

Will self-exclusion affect my credit score?

Message support and request any withdrawal permitted in the T+C. Be wary of bonuses. If they are a decent site, they will erase your details from marketing lists, and withdraw however much is allowed by rules. Print off live chat or keep the email if you need to pursue them.

Do gambling blocks work for all sites and apps?

Choose the minimum amount of time that will give you protection – don’t be tempted to leave it to chance. Most customers choose either 6 months or a year to begin with. You can renew if you still aren't ready or sign up to something like GAMSTOP .

What happens to my balance if I self-exclude?

Ask support to pay out any allowed balance under the site rules. Bonus funds may have terms. Good operators remove you from marketing and process payouts where permitted. Keep copies of chats or emails if you need to follow up.

How long should I self-exclude?

The best form of gambling harm minimisation is pre-commitment. Take a breather using the time-out tool or self exclude to take it one step further. Maximise prevention with device and bank gambling blocks. Play only on licensed and regulated platforms that play on the safe side. Seek help if you are concerned. There is no harm in sounding the alarm bell. CH Disclaimer: This content piece is for informational purposes only. It may not be used as or substituted for medical, legal, and financial advice. Gambling is a recreational activity intended for persons of legal age, as determined by local laws. Tools, options, and resources vary and may be dependent on your region. Confirm with your local authorities.

Sources and Trusted Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling (US): ncpgambling.org
• GamCare (UK): gamcare.org.uk
• BeGambleAware (UK): begambleaware.org
• UK Gambling Commission – safer gambling and self-exclusion: gamblingcommission.gov.uk
• GAMSTOP (UK): gamstop.co.uk
• Spelpaus (Sweden): spelpaus.se
• ROFUS (Denmark): spillemyndigheden.dk
• OASIS (Germany): gluecksspiel-behoerde.de
• ANJ (France) – ban yourself from gambling: anj.fr
• New Jersey DGE – self-exclusion: njoag.gov
• Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board – self-exclusion: gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov
• Gamban (blocker): gamban.com
• BetBlocker (blocker): betblocker.org
• GamBlock (blocker): gamblock.com
• World Health Organization – mental health: who.int

Conclusion

Safe play starts with a plan. Set your limits before you play. Use time-outs and self-exclusion if you need a firm break. Add device and bank blocks for extra safety. Choose licensed sites that respect your limits and your choices. If you feel worried, reach out today. Asking for help is a strong step forward.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Gambling is for adults of legal age in your country or state. Tools, rules, and support can change; always check current info with your local regulator and support services.

Last updated: 2025-12-19