Self-Exclusion Explained: How It Works and What It Covers

Self-exclusion is one of the most powerful tools available to anyone who wants to stop gambling. It is a voluntary request to be barred from gambling for a set period. Once in place, it cannot normally be reversed early — which is precisely why it works when good intentions on their own have not.

This guide explains how self-exclusion works in general. For step-by-step instructions in a specific country, see our self-exclusion manuals.

Two main types

Operator-level self-exclusion

You ask a single gambling company to close your account and stop you opening a new one. Most licensed operators must offer this. The downside is obvious: you are still free to gamble with every other company, so you may need to repeat the process many times.

National (multi-operator) self-exclusion

A growing number of countries run a central register. You sign up once, and every licensed operator in that country must check the register and refuse to let you gamble. This is far more effective than excluding operator by operator.

Country	Scheme	Scope	Periods (typical)
United Kingdom (Great Britain)	GAMSTOP	Licensed online operators	6 months, 1 year or 5 years
Germany	OASIS	Licensed online and land-based gambling	Minimum 3 months
Netherlands	Cruks	Licensed online operators and casinos	Minimum 6 months
Sweden	Spelpaus	Licensed operators	1, 3 or 6 months, or until further notice
Denmark	ROFUS	Licensed operators	Temporary or permanent options

Rules, minimum periods and coverage differ, and they change. Our comparison of national self-exclusion registers and individual country pages — for example the UK or Germany — give the current detail. In Ireland, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provides for a national exclusion register run by the new regulator; check the Ireland manual for its current status.

How the process usually works

1. Register with the scheme or operator, usually online and free of charge.
2. Verify your identity with your name, date of birth, address and email, so operators can match you.
3. Choose a period. Longer is usually better; many people underestimate how long they need.
4. Wait for it to activate. National schemes typically take effect within a day, though some operators may take a little longer to process.
5. Withdraw any balances and expect accounts to be closed.
6. Expect marketing to stop. Licensed operators should no longer send you offers.

What self-exclusion does not cover

Being clear about the gaps helps you plan around them.

• Unlicensed and offshore sites. Operators without a local licence do not check national registers. Some actively market themselves to excluded players. See spotting unlicensed and black-market operators.
• Other countries. A national exclusion usually applies only to operators licensed in that country.
• Land-based venues in some countries, where separate schemes may apply.
• Lotteries, scratchcards and some other products, depending on local rules.
• Social casino and some sweepstakes products, which may sit outside gambling regulation.

Making self-exclusion stick

Self-exclusion works best as part of a layered approach:

• Blocking software on your phone, tablet and computer. Tools such as Gamban, BetBlocker and GamBlock block access to large numbers of gambling sites and apps, including many offshore ones. See gambling blocking software.
• A bank gambling block, which stops card payments to gambling merchants. See bank gambling blocks.
• Unsubscribing and blocking gambling marketing by email, text and social media.
• Support from a helpline, counsellor or peer group. Our help directory lists services by country.
• Telling someone you trust, so you have accountability and a person to call when urges hit.

If you slip through

Sometimes an excluded person is able to open an account or keep gambling with a licensed operator. If that happens, stop as soon as you can and contact the operator to report it. Licensed operators are expected to have effective systems for honouring exclusions, and failures can be raised with the regulator. Our guide on how to file a complaint against a gambling operator explains the process. Whether any money can be recovered depends on the rules in your country, so seek advice if significant sums are involved.

What about when it ends?

The end of a self-exclusion period can be a vulnerable time. Some schemes require you to actively request removal; others lapse automatically. Before your period ends:

• Decide in advance whether you want to renew. Many people do.
• If you are considering gambling again, think carefully about why and what limits you would need.
• Review your progress with someone you trust or a support worker.

Common worries

“I’ll feel stupid if I don’t need it.” Self-exclusion is a safety net, not a judgement. People exclude for many reasons, including simply wanting a break.

“What if I want to gamble at a friend’s party or on a big race?” That is a normal feeling, and part of the point. The urge usually passes. Our article on relapse prevention and urges has practical techniques.

“I’ve broken it before.” Many people slip at least once. It does not mean the tool has failed or that you have. Add more layers, talk to someone, and keep going.

Next steps

• Find your country’s scheme in the self-exclusion manuals.
• Read the first 30 days after quitting for what to expect.
• If you are unsure whether you need to exclude, the PGSI self-test may help you reflect — though if you are asking the question, a break is rarely a bad idea.