Self-exclusion and limits: how to take a break that holds

There are several ways to put the brakes on gambling, from light to firm: set a deposit limit, take a short break, self-exclude. This page explains how self-exclusion works — national registers and single-operator exclusions — what it covers and what it does not, and how to combine it with other tools.

From limits to self-exclusion

Tool	When to use it	Reach
Set a deposit limit	To keep gambling within a budget	One account; often mandatory at licensed operators
Loss limit	To stop a bad run	One account, if offered
Cooling-off / time-out	To take a break of days or weeks	One account
National self-exclusion	To stop for months or indefinitely	All licensed operators in that country

National register or single operator

Where a national self-exclusion register exists, one request closes access at every licensed operator in that country. Portugal is a clear example: since 8 April 2026 the regulator, SRIJ, offers a new self-exclusion form; the central register applies to all licensed operators at once, for a minimum of 3 months or indefinitely, and early revocation only takes effect one month after it is requested, never before the 3-month minimum. Where no national scheme exists, use the self-exclusion option in each operator's account — and repeat it at every operator where you hold an account.

How to self-exclude, step by step

Find out whether your country has a national register — your regulator's website will say.
If it does, submit the request there and choose the period.
If it does not, use the self-exclusion option in each casino account you hold.
Keep the confirmation, and close or delete saved payment details.

Taking a break without self-exclusion

If you are not ready for self-exclusion, start with a time-out or cooling-off period in your account and a low deposit limit. Raising a limit usually involves a waiting period; lowering it is normally immediate.

What self-exclusion does not cover

National registers are tied to licensed operators. Sites outside the regulator's register do not receive the request and keep accepting sign-ups and deposits. That is why extra layers help after self-excluding:

Ask your bank whether it can block gambling payments on your card.
Install a gambling-site blocker on your phone and computer.
Delete casino apps and remove saved payment details from your browser.
Tell someone you trust what you have decided.

Support while you take a break

A break is easier with support. Gambling Therapy offers free online help in many languages, wherever you are. More context in responsible gambling.

Self-exclusion FAQ

How long does self-exclusion last?

It depends on the scheme. National registers usually set a minimum period — in Portugal, 3 months or indefinitely — while single-operator exclusions offer periods chosen in the account settings.

Can I cancel self-exclusion early?

Schemes are designed to make that slow. In Portugal, for example, early revocation only takes effect one month after it is requested and never before the 3-month minimum.

Do I have to self-exclude at each casino separately?

Not where a national register exists: one request covers all licensed operators in that country. Where there is none, you exclude operator by operator.

Does self-exclusion block unlicensed sites?

No. National schemes are linked to licensed operators. Sites outside the regulator's register do not receive the request; use bank and device blocks as extra protection.