Self-Exclusion, Time-Outs and Account Limits
The tools on this page range from a light touch to a hard stop. Limits shape how you play while the account stays open; a time-out pauses everything for a short period; self-exclusion closes the account for months or years. Each operator names and arranges them slightly differently, so treat this as a map and look for the matching options in your account settings, usually under "responsible gambling", "safer gambling" or "account limits".
How to set a deposit limit
A deposit limit is the ceiling you choose on how much money may enter the account over a day, a week or a month. Once it is reached, the cashier stops accepting payments until the period renews. To set one, open the limits section, choose the period, enter the amount and save. The asymmetry is intentional: lowering a limit, or setting one for the first time, normally applies straight away, while raising it is delayed — often by a day or more — so that the decision is not made in the heat of a session.
A practical way to choose the figure: start from the amount you would be comfortable losing in a month without it affecting bills, savings or plans, and divide it by the number of sessions you expect. If the game you prefer is high or extreme volatility, that per-session figure should cover enough low stakes to ride out long quiet stretches; if it does not, lower the stake rather than raising the limit.
Loss limits, wager limits and session limits
Some risks are not about how much you pay in. A loss limit caps your net losses over a period. A wager limit caps the total amount staked, which matters because winnings that are played again count towards it. A session limit ends play after an agreed number of minutes, and a reality check shows a reminder of elapsed time and balance change at intervals without stopping the game. These tools suit players who want to keep playing but want each session to have clear edges.
Taking a break: time-out and cooling-off
A time-out, sometimes called a cooling-off period, locks the account for a fixed length chosen in advance, commonly a day, a week or a month. During it you cannot deposit or play and marketing messages should stop; at most operators, a withdrawable balance can still be paid out. It is a good choice after a session that went further than planned, or before a period when you know you will be tempted to play more than usual.
How to self-exclude
Self-exclusion is the strongest step. You select a period — often six months or more, sometimes permanent — confirm, and the account closes. It cannot be cancelled early, which is the whole point. Before you activate it, withdraw any real-money balance you can; active bonuses, free spins and unfinished wagering are usually forfeited. Afterwards, delete apps and bookmarks, unsubscribe from casino emails and consider asking your bank whether it can block gambling payments on your card.
Self-exclusion at one operator does not automatically cover others. If you hold accounts at several casinos, repeat the request at each, or use any broader self-exclusion scheme that exists where you live.
Where to get help
If gambling no longer feels like a free choice, talk to someone. Gambling Therapy offers free and confidential online support that can be reached from any country, including for relatives of people who gamble. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Our responsible gambling page covers the warning signs and how volatility affects a budget.
FAQ
How do I self-exclude from an online casino?
Can I cancel a self-exclusion early?
What happens to my balance when I take a break?
See also: Payment methods · Responsible gambling · Terms of use