Self Exclusion

In recent years, the gambling industry has seen significant growth, but this growth has also brought about some issues. According to experts at begambleaware, 3 to 5 out of every 100 gamblers struggle with addiction.

Compulsive gambling, known as gambling addiction, is the inability to resist the urge to gamble despite losing all of your money. To help navigate this serious issue, we have put together a list of recommendations to assist you through the process.

Self-exclusion overview

Gambling may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, but it can easily spiral into a nightmare for both the compulsive gambler and their loved ones if caution is not taken. It is advised to take a break from gambling by self-excluding for a period of time. Self-exclusion involves temporarily shutting down an account or restricting access to services at a gambling venue, whether it be a physical location or an online platform. This can be done manually or with the help of apps and third-party services, providing a quick solution to address issues related to gambling addiction.

3 ways to self-exclude

Nowadays, there are numerous methods and applications available for individuals to partially or completely block themselves from one or more gambling websites simultaneously. Below are the specifics for each option.

• Opting out of a single gambling platform::

For individuals who gamble exclusively on a single website, there is no need to deal with a dedicated app or third-party services. By following a few straightforward steps, you can complete the process quickly and easily. If certain websites do not offer this feature, you may need to reach out to customer service and submit a formal inquiry.

• Voluntarily banning oneself from a single arcade, betting shop, or casino:

The process becomes more intricate as it involves speaking with the shop manager or a staff member to submit an official request. Various forms of identification will need to be presented, and you will receive a copy of your self-exclusion form.

• Opting out of all online gambling platforms:

You can avoid using another app or third party by recalling all the online casinos where you have an account and repeating the process to self-exclude yourself from each one. If there are a large number of websites, this task can become overwhelming and it is recommended to utilize an application.

Platforms such as GAMSTOP, Gamban, and GamCare can assist you in this endeavor. Additionally, they offer resources on gambling addiction and can guide you to specialized facilities.

Tips for choosing which brands to exclude

Self-exclusion from a particular online casino involves excluding oneself or taking a break for a set period of time. This process is akin to account closure, but with self-exclusion being temporary and account closure being permanent. To temporarily step away from a specific gambling site, please refer to the steps provided:

Some websites require you to contact customer support in order to activate self-exclusion, as the feature may not be easily accessible in your account settings. When you choose to self-exclude, the casino will temporarily shut down your account for the duration you select, and you will no longer receive marketing emails or SMS messages. Once the self-exclusion timeframe ends, you will not be automatically re-enrolled in the marketing database. If you attempt to terminate the exclusion process before the designated time period is over, the casino has the option to permanently close your account. Any remaining funds in your account will be disbursed using the most recent withdrawal method.

Applications to prevent mobile gambling

There are numerous apps available for mobile device users that enable them to block gambling and access useful resources. Gamblock is like a universal blocking program that is compatible with all operating systems and can be used on desktops and mobile devices. You can download this small app for free on any mobile platform. It helps you monitor your wins and losses, enabling you to manage your expenses and track your gambling habits effectively.

Regulations in Online Gambling

Self-exclusion is a complex process that varies by jurisdiction, with different regulations and requirements. Some gambling authorities require operators to offer self-exclusion features and may impose additional criteria. Authorities set the duration and conditions for self-exclusion, with some jurisdictions, like Italy, having long revocation periods, while others, like Alderney, allow revocation within 24 hours. It’s important to review the operator’s terms and conditions to understand the differences between temporary and permanent self-exclusion, along with marketing restrictions.

Most jurisdictions, except Curacao, don’t automatically guide players to gambling addiction help centers when removed from marketing databases. No jurisdiction currently mandates third-party self-exclusion. While apps that manage self-exclusion across multiple sites exist, they are not officially endorsed or guaranteed to be effective. It’s advisable to verify their reliability across different regions, as widespread support or integration is unlikely in the near future due to the process’s complexity.

What happens to my finances after self-exclusion?

A lot of players worry about losing all their money when they self-exclude from an online casino, or that they will lose any winnings they have accumulated.You can be confident that you will not lose any funds currently in your account balance. Your funds will be transferred to you using the most recent withdrawal method on file. If that method is no longer valid or accessible, our customer service team will reach out to you.

Difference between self-exclusion and account closure

Since “self-exclusion” and “account closure” are frequently mentioned in discussions about gambling addiction, we wanted to provide some clarification and discuss each term individually. Despite their similarities, they are distinct concepts. You can choose to close your account at an online casino on your own accord, or the gambling website may close your account involuntarily due to suspected fraudulent activities, signs of gambling addiction, or breaches of terms and conditions.

Closing your account voluntarily is a simple process that can be done by following these steps:

• In certain situations, the option to close your account may not be available at the casino. In such cases, you will need to reach out to the customer support team and submit a request.
• The operators may inquire about certain details and conduct an identity verification process to confirm that the account you wish to close belongs to you.
• Self-exclusion is when a gambler chooses to temporarily or permanently stop using the services of an online casino operator.
• Certain websites offer the option to self-exclude for a specific period of time prior to making the decision to either permanently close your account or reactivate it.
• Some applications available in the market enable users to exclude themselves from several casino operators simultaneously.

It is important to remember that many casinos in the UK and around the globe enforce strict terms and conditions regarding self-exclusion. Reactivating your account before the designated timeframe could result in permanent account closure.

5 strategies to delay gambling

It can be very challenging to quit immediately, which is a major obstacle for many gamblers dealing with addiction. Simply relying on willpower without a plan is not effective for everyone in overcoming the urge.

• Instead of engaging in a constant struggle with gambling, consider delaying your gambling activities. The aim is to gradually extend the time between sessions until you can address the problem or quit altogether. Here are 5 strategies you can implement to stay away from gambling.
• Remembering that the casino always has the advantage and gaining a deeper grasp of how casino games operate can help shift your focus away from gambling.
• Regardless of the outcome, the house will always come out on top. The one taking the biggest risk is you, not the house.
• It may be tempting to try your luck again and beat the casino, but gambling comes with risks. Another loss will not solve your problems, but will only make them worse. It’s best to forgive yourself for the loss and move forward.
• The objective is to shift your attention to a new activity and substitute the harmful habit with a more positive one. This will enhance your self-confidence while also signaling the beginning of a fresh chapter in your life.

conclusion

Experts advise that gambling should be considered a form of entertainment, rather than a way to solve financial issues or generate income. It can be enjoyable when approached responsibly. Keep in mind that the information we provide serves as a general guide. If you believe you or someone close to you may have a gambling problem, it is crucial to seek professional assistance.