How to self exclude permanently from online casinos?

The online casino industry is dedicated to cleaning up the gaming space and creating a more secure and safe place where players can enjoy responsible gaming.

In the past few years, emphasis has been placed on responsible gaming. Regulators are putting legislation in place, and operators have tools that you can utilise to take control of your gaming.

When you find yourself losing control or feel it’s time to break away from online casinos, there are plenty of tools and resources to help with self-exclusion.

Blocking software

While playing online casino games is a great source of entertainment, it can also lead to problem gambling. When this happens, you might not be able to get out by yourself. It’s for this very reason that operators have resources and tools easily accessible.

You can even make use of blocking software to keep yourself from accessing one or several websites or services. This comes in handy when you find you struggle to control your gambling habit. Blocking software is essentially a program or application you can install that will keep you from accessing sites that lure you into temptation.

Types of blocking software you can utilise include gambling-focused blocking software and general blocking software.

Popular Blocking Software:

• BetFilter: www.betfilter.com
• BetBlocker: www.betblocker.org
• Gamban: www.gamban.com
• Gamblock: www.gamblock.com
• NetNanny: www.netnanny.com

You can also find access to these via the Responsible gambling page at your respective online casino operator. There are different software options for different sites in every region.

Utilise organisations like GamStop

Organisations like GamStop are there to assist you with resisting temptation. It restricts your access to online casinos.

If you’re serious about blocking your access to online casinos, you can head over to GamStop, where you can complete the registration form.

You will be asked to provide them with your details which are then added to the database. These details are used to make sure you are unable to register at any online casino.

Once you’ve taken the step to register at GamStop, you won’t be able to access any gambling website or apps. The organisation also provides you with a range of resources you can turn to for support, additional help, and advice if needed.

Even if you’re making use of blocking software, it is recommended to make use of blocking software from organisations like GamStop to assist in keeping you further away from temptation.

Limit gambling-related content on social media

One of the most recent initiatives is to limit the gambling content you come across online. Not only can you limit the content you receive via email, but you can also limit content via social media.

With SaferGamblingUK.org, there are several sources giving you information on how to control gambling-related content via your favourite social media sites. So instead of leaving social media completely, all you have to do is restrict the ads and gambling-related content you find on these sites.

There are now ways to control gambling content on various social sites, which include Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Banking: Block gambling payments

You will quickly note that the industry is being very proactive to help curb problem gambling. There are various measures in place to minimise harm and to help problem gamblers deal with the issues they’re facing.

Apart from blocking software and limiting gambling-related content, you will also be able to block gambling payments via your bank. There are different types of blocking options with each bank service. Some banks have a card locking feature you can use for gambling transactions, and others allow you to simply block any payments made to gambling sites or apps.

Then there are banks that have tools and support options which include access to a Gamban license to block online gambling. You may also be with a bank that allows you to utilise a cool-off period where you can take a break from gaming.

In most cases, you will be able to make your requests online via your respective bank provider. No matter which bank you’re with, there will be a method to block or limit your gambling spending.

How does self-exclusion work?

In every regulated online casino, you will find that there is a self-exclusion option that enables you to opt-out from online gameplay when you no longer feel in control.

When you decide to self-exclude, you need to keep in mind that this is for at least six months. Some casinos and betting shops have it for a minimum of a year. You will also need to provide proof of identity and will be unable to leave the scheme until the exclusion period has expired.

During this period, you will be removed from all the marketing databases to ensure no contact is made in terms of promotional offers or other casino-related news that might lead you astray.

When you join a self-exclusion scheme, you give permission for your information to be shared with other operators that share the same scheme, and you agree to stay away from the venues which you’ve opted to self-exclude.

The idea is for you to stay responsible, learn how to play responsibly and keep to your self-exclusion agreement, but operators will do their part in helping you steer clear of temptation.

Regional preventative measures

Responsible gaming is not a new initiative but rather one that has been gaining momentum in the past few years. Across the globe, regions have been putting more emphasis on responsible gaming and what operators are expected to do.

The UKGC is one of the leading authorities when it comes to focusing on Responsible gaming in online casinos. And with their new regulatory bodies, Sweden and the Netherlands were quick to follow the example set by the UKGC.

Some regions, such as Curacao, are what the industry considers a wild card as they have been moving more freely, and instead of going with the motions of the crowd, they’ve gone against it.

More recently, Curacao’s shortcomings have been pushed to the surface, which led to the creation of a new gambling authority. The new Curacao Gaming Authority is in control of licensing and overseeing gaming activities in this region.

This means stricter protocols to follow and a bigger focus on procedures and responsible gambling.

Read more about Curacao’s new regulatory changes.

Temporary self-exclusion

While you’re reading this, you might think to yourself that a short break is needed. At the same time, the idea of self-exclusion seems slightly excessive. The good news is that apart from self-exclusion, there is also the option of a time-out which is a temporary self-exclusion from online gameplay.

This is a great alternative and starting point for anyone who feels they might be heading in the wrong direction. The majority of online casinos have both temporary and long-term self-exclusion options available.

With temporary self-exclusion/time-outs, you can often choose how long you need to take a break from the casino. When you activate this option, you can choose from options that are as short as 24 hours to as long as 2 months.

Even if you don’t have any problems, it’s always a good idea to take a temporary break from your account now and then. Especially if you find yourself spending too much time online.

If you want to know more about how to take a temporary break from your online casino account, you can do so by learning more about play limits for online casinos.

Always Play Responsibly

Online casino entertainment is all about the fun and games that you get to enjoy. It doesn’t matter what time of day you play; it should always be a source of entertainment.

If at any point throughout your gameplay you feel that it is becoming more of a problem than a source of fun, then it is recommended to take a break temporarily or permanently and seek professional help.

Take advantage of blocking software, account limits, and other resources to remain in control when playing your favourite games.