Self-exclusion, limits and time-outs from your phone
There are moments when a limit is not enough and the healthy move is to step away. From a phone you can do it in a few minutes, and it is best done that way: the decision is easier to make in a calm moment than at midnight after a bad session. This guide explains the account tools, from most to least flexible, and what exists outside the account.
How deposit limits work
A deposit limit caps how much you can add per day, week or month. If the operator offers it, it is in the account settings or a responsible gambling section. Lowering it usually applies at once; raising it normally involves a waiting period, precisely to prevent impulsive decisions. Set it to your real monthly budget and leave it alone until the next month.
Time limits, wager limits and session reminders
Some accounts can limit session length, stake size or losses over a period, and show a reminder every so often. On a phone, reminders are especially useful: sessions fragment and you lose track of the total. If the account does not offer them, use the system timer.
Time-out and self-exclusion
A time-out locks the account for days or weeks. Self-exclusion lasts longer — months or more — and usually cannot be undone early. If the account does not show these options, request them in writing from support, stating the period, and keep the confirmation. While excluded, do not open new accounts with the same operator: the terms forbid it and it does not help.
What you can do on the phone
- Delete the casino app or home-screen icon and the browser bookmark.
- Use Screen Time (iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to block the browser at certain hours.
- Install a gambling-site blocker and leave the password with someone you trust.
- Delete saved cards and turn on bank purchase alerts.
- Unsubscribe from promotional emails and notifications.
National self-exclusion registers
Many countries run a national self-exclusion register covering the operators they license. Whether such a register exists where you live, and whether it covers online play, depends on local rules. Look for it in your country — and remember that an operator licensed elsewhere may not be covered, so request exclusion from the operator directly as well.
Where to get help
If keeping limits is hard, you are not alone and talking helps. Gambling Therapy offers free, specialised online support in many languages, and Gamblers Anonymous lists meetings. More resources in responsible gambling.