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Self-exclusion across markets

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Self-exclusion is a formal way to block yourself from gambling for a set time. In many countries, there is a central list. Signing up once will block you from every licensed site in that area. This guide explains how these lists work and how you can use them.

If you need help right now: United States 1-800-522-4700 (NCPG) or text 800GAM. UK 0808 8020 133 (GamCare). Canada 1-866-531-2600 (ConnexOntario). Ireland 089 241 5401 (Problem Gambling Ireland). Australia 1800 858 858 (Gambling Help Online). These services are free and private. Most are open 24/7.

How self-exclusion works

When you sign up for a national system, you choose how long to stay away. This is often between 6 months and several years. Every gambling company in that system must then refuse to let you play. Most systems check your identity using official digital IDs. This makes it very hard to just sign up again with a different name.

Once you start a self-exclusion, you cannot cancel it until the time is up. This is a rule to help you stay in control. If you only need a very short break, you might prefer a "cooling-off" period. These usually last between 24 hours and one week.

Cross-operator registers by market

Here are the main systems. One sign-up covers all licensed sites in that country. If you use offshore sites that do not have a local license, you will still need to block those one by one.

GAMSTOP - United Kingdom

UKGC · 6 months minimum

gamstop.co.uk · Identity via Email + name + DOB

Mandatory at every UKGC operator. 6 months / 1 year / 5 years / indefinite. Indefinite is hardest to reverse.

ROFUS - Denmark

Spillemyndigheden · 1 month minimum

rofus.nu · Identity via MitID

Strongest single-registration in any framework. MitID identity layer; covers every Danish-licensed operator across every product category.

CRUKS - Netherlands

KSA · 6 months minimum

cruks.nl · Identity via DigiD

Covers every KSA-licensed online operator plus Holland Casino physical premises.

RUA - Italy

ADM · 6 months minimum

agenziadoganemonopoli.gov.it · Identity via SPID

Federal registry operational since 2023. Covers every ADM-concessioned operator.

RGIAJ - Spain

DGOJ · 1 month minimum

rgiaj.es · Identity via Cl@ve or DNIe

Covers every DGOJ-licensed operator across all product categories.

Spelpaus - Sweden

SGA · 1 month minimum

spelpaus.se · Identity via BankID

Covers every SGA-licensed operator. Binding once registered.

OASIS - Germany

GGL · 3 months minimum

GGL national register · Identity via Identity verification

Federal player file ("OASIS-Sperrdatei"). Mandatory enrollment at every GGL operator.

Hjelpelinjen - Norway

Lotteritilsynet · Permanent minimum

norsk-tipping.no · Identity via BankID

Norway operates a state monopoly (Norsk Tipping); exclusion is via the single operator.

NJ Self-Exclusion - New Jersey

DGE · 1 year minimum

state.nj.us · Identity via SSN + state ID

Covers every DGE-licensed NJ operator. 1 / 5 / lifetime.

PA Self-Exclusion - Pennsylvania

PGCB · 1 year minimum

pgcb.pa.gov · Identity via SSN + state ID

Covers PGCB-licensed iGaming + retail.

MI Self-Exclusion - Michigan

MGCB · 1 year minimum

michigan.gov/mgcb · Identity via SSN + state ID

Covers MGCB-licensed iGaming + retail.

AGCO / iGO - Ontario

AGCO · 6 months minimum

iagco.gov.on.ca · Identity via Provincial ID

Covers every iGO-registered operator. Province-wide register.

Cooling-off, deposit limits, reality checks

Self-exclusion is the most powerful choice. However, there are other tools that can help you stay in control:

  • Cooling-off period. This is a short break from 24 hours up to one week. It helps you stop during a moment when you feel like gambling too much.
  • Deposit limits. This sets a cap on how much money you can put into your account. You can set limits for a day, a week, or a month. Most sites must offer this tool by law.
  • Loss limits. This limits how much you can lose. Even if you have money in your account, the games will stop if you hit your limit.
  • Reality checks. These are alerts that pop up while you play. They tell you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. They help you take a break.
  • Time limits. You can set a limit on how many minutes or hours you spend on a site each day.
  • Account closure. You can ask a company to close your account forever. This only blocks you from that one site, not from all sites in the country.

If self-exclusion isn't enough

Self-exclusion only blocks licensed sites. It cannot stop you from using offshore sites or sites that have just launched. If you are trying to find ways around your blocks, please talk to someone. Self-exclusion might not be enough on its own.

  • National helplines (listed at the top) are free and private. They can help you find medical support or therapy if you need it.
  • Local Gamblers Anonymous meetings take place in most cities. You can find one at Gamanon.org.
  • Online support communities like r/StopGambling or the GamCare forums are available 24 hours a day for help and advice.
  • Bank-level blocks. Many UK banks now let you block gambling payments in their apps. This is very effective. Check your bank app to see if they offer this.

You can also visit our responsible gambling resource page to see more help available in different countries.

Frequently asked

How do I know if my market has a cross-operator self-exclusion register?
Most regulated areas have one. The table above shows the biggest ones. If you cannot find yours, look for "Responsible gambling" links at the bottom of any site. In places without a central list, you have to block each site one by one. This is much harder to do.
How long should I self-exclude for?
Choose a time that is long enough for your gambling urges to fade. Most lists offer different lengths. Short breaks last 1 to 6 months. Longer breaks last 1 to 5 years. Permanent blocks are for when you want to stop for good. Permanent blocks are much harder to reverse and often require a waiting period before you can gamble again.
What if I want to gamble but cap my exposure rather than exclude entirely?
You can use deposit and loss limits instead of blocking yourself completely. Most sites let you set these limits yourself. You can usually lower a limit quickly, but you have to wait a few days if you want to raise it. Reality checks and time alerts also help you keep track of your play.
Can I "cancel" a self-exclusion early?
Usually, you cannot. These blocks are meant to be final for the time you chose. Most systems will not let you cancel until the time is finished. Even when the time ends, many systems will not let you play again unless you ask them to reactivate your account.
Does self-exclusion stop me from gambling at offshore-licensed sites?
The short answer is no. These lists only work for companies with a local license. Offshore sites do not have to follow these rules. This is a problem. Regulators are trying to fix this by asking banks to block payments to these offshore sites, but it does not always work.
What about cooling-off vs self-exclusion - what's the difference?
A cooling-off period is a very short break, like 24 hours. It is for when you need a quick "circuit-breaker." Self-exclusion is for a much longer time. Most sites must offer both. Use cooling-off for a single session, and self-exclusion if you need a long time away from gambling.

Continue reading

Responsible gambling resources

Helplines, treatment programs, and tools by country.

Licensing explained

The frameworks that mandate cross-operator self-exclusion registers.

Spotting scams

Operators that allow easy reverse-withdrawal or skirt self-exclusion are showing their hand.

Glossary

Quick lookups for GAMSTOP / ROFUS / CRUKS / RUA / RGIAJ / Spelpaus and related terms.