Taking a break from gambling is one of the most responsible decisions you can make. Whether you need a short cool-off to reset your mindset or a longer period of self-exclusion, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — from recognising the signs to activating cool-off periods at the casinos we track.
Gambling should always be enjoyable entertainment. If it starts to feel like a compulsion, a source of stress, or a financial burden, it is time to step back. Review the checklist below honestly. If you identify with three or more of these signs, we strongly recommend taking a cool-off period.
A cool-off period (also called a "time-out") is a temporary break from gambling that you activate through your casino account. During a cool-off:
Cool-off periods are different from self-exclusion. Cool-off is shorter (24 hours to 30 days) and designed for a temporary reset. Self-exclusion is longer (6 months to permanent) and intended for those who recognise a more serious problem with their gambling behaviour.
Here is how cool-off and self-exclusion tools work at each of the casinos we track. All of these casinos offer responsible gambling features as part of their licence obligations.
24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or custom period
6 months, 1 year, or permanent
Go to Account Settings > Responsible Gambling > Cool-Off Period. Select your preferred duration and confirm. Takes effect immediately.
24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, or 30 days
6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or permanent
Navigate to My Account > Responsible Gaming. Choose Time-Out and select the period. Contact support for permanent self-exclusion.
1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days
6 months or permanent
Open your profile settings, select Responsible Gambling, then Cooling-Off. Pick a duration and confirm. Your account is locked instantly.
24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days
6 months, 1 year, or permanent
Visit Account > Responsible Gaming Tools > Take a Break. Choose the length and confirm. During the cool-off, you cannot deposit, wager, or access games.
1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or 14 days
6 months, 1 year, or indefinite
Head to Settings > Player Protection > Cool-Off. Select the timeframe and confirm with your password. Marketing communications are also paused.
24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, or 30 days
6 months, 1 year, or permanent
Go to My Account > Responsible Play > Cooling-Off Period. Choose your duration. All active bonuses are paused and restored if you return.
1 day, 7 days, or 30 days
6 months, 1 year, or permanent
Navigate to Profile > Safety Tools > Take a Break. Select the period and confirm. During cool-off, login is disabled entirely.
If a short cool-off is not enough, self-exclusion provides a longer and more comprehensive break. Follow these steps:
Self-exclusion is not a sign of weakness — it is a proactive decision to protect yourself. If you have taken multiple cool-off periods or if gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, self-exclusion is the right next step.
You can self-exclude directly at individual casinos through their account settings, or use a national register that blocks you from all licensed operators at once. National registers include GamStop (UK), OASIS (Germany), ROFUS (Denmark), and CRUKS (Netherlands).
Log into each casino account, navigate to the responsible gambling section, and select self-exclusion. Choose a duration (6 months, 1 year, or permanent). Confirm your decision. Repeat for every casino where you hold an account.
If available in your jurisdiction, register with the national self-exclusion scheme. This adds an extra layer of protection by legally requiring all licensed operators to block your access. Visit our self-exclusion directory for links to services in your country.
Download and install software such as Gamban, BetBlocker (free), or GamBlock on all your devices — phone, tablet, and computer. These tools block access to gambling websites and apps, providing an essential safety net.
Tell a family member, friend, or counsellor about your decision. Having someone who knows about your self-exclusion provides accountability and emotional support. You do not have to go through this alone.
Contact a gambling support organisation for ongoing help. Counselling, support groups, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are all proven approaches for managing gambling urges. Many services are free and available online.
Blocking software provides an additional layer of protection by preventing access to gambling sites across all your devices. We recommend these reputable tools:
From $2.49/month
Blocks over 60,000 gambling websites and apps. Works across all devices. Used by major responsible gambling organisations worldwide.
Visit GambanFree
A free, charity-run blocking tool that covers gambling sites across all devices. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Visit BetBlockerFrom $6.49/month
One of the longest-running gambling blockers. Covers 120,000+ gambling URLs. Cannot be easily bypassed once installed.
Visit GamBlockYou are not alone. Free, confidential help is available around the world, 24 hours a day. These organisations offer phone support, live chat, counselling, and online resources.
United States
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
24/7 helpline, text support (text HOME to 741741)
Canada
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
Free and confidential health service information for Ontario; other provinces have dedicated services
International
Local meetings worldwide
Peer support groups following a 12-step programme, available in 50+ countries
When your cool-off period ends, your account will automatically reopen. Before you start gambling again, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, consider extending your break or speaking to a professional counsellor. There is no rush to return. Your wellbeing is more important than any game.
This guide is part of our responsible gambling resources.
Back to Responsible Gambling HubGambling is for adults only.
You must be 18 years or older to use the services recommended on this site. Please gamble responsibly. If gambling is no longer fun, stop and seek help.
