Self exclusion meaning

It means asking to be barred from gambling for a set time or permanently. A casino, or all licensed operators in a state program, closes or blocks your account and refuses new sign-ups for that period. It's voluntary and you request it yourself, but it's designed to be hard to undo. Our self-exclusion guide explains how to choose the right length and program.

It depends on the program or casino. Some offer set periods and some offer permanent exclusion. Among offshore casinos, SlotoCash publishes a minimum of six months, Miami Club publishes a permanent option and Silver Oak offers a temporary self-ban or permanent closure. State programs set their own terms, so read the official page before enrolling. See state self-exclusion lists.

No. State programs cover operators licensed in that state, and offshore casinos aren't licensed by any US state. Michigan's regulator says offshore sites don't honor its Responsible Gaming Database. To exclude from an offshore casino, contact that casino directly in writing and keep its reply, then add blocking software as a backstop. Our page on self-exclusion at offshore casinos walks through it.

Usually it's designed not to be easy, and that's deliberate: the point is protection during moments when you might want to play again. Each program and casino sets its own rules on ending an exclusion, so check them before you enroll. If you're thinking about ending one early, talk to someone first, such as a counselor at 1-800-MY-RESET. See our help and support page.

A cool-off is a short pause, often days or weeks, while self-exclusion is a longer or permanent ban that's harder to reverse. Silver Oak, for example, lists cool-off periods and self-exclusion as separate tools. A cool-off can help if you want a break; self-exclusion suits someone who wants a firm stop. Read our cool-off glossary entry to compare the two.

Often it isn't, because it only covers the operators that honor it. Pair it with blocking software such as Gamban, removing saved payment details, and support from people you trust or a peer group. Free help is available 24/7 at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Our guide to blocking software shows how to add a second layer.

SlotoCash's minimum self-exclusion period is six months, according to the casino's own responsible gambling page, and you request it by emailing its support team. SlotoCash also lists deposit limits, time limits and a budget restriction on request, but no separate cool-off or reality check. Keep the reply as a record, and remove saved payment details afterward. SlotoCash is offshore and not licensed by any US state, so no state program enforces the exclusion. Our SlotoCash responsible gambling page lists its tools in full.

Yes, Miami Club's own responsible gaming page says you can request permanent self-exclusion by email plus a form, and close your account at any time. It also lists budget restrictions on request and deposit and time limits in its player protection section. Ask support to confirm in writing when the exclusion takes effect. Miami Club is offshore, so a state self-exclusion list won't reach it; the request has to go to the casino. Read the Miami Club responsible gambling page before you write to support.

Not necessarily, so exclude from each one separately. SlotoCash and Miami Club are widely reported as Deckmedia N.V. brands, but neither casino publishes a rule saying an exclusion at one applies to the other. When you write to either support team, ask directly whether the exclusion covers any related brands, and keep the answer. If you get no clear reply, send a separate request to each site and add blocking software. Our guide to self-exclusion at offshore casinos covers multi-brand gaps.

The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program is a national scheme that covers participating operators, and information about it is available through the NCPG helpline or at nvsep.org. It's separate from state programs, and its reach depends on which operators take part, so check the current list before relying on it. Offshore casinos aren't part of any US licensing system, so contact them directly as well. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) for help choosing. Our national helpline page explains the service.

No, not automatically: you usually have to self-exclude from each sweepstakes casino separately by contacting its support. State self-exclusion programs cover operators licensed by that state, and sweepstakes casinos operate outside state casino licensing, so a state list won't automatically block them. Several states, including New York, New Jersey and California, have banned dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, but bans don't stop every site being reachable. Blocking software covers sweepstakes sites too. See our sweepstakes casino entry for how these sites work.

Possibly not in the usual way, because Miami Club's Terms of Use set a $100 minimum withdrawal, so ask support how any remaining balance will be paid before the exclusion starts. Other casinos set their own minimums and rules for closed accounts. Don't keep playing to reach a minimum. Ask in writing what happens to small balances, keep the reply, and remove saved cards afterward. Our gambling and money page has steps for sorting out finances.

Yes, both have official programs. The Virginia Lottery runs the Virginia Voluntary Exclusion Program, which covers operators it licenses, and the DC Lottery's Office of Lottery and Gaming runs a self-exclusion program for operators licensed in the District. Each sets its own enrollment steps and lengths, so read the official page first. Neither program reaches offshore casinos, which no state licenses. Our state problem gambling programs page lists help in other states.