Self exclusion guide for US players
This self exclusion guide explains how to block yourself from gambling in the US, step by step. Self-exclusion is a request that a casino, or a whole state's licensed operators, refuse your play for a set period or for good. It works best in layers: a state program, each casino you've used, blocking software on your devices and a person you can talk to.
By the Best USA Casinos team. Updated . Facts and offers checked October 28, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Self-exclusion is a positive, practical step, and it works best when several barriers are used together.
- State programs, such as New Jersey's, Illinois's and Virginia's, cover operators licensed in that state.
- Offshore casinos run their own exclusions by email or chat, and no US state enforces them.
- Blocking software such as Gamban covers your devices whichever site you try to reach.
- Free, confidential help is available 24/7 at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
- National helpline
- 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), call or text
- State programs with official pages
- New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, DC
- National voluntary program
- Information via NCPG helpline or nvsep.org
- Gamban price
- $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, after a 7-day trial
- In a crisis
- Call or text 988
Self exclusion guide: what self-exclusion is and how it works
Self-exclusion means asking a gambling operator to stop you from playing, usually for a fixed term such as six months, a year or several years, or permanently. During that time the operator is meant to refuse your account, stop marketing to you and, in many state programs, treat any winnings you collect as forfeited.
It's a sign of strength, not failure. Most people who choose it have noticed that gambling is costing more money, time or peace of mind than they want to give it. Setting a firm barrier while your head is clear is far easier than resisting an urge in the moment.
Self-exclusion isn't the same as closing an account or taking a short break. A closed account can often be reopened with an email, and a cool-off period ends on its own. Self-exclusion is built to hold. For definitions, our glossary entry on self-exclusion.
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 now, or call 911. The National Problem Gambling Helpline says it isn't a crisis line.
Types of self-exclusion in the US and what each one covers
No single US list covers everything. Each type of exclusion reaches a different part of the market, which is why layering them matters.
| Type | Who runs it | What it covers | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| State program | A state regulator or lottery | Operators licensed in that state; scope varies by program | Doesn't bind offshore or out-of-state sites |
| Single casino | The casino itself | That casino, sometimes its sister brands | Only that operator; offshore exclusions aren't state-enforced |
| National voluntary program | Information via NCPG or nvsep.org | Participating operators | Coverage depends on who participates |
| Blocking software | You, on your devices | Gambling sites and apps on protected devices | Can be bypassed on unprotected devices |
| Money barriers | You and your bank | Card payments to gambling merchants, if your bank offers it | No named US bank's feature verified; crypto is harder |
Our state self-exclusion lists page goes state by state, and self-exclusion at offshore casinos looks at the offshore side in depth. This guide pulls the options into one plan. More practical guides sit in our online casino guides section.
State self-exclusion programs: New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia and more
Several states publish official self-exclusion programs. Each sets its own terms, lengths and sign-up method, so read the official page before you enroll.
- New Jersey: the Division of Gaming Enforcement runs a Self Exclusion Program (opens in a new tab) covering the state's licensed gambling.
- Illinois: the Illinois Gaming Board runs a Self-Exclusion Program (opens in a new tab), and the Illinois Lottery lists a self-exclusion option for online ticket purchases.
- Virginia: the Virginia Lottery runs a Voluntary Exclusion Program (opens in a new tab), alongside the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 888-532-3500 (call, text or chat).
- District of Columbia: the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming publishes a self-exclusion program.
- Michigan: the Michigan Gaming Control Board publishes a responsible gaming page with help resources.
State programs apply to the operators the state licenses or runs. An offshore casino isn't licensed by any US state, so a state list doesn't bind it. That's not a reason to skip the state program; it's a reason to add the other layers below. Our page on state problem gambling programs lists state help services too.
How to self-exclude: a step-by-step plan
You can do all of this in an afternoon. Taking the steps in one sitting, while your decision feels clear, makes it more likely to stick.
- Choose a length. If you're unsure, pick longer rather than shorter; you can reassess when it ends.
- Enroll in your state's program if it has one, following the official page's instructions and ID requirements.
- List every casino, sweepstakes site and betting app you've used, including ones you haven't opened in a while.
- Contact each one in writing to request self-exclusion for your chosen period, and ask for confirmation.
- Withdraw any balances first, or as part of the same request, so money isn't a reason to return.
- Install blocking software on your phone, computer and tablet.
- Unsubscribe from gambling emails and texts, and unfollow gambling accounts on social media.
- Tell one person you trust what you've done, and save the helpline number in your phone: 1-800-MY-RESET.
Self-exclusion at offshore casinos: what their own pages say
Offshore casinos handle self-exclusion themselves, usually through support. No US state regulates them, so the exclusion rests on the casino honoring its own policy. Here's what some casinos publish, and what third parties report where a casino's site couldn't be read.
| Casino | How to self-exclude | Other tools listed | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SlotoCash | Email support; minimum 6 months | Deposit and time limits on request; budget restriction | Casino's responsible gaming page |
| Miami Club | Permanent self-exclusion by email and form | Deposit and time limits; budget restriction; closure any time | Casino's responsible gaming page |
| Silver Oak | Live chat, processed immediately; temporary self-ban | Deposit limits; cool-off periods; permanent closure | Casino's terms and responsible gambling page |
| Planet 7, Royal Ace, Slot Madness | Not listed | All tools listed as "No" by AskGamblers | Third-party reviews |
| Decode | Not found | Not found | Casino's help page didn't show tools |
An unofficial mirror site for Royal Ace and Planet 7 claims support can arrange self-exclusion. That isn't confirmed, so make your request to the casino's own support address and keep the reply. Some casinos' pages also list older helpline numbers; the current national line is 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Miami Club's Terms of Use (version 2.1, September 28, 2026, section 1.6) list the United States as a prohibited jurisdiction, while the affiliate program the site works with says US players are accepted. If you hold an account there, confirm its status with the casino, as you would at sign-up, and request exclusion in writing either way.
How long should self-exclusion last?
There's no right answer for everyone, but the length should match the reason. Short breaks suit someone who wants a pause; longer exclusions suit someone who has lost control or keeps returning.
| Situation | Option to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want a short reset | Cool-off of days or weeks | Ends automatically; low commitment |
| Spending more than planned, repeatedly | Six months to a year | Long enough to break habits; SlotoCash's minimum is six months |
| Chasing losses or borrowing to gamble | Several years or permanent | A firm barrier while you get support |
| Returned after a previous exclusion | Permanent, plus blocking software | Removes the decision from future urges |
If you're chasing losses, read chasing losses and consider the self-assessment to see where you stand. Neither is a test you can fail; they're tools to help you decide.
Blocking software: self-exclusion for your devices
Device blockers stop gambling sites and apps loading on the phones and computers you install them on, including offshore sites that ignore state lists. Gamban's pricing page lists $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year after a 7-day trial, with site and app blocking and apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
BetBlocker is another option; check its own site for current features and pricing, since we couldn't verify them. Install a blocker on every device you use, including work and tablet devices if you gamble on them. Our pages on Gamban, BetBlocker and blocking software compare the setup.
Money barriers: cards, banks and crypto
Cutting off payment routes adds another layer. Card networks code gambling payments as merchant category 7995, and some US banks decline those transactions or let customers block them. We couldn't verify a published gambling-block feature from a named US bank, so call yours and ask directly; see MCC 7995 and credit card gambling blocks.
Crypto is harder to block because it doesn't run through card codes. If you've used crypto to gamble, consider deleting exchange apps, lowering exchange limits or asking someone you trust to hold access for a while. Our page on crypto and problem gambling has more ideas, and gambling and debt helps if money is already tight.
Support alongside self-exclusion: helplines, groups and treatment
Self-exclusion removes access; support helps with the reasons behind the urge. You don't have to choose one or the other.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), call or text, free and confidential, 24/7, with online chat from NCPG (opens in a new tab).
- Gamblers Anonymous (opens in a new tab): in-person and online meetings; see our Gamblers Anonymous guide.
- GamTalk: an online forum for sharing experiences and support.
- SMART Recovery: a science-based self-management program for addictive behaviors.
- Professional treatment: counselors and programs that specialize in gambling disorder, which the helpline can help you find.
If an urge hits during your exclusion, delay it: wait 15 minutes, call or text the helpline, or message the person you told. A slip isn't the end of your plan. Re-apply the barriers and keep going.
Self-exclusion and families: helping someone you care about
In most programs, only the gambler can self-exclude; a family member can't do it for them. What you can do is help them find the information, sit with them while they make the calls and look after your own finances and wellbeing.
Gam-Anon supports family and friends of people with gambling problems. Our guide to talking to family about gambling covers how to start a conversation without blame.
When a self-exclusion period ends
Some exclusions lift automatically and some require you to apply to be removed. Either way, the end date isn't an instruction to start again. Before it arrives, ask yourself honestly how the break has felt and whether to extend it.
- Check your confirmation for the end date and whether removal is automatic.
- Review the signs of a gambling problem and whether any still apply.
- Talk it through with the person you told, or with the helpline.
- If you extend, do it before the end date so there's no gap.
If you do return to gambling, treat it as paid entertainment with a fixed budget, never as a way to make money; the house edge means losses are likely over time. Our responsible gambling hub covers deposit limits and other tools for that.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
How do I self-exclude from online casinos in the US?
Use several layers: your state's program, each casino you've used and blocking software. Enroll through your state's official program if it has one, such as New Jersey's or Illinois's, then write to every casino and app you've used asking for self-exclusion and confirmation. Install a blocker such as Gamban on every device. Our state self-exclusion lists page shows what each state offers.
Does state self-exclusion cover offshore casinos?
No, a state program binds the operators that state licenses, and offshore casinos aren't licensed by any US state. To exclude from an offshore site, contact that casino directly. SlotoCash, for example, lists self-exclusion of at least six months by emailing support. Blocking software covers offshore sites on your devices too. See self-exclusion at offshore casinos for more.
Can I cancel a state or casino self-exclusion early?
Usually not, because a self-exclusion is meant to hold for its full term. That's the point of choosing one while your thinking is clear. Rules differ by program and casino, so check the official terms before you enroll. If you want a shorter, reversible pause, a cool-off may suit you better. Our cool-off periods guide explains how breaks differ from exclusions.
Is self-exclusion at an online casino the same as closing my account?
No. Closing ends an account, but it can often be reopened by contacting support. Self-exclusion is a responsible gambling tool meant to stop you returning for a set period or permanently. If control is part of your reason, ask for self-exclusion, not just closure, and keep the written confirmation. Our closing a casino account guide covers the steps.
What does Gamban cost and does it work on phones?
Gamban's pricing page lists $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, after a 7-day trial. It blocks gambling sites and apps and has apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play, so it works on iPhones and Android phones. Install it on every device you use for the best coverage. Our Gamban guide explains setup.
Who can I talk to about self-exclusion?
Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), which is free, confidential and open 24/7. The helpline can also point you to voluntary self-exclusion information, including nvsep.org. Gamblers Anonymous and GamTalk offer peer support, and in a crisis you should call or text 988. Our national helpline page explains what happens when you call.
Can I self-exclude a family member?
Generally no, self-exclusion has to be requested by the person who gambles. You can help them find their state program and each casino's process, and you can protect shared finances. Gam-Anon offers support for family and friends. Our help for families page has practical steps for starting the conversation and looking after yourself.
What if I gamble during my self-exclusion?
Don't give up on the plan: a slip is common and you can rebuild the barriers. Tell the casino so it can enforce the exclusion, check that blocking software is active on every device, and call or text 1-800-MY-RESET to talk it through. Many state programs treat winnings during exclusion as forfeited, so there's nothing to gain. Our treatment options page covers longer-term support.
How long does self-exclusion last at SlotoCash, Miami Club and Silver Oak?
It depends on the casino's own policy, and each publishes something different. SlotoCash's responsible gaming page sets a minimum of six months, requested by emailing support. Miami Club offers permanent self-exclusion by email and form, and lets you close your account any time. Silver Oak says live chat requests are processed immediately, with a temporary self-ban or permanent closure on offer. None of these exclusions is enforced by a US state, so ask for written confirmation. See the pages on SlotoCash responsible gambling and Silver Oak responsible gambling for each casino's tools.
Is there a national self-exclusion list in the US?
There's no single government list that covers every US gambling site. Voluntary self-exclusion information is available through the NCPG helpline or nvsep.org, the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, but it only reaches the operators that take part. State programs cover the operators each state licenses, and offshore casinos aren't licensed by any state, so they need a direct request. That's why this guide recommends layering a state program, each casino and device blocking. Our state self-exclusion lists page and the explainer on what self-exclusion is go into the coverage gaps.
How does self-exclusion work in Illinois?
In Illinois you enroll through the Illinois Gaming Board's Self-Exclusion Program, which applies to the gambling the board licenses, such as the state's casinos. The Illinois Lottery separately lists a self-exclusion option for online ticket purchases, so you may need to request both. Read the board's official program page for lengths, ID requirements and what happens to winnings before you sign. Neither program reaches offshore casino sites, which need a written request to each casino plus blocking software. Illinois residents can find more on the Illinois online casinos hub and in our state problem gambling programs directory.
Does Virginia have a gambling self-exclusion program?
Yes, the Virginia Lottery runs a Voluntary Exclusion Program for the gambling it oversees. Alongside it, the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 888-532-3500 takes calls, texts and chats, and the national line, 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), is open 24/7. As in every state, the program covers operators Virginia licenses, not offshore websites, so add direct requests to any other site you've used and install a blocker on your devices. Check the program page for its current terms before enrolling. Our Virginia online casinos page covers the state's law, and blocking software explains the device layer.
What happens to my casino balance when I self-exclude?
Withdraw any balance first, or ask for it in the same written request, so money left in an account doesn't pull you back. Offshore casinos set their own rules on balances at exclusion, and no US state oversees them, so keep the support conversation and the withdrawal confirmation. Expect the usual identity checks on that last cashout. In many state programs, winnings collected during an exclusion are treated as forfeited, which removes any reason to try. Our guides to withdrawing from an online casino and gambling and money cover the practical side.
How do I self-exclude from crypto casinos?
Ask each crypto casino's support in writing for self-exclusion, then block the payment route, because crypto deposits don't pass through card codes that banks can stop. Card networks code gambling payments as MCC 7995, which some banks decline, but a wallet transfer skips that check. Practical options are deleting exchange apps, lowering exchange limits or asking someone you trust to hold access for a while. Install device blocking such as Gamban, at $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, on every phone and computer. Our pages on crypto and problem gambling and crypto casino scams go further.