What is a cool off period?

It's usually measured in days or weeks, and you normally choose the length when you ask for it. The offshore casinos covered here don't publish set durations, so ask support which lengths they allow and get the dates confirmed in writing. If you find yourself wanting a break of several months, self-exclusion is the better fit; SlotoCash, for example, sets a 6-month minimum for its self-exclusion. Our self-exclusion guide explains how the longer option works.

The point of the tool is that you can't, and you should treat any casino that lets you end it early with caution. Ask support before the break starts whether an early return is possible, and if it is, set a longer break or use self-exclusion instead. Blocking software adds a second lock you control. See our page on blocking software for the options that work on phones and computers.

No, a cool-off is shorter and ends on its own, while self-exclusion runs for months or permanently and is built to be hard to undo. Silver Oak's terms list both: cool-off periods, and self-exclusion through live chat that is processed immediately. SlotoCash's page lists self-exclusion with a 6-month minimum but no separate cool-off. Our answer to what is self-exclusion covers the longer option in detail.

The offshore casinos covered here don't publish how balances are treated during a cool-off, so ask support before the break starts. The safest move is to withdraw what you want to keep first, since a balance sitting in the account is a reason to return. Bear in mind that withdrawals at offshore casinos can face weekly caps and verification checks. Our guide on how to withdraw walks through the process.

Some do, by request. Silver Oak's own terms list cool-off periods, while SlotoCash offers time limits on request rather than a named cool-off. Third-party reviews report no responsible gambling tools at Planet 7, Royal Ace or Slot Madness. Because no US state licenses these sites, a cool-off there relies on the casino keeping its word. Our responsible gambling hub lists tools you can control yourself.

No, it covers only the account at the casino that set it. Some state self-exclusion programs cover every licensed operator in a state, but those programs don't reach offshore sites. To cover every site on your devices at once, use blocking software. Gamban costs $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, with a 7-day trial, according to its pricing page. Our Gamban page explains how it works on phones and computers.

Yes, that is one of the best times to use one. The urge to win money back right after a loss is strong and leads to bigger losses, because each new bet still carries the house edge. A short break lets that urge pass. If losses are causing money problems, our page on gambling and debt points to free help with budgeting and debt.

You can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), which NCPG runs as a free, confidential service available 24/7, or use its online chat. Gamblers Anonymous holds meetings in person and online, and many states run their own programs. Our list of state problem gambling programs shows what's available where you live.

Miami Club doesn't name a cool-off on its responsible gaming page, but it lists tools that can do a similar job. Its page describes deposit and time limits in a player protection section, a budget restriction on request, account closure at any time, and permanent self-exclusion by email and a form. If you want a short break there, ask support whether a time limit can block play for a set number of days, and get the dates in writing. Our page on Miami Club's responsible gambling tools lists each option.

Yes, in most cases a cool off period, cooling-off period and time-out describe the same thing: a short, self-requested break that reopens your account when it ends. Casinos label their tools differently, though. Silver Oak's terms use the term cool-off periods, while SlotoCash offers time limits on request instead of a named cool-off, and those may work per session rather than as a full break. Ask support exactly what the tool does before you rely on it. Our time-out and cool-off glossary entry gives the short definition.

Possibly, but Planet 7 doesn't publish one, and AskGamblers lists cool-off and every other responsible gambling tool as unavailable there. Unofficial mirror sites claim support can arrange time-outs, but those pages aren't confirmed as the operator's own. Ask live chat directly, request written confirmation of the start and end dates, and don't rely on the break alone. Blocking software gives you a lock the casino doesn't control. Our Planet 7 responsible gambling page sets out what has been reported.

It might, because the offshore casinos covered here don't publish whether a cool-off stops marketing. Ask support to stop promotional emails and texts for the same period when you request the break, and get that in writing too. You can also unsubscribe from each list yourself and filter casino senders straight to a folder you don't open. Bonus offers arriving mid-break are a common trigger to return early. Our cool off periods guide covers what to do if support offers a bonus instead.

Only at the one casino that set it, so your phone can still reach every other site. To cover the whole device, install blocking software. Gamban has apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play and costs $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial, according to its pricing page. Remove saved cards and crypto wallet shortcuts from your phone as well, so a deposit takes more steps. Our page on BetBlocker covers another blocking option.

Stop playing, take screenshots showing the date and your account, and contact support in writing with the confirmation of your break. Ask them to close the account or self-exclude you instead. At an offshore casino, there is no state regulator to complain to if it fails to honor its own tool, so add your own protection with blocking software. If the slip made gambling harder to resist, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Our guide to self-exclusion at offshore casinos explains the stronger option.