Using The Self Exclusion Tool

Sarah MitchellLast updated: 6 September 2024

Taking control of gambling habits can be challenging, but self-exclusion offers a practical and effective solution for those who need a break. Whether you're struggling to manage your gambling or simply want to reassess your relationship with it, self-exclusion allows you to take charge.

In this article, you'll learn what self-exclusion is, how it works across different platforms, and why it's a crucial tool for responsible gaming. We'll guide you through the steps to set it up, explore the options available in Australia, and discuss other tools that can help you maintain healthy gambling habits.

What is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary action that allows you to temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gambling services, both online and offline. This tool is particularly useful if you feel that your gambling is becoming difficult to control, or if you simply want to take a break to reassess your relationship with gambling.

By choosing to self-exclude, you’re taking a proactive step to protect yourself from potential harms, such as financial loss or emotional distress.

Self-exclusion is typically built into the online casino and can also be accessed through national programs like BetStop, covering all licensed gambling sites in Australia. This makes it easier to take control of your gambling habits across multiple platforms with just a few clicks.

Types of Self-Exclusion

In Australia, self-exclusion comes in different forms, allowing players to choose the option that best suits their needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Online Self-Exclusion

This type of self-exclusion is activated through online platforms, such as offshore online casinos. Many reputable offshore casinos offer built-in self-exclusion tools, allowing you to restrict access to your account for a specific period or indefinitely. This option is ideal for those who primarily gamble online and want to ensure they are protected across their preferred platforms.

Offline Self-Exclusion

For those who frequent physical gambling venues, such as casinos, pubs, or clubs, offline self-exclusion is available. This option allows you to exclude yourself from entering these venues, helping you avoid the temptation of in-person gambling. Each state in Australia typically manages offline self-exclusion through local programs, ensuring you are covered in your specific region.

Individual Platform Self-Exclusion

Whether online or offline, self-exclusion can be applied to individual gambling platforms. For example, you can choose to exclude yourself from a specific online casino or betting site. This is useful if you find that certain platforms are more challenging for you to manage responsibly.

National Programs (BetStop)

For a more comprehensive approach, Australia offers the BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register. This national program allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed online wagering providers based in Australia with a single request. It’s an effective way to ensure you are protected across multiple platforms, eliminating the need to self-exclude individually from each one. Note: this does not included offshore online casinos.

Misconceptions About Self-Exclusion

There are a few common misconceptions about self-exclusion that we’d like to clear up:

“Self-exclusion is only for people with severe gambling addiction.”
Not true! Self-exclusion is for anyone who feels they need a break from gambling, whether they’re experiencing a mild concern or a more serious issue. It’s a proactive step to maintain control and ensure gambling remains a fun activity rather than a harmful one.

“Once you self-exclude, you can’t reverse it.”
While self-exclusion is a serious commitment, it’s not always permanent. Most programs offer flexibility, allowing you to choose the duration that suits you. For example, some options include temporary exclusions lasting from six months to a year, after which you can reassess your situation.

“Self-exclusion is difficult to set up.”
In reality, setting up self-exclusion is straightforward. Whether through an online platform, a national register like BetStop, or directly at a physical venue, the process is designed to be simple and accessible.

How Self-Exclusion Tools Work

In Australia, various self-exclusion programs are available, especially for online players, and they generally work in a similar way. These programs typically:

• Allow you to choose the specific online casinos and gambling sites from which you want to exclude yourself.
• Let you set the duration of your exclusion, ranging from short-term options to permanent bans, depending on your needs.
• Ensure that once you activate self-exclusion, you will be immediately blocked from accessing your account, depositing funds, or placing bets on the selected sites.
• Offer the option, at the end of your exclusion period, to either extend the self-exclusion or request to regain access to your gambling account.

The Importance of Self-Exclusion in Responsible Gaming

With around 70% of Australians participating in some form of gambling each year, the risks of developing unhealthy habits are real. Self-exclusion is a proven method to help individuals manage these risks effectively.

Self-exclusion is highly effective in helping individuals manage their gambling habits. Australian research strongly supports this, showing that self-exclusion significantly reduces gambling behavior and helps players regain control.

• 70% of participants who used self-exclusion reported a marked reduction in their gambling activity, according to a study by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.
• 60% of users stated that self-exclusion helped them better control their gambling, leading to improved financial and emotional well-being.

How to Set Up Self-Exclusion in Australia

Setting up self-exclusion on online casinos is a straightforward process that can help you take control of your gambling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

Duration Options

What to Expect After Self-Exclusion

Immediate Effects

Once you activate self-exclusion, the effects are immediate:

• Account Locking: Your online casino account will be locked, preventing you from logging in, placing bets, or making deposits. This restriction applies for the entire duration of your chosen exclusion period.
• Removal from Marketing Lists: You will be automatically removed from the casino’s marketing and promotional lists. This means you won’t receive emails, texts, or notifications about upcoming promotions, bonuses, or new games, helping to reduce temptation.

Long-Term Considerations

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that allows you to regain control over your gambling. During the exclusion period, you can focus on other aspects of your life, such as finances, relationships, and personal well-being, without the distraction or temptation of gambling.

• Post-Exclusion: After your self-exclusion period ends, you have the option to either extend the exclusion or reopen your account. It’s important to reassess your situation at this time and determine whether you’re ready to return to gambling or if further exclusion is needed.
• Continuous Support: Throughout your exclusion, and even after it ends, seeking continuous support through counseling and responsible gambling programs can help ensure that you maintain control over your gambling behaviour.

Pros and Cons of Self-Exclusion

Pros

• Regain control over gambling habits.
• Receive support from gambling help services.
• Prevent access to gambling sites and venues.

Cons

• Temptation to bypass exclusion through offshore sites.
• Feelings of stigma or embarrassment.
• Possible challenges in reversing the exclusion.

Alternatives to Self-Exclusion

While self-exclusion is a powerful tool for those who need a break from gambling, it’s not the only option available. There are several other responsible gaming tools that can help you manage your gambling habits more effectively, depending on your needs and situation.

Deposit Limits

Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit into your online casino account over a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly). This helps you control your spending and prevents you from depositing more than you can afford to lose.

Time-Outs

A time-out is a shorter break from gambling than self-exclusion. You can set a time-out period, typically ranging from 24 hours to a few weeks, during which you cannot access your account. This is useful for taking a temporary break without committing to a long-term exclusion.

Budget Tracking Apps

These apps help you monitor and manage your gambling expenses by tracking how much you’re spending over time. They can alert you when you’re nearing your budget limit, helping you stay within your financial boundaries.

• PocketGuard: Helps you track your spending and set up budgets to avoid overspending on gambling or other activities.
• Mint: Provides a comprehensive view of your financial situation, allowing you to track your gambling expenditures alongside other expenses.
• YNAB (You Need a Budget): Encourages proactive budgeting, helping you allocate funds and track spending, including gambling activities.
• Goodbudget: A straightforward envelope budgeting app that helps you divide your income into different spending categories, including entertainment and gambling.
• Spendee: Offers detailed budget tracking and spending reports, allowing you to monitor your gambling expenses closely.

Support Resources Available For Australians

Conclusion

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool in promoting responsible gaming, giving you the ability to take control of your gambling habits and protect yourself from potential harm. In Australia, whether you choose to self-exclude online, at physical venues, or through national programs like BetStop, these options are designed to help you regain balance and focus on what matters most. Taking proactive steps to manage your gambling is essential, whether that means self-exclusion, setting deposit limits, or using other responsible gaming tools.

For more information on responsible gaming and to access support resources, visit our Responsible Gambling page.

FAQs

How can I cancel my self-exclusion?

Cancelling self-exclusion depends on the platform and the duration you initially selected. For short-term exclusions, you'll need to wait until the period ends before regaining access. For longer or permanent exclusions, you may need to contact customer support or the program administrator, and in some cases, you may need to undergo a cooling-off period or counseling before your account can be reopened.

Does self-exclusion apply across all Australian states?

Yes, self-exclusion through national programs like BetStop applies across all Australian states and territories. However, if you’ve self-excluded from specific physical venues, that exclusion will typically apply only to those venues or regions where the exclusion was initiated. It’s important to check the details of your self-exclusion agreement to understand its scope.

Also keep in mind, that BetStop will not apply to offshore licensed online casinos.

Can self-exclusion prevent me from accessing international or offshore gambling sites?

Self-exclusion through Australian programs like BetStop only applies to licensed Australian online casinos and betting sites. It does not automatically prevent access to international or offshore gambling sites. However, you can use additional tools, such as Gamban, to block access to these sites on your device

What happens if I try to gamble during my self-exclusion period?

If you attempt to gamble on a platform where you’ve self-excluded, your account will remain locked, preventing you from logging in, depositing funds, or placing bets. If you’ve self-excluded from physical venues, staff are required to ask you to leave if you enter the gaming area.

Can I extend my self-exclusion period?

Yes, most self-exclusion programs allow you to extend your exclusion period. You can do this by accessing the responsible gambling section of the platform or contacting the support team. It’s advisable to consider whether an extended or permanent exclusion might better suit your needs before the initial period ends.

Sarah Mitchell Editor in Chief

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Sarah is our Editor-in-Chief. She brings a decade of experience and is passionate about all things iGaming, keeping readers up to date with the latest news, trends and innovation in the industry.

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