Online gambling can be an addiction for some individuals. It can lead to money woes, arguments with family, and stress; plus it changes brain chemistry–each win prompts a release of dopamine–our natural reward chemical.

Gambling self-exclusion programs help individuals distance themselves from gambling by offering the option to voluntarily restrict themselves from casinos, online gaming sites, video gaming terminals and fantasy sports wagering.
Legality

Online gambling sites provide various self-exclusion options, but not all are equal. You may ask an offline casino or betting shop to temporarily ban you for a specified time, while another way would be using GAMSTOP or another multi-operator self-exclusion scheme to block all online casinos at the same time.

Self-exclusion programs can be an invaluable asset for those struggling with gambling issues, helping regain financial control and refocus life goals. Unfortunately, however, self-exclusion does not treat the root of addiction; professional assistance must also be sought to treat this disorder.

Finding other activities you enjoy as an alternative to gambling is important for finding peace. Consider new hobbies, spending more time with loved ones or exercising regularly as alternatives to gambling sites. Blocking software may also make access more difficult – this is an effective way of limiting exposure.
Regulation

Many states where online gambling is legal offer self-exclusion programs. Usually run by state regulators, they provide you with a form to sign that will prevent access to their gambling website for an agreed-upon time – usually one to five years – though these forms don’t prevent use of other services such as social media on your computer or phone.

Understanding the limitations of such programs is essential. Self-exclusion might not be sufficient to curb addiction; therefore, other issues that contribute to gambling must also be addressed, such as credit card debt and financial planning.

Blocking software may also help, which blocks you from accessing gambling platforms like those offered by major providers; however, this doesn’t prevent access to other sites and apps that may present temptation. Although the software can be costly, it does reduce temptation while it also serves to decrease time spent with people who gamble – this could help avoid relapse triggers altogether.
Taxes

Gambling can be an addictive activity and many people struggle with gambling addiction, yet recovery is possible with help from family, friends, counseling or self-exclusion programs. Self-exclusion programs aim to prevent problem gamblers from accessing gambling websites and land-based casinos while software that blocks sites can help too.

Most states offer self-exclusion programs for casinos and online gambling, though their implementation remains low. Some offer one comprehensive program through which individuals can opt-out of all gambling venues and providers while others require you to sign up with each individual casino individually for the program.

Self-exclusion programs typically range from one year to lifelong in length depending on your jurisdiction, but their effects on reducing gambling harm at the population level is unknown. A recent review of research into SE in Finland, Germany, Italy Massachusetts (USA), Victoria found it had limited results for those with gambling problems.
Security

There are various measures available to prevent someone from gambling online, such as self-exclusion programs run through each state’s gaming enforcement department. Self-exclusion lists place your name on a list which prohibits you from signing up at online casinos or sportsbooks – an excellent solution for people concerned about losing control of their finances and wanting to stop gambling altogether.

GAMSTOP is a free service that enables you to block betting websites and services, create spending plans and set limits for gambling activity. Visit its website for more details about this amazing tool!

Another way to self-exclude is via multi-operator self-exclusion schemes, which provide one request that allows you to limit access from various gambling operators at once. You’ll find these schemes listed on GamCare’s website. Alternatively, blocking software (opens in new tab) may help limit gambling sites and apps.