Self-exclusion: how national registers work

Self-exclusion: how national registers work

Self-exclusion is a free harm-reduction tool that allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a set period. This can be done through individual operators or national self-exclusion schemes, which exist in several countries to help individuals regain control over their gambling habits.

Key takeaways

• Self-exclusion is a voluntary process where individuals request to be barred from gambling activities.
• It can be done through individual operators or national self-exclusion schemes.
• National schemes are available in several countries and offer a more comprehensive approach to self-exclusion.
• Self-exclusion does not guarantee that you will not be able to access gambling services, but it is a tool to help reduce harm.
• For more information on self-exclusion in your country, visit /help/.

What is self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a process where an individual asks gambling operators or a national scheme to prevent them from accessing gambling services for a specified period. This can range from months to years, depending on the individual’s needs and the options provided by the scheme or operator. The primary goal of self-exclusion is to help individuals who feel they are losing control over their gambling habits to take a break and seek help if necessary.

Single-operator vs. national self-exclusion schemes

Self-exclusion can be implemented through two main avenues: single-operator self-exclusion and national self-exclusion schemes.

Single-operator self-exclusion

Single-operator self-exclusion involves contacting individual gambling operators, such as a specific casino or sportsbook, and requesting to be barred from their services. This method is useful for individuals who have identified particular operators whose services they wish to avoid. However, it requires the individual to contact each operator separately, which can be time-consuming and may not cover all gambling opportunities.

National self-exclusion schemes

National self-exclusion schemes are more comprehensive, as they cover multiple operators within a country. These schemes are typically managed by a regulatory body or a dedicated organization and provide a centralized system for individuals to self-exclude from all participating operators. This approach offers a more streamlined and effective way to manage self-exclusion, as it reduces the burden on the individual and ensures broader coverage.

For example, in the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission oversees the national self-exclusion scheme, GamStop, which allows individuals to self-exclude from all online gambling operators licensed in the UK. Similarly, in the United States, some states have implemented their own self-exclusion programs, such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s self-exclusion program, which covers all licensed casinos and online gambling platforms in the state.

How self-exclusion works

When an individual decides to self-exclude, they typically need to provide some personal information to the operator or scheme. This information is used to identify the person and ensure they are barred from accessing gambling services. The process may involve the following steps:

• Registration: The individual registers with the self-exclusion scheme or operator, providing necessary identification details.
• Verification: The operator or scheme verifies the individual’s identity to ensure the accuracy of the self-exclusion request.
• Implementation: Once verified, the individual is barred from accessing the gambling services covered by the scheme or operator.
• Duration: The self-exclusion period is set, ranging from months to years, depending on the individual’s preference and the scheme’s options.
• Support: Some schemes offer additional support, such as counseling or referrals to treatment services, to help individuals during their self-exclusion period.

What self-exclusion covers

Self-exclusion generally covers the following gambling activities:

• Online gambling: This includes online casinos, sports betting, and other gambling websites.
• In-person gambling: This covers visits to physical casinos, betting shops, and other gambling venues.
• Lotteries: Some schemes also include state or national lotteries within their self-exclusion coverage.

However, it is important to note that self-exclusion does not cover all forms of gambling. For instance, it may not include:

• Informal gambling: Private bets or games among friends and family are not covered.
• Non-participating operators: Some operators may not be part of the self-exclusion scheme, especially in regions without a national scheme.
• Certain gambling products: Some schemes may not cover specific types of gambling, such as fantasy sports or certain online platforms.

Limitations of self-exclusion

While self-exclusion is a valuable tool for harm reduction, it is not without limitations. It is crucial for individuals to understand these limitations to manage their expectations and seek additional support if necessary.

• No guaranteed enforcement: Self-exclusion relies on the cooperation of gambling operators and the individual’s commitment to avoid gambling. There is no absolute guarantee that the individual will not be able to access gambling services, especially if they attempt to do so through non-participating operators or by using false identification.
• Limited coverage: As mentioned earlier, self-exclusion may not cover all forms of gambling or all operators, particularly in regions without a national scheme.
• No legal recourse: Breaching a self-exclusion agreement is not a criminal offense, and individuals cannot take legal action against operators who fail to enforce the exclusion.

How to check the current rule

To understand the self-exclusion rules and options in your country or state, it is important to consult the relevant regulatory body or visit the official self-exclusion website. For example, in the United States, you can check the self-exclusion rules for your state by visiting the website of the state’s gaming commission or lottery. In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission provides detailed information on self-exclusion and the GamStop scheme. For more specific guidance, visit /help/ to find the register in your country.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a tool designed to help individuals who feel they are losing control over their gambling habits to take a break and seek help if necessary. It is a voluntary process that aims to reduce the harm associated with excessive gambling.

Can I self-exclude from all gambling operators?

Yes, if you use a national self-exclusion scheme, you can self-exclude from all participating operators. However, coverage may vary depending on the country and the specific scheme in place.

How long does self-exclusion last?

The duration of self-exclusion can vary depending on the scheme or operator and the individual’s preference. It can range from months to years.

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

Attempting to gamble during your self-exclusion period may result in the operator denying you service. However, self-exclusion is not foolproof, and there is no guarantee that you will not be able to access gambling services, especially if you use false identification or non-participating operators.

Can I cancel my self-exclusion before the end of the period?

Generally, self-exclusion agreements are binding and cannot be canceled before the end of the period. Some schemes may offer a process to request an early end to the exclusion, but this is not guaranteed.

What support is available during self-exclusion?

Some self-exclusion schemes offer additional support, such as counseling or referrals to treatment services, to help individuals during their self-exclusion period. For more information, visit /help/.

If gambling is causing harm, free confidential help is available

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, it is important to seek help. Free confidential help is available through various organizations and helplines. For more information, visit /help/.