Self-Exclusion Guide
Self-exclusion is a voluntary tool designed to help you take a break from gambling. By choosing self-exclusion, you can block yourself from accessing gambling sites or venues for a set period of time — such as one month, one year, or permanently. It is a formal step intended to reduce gambling-related harm and give you space to regain control.
This guide explains how self-exclusion works, the tools available, and the steps you can take if gambling starts to feel unmanageable. The aim is to make the process clear and reassuring, so you can act with confidence if you decide that a break is the right option.
When to Consider Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion may be worth considering if gambling begins to feel difficult to control. Acting early can help prevent small issues from becoming more serious.
Common warning signs include:
- Spending more time or money gambling than planned
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Feeling stressed, restless, or irritable when unable to gamble
- Increasing bet sizes to achieve the same level of excitement
- Using money set aside for bills or essentials
- Thinking about gambling frequently during work or home time
Emotional and financial signals are equally important. For example, regularly spending A$200 per week when you planned for A$50 may indicate that limits are no longer effective.
Self-exclusion is a practical step, not a judgement. Recognising early signs can make it easier to reset habits before problems escalate.
How Self-Exclusion Works
When you self-exclude, you request that a gambling platform or program restrict your access. This typically prevents logging in, placing bets, depositing funds, or receiving promotional messages.
You choose the duration of the exclusion, which can be short-term or long-term. Once active, the account is usually frozen for the full period. In some cases, reactivation after the exclusion ends requires a separate request or a cooling-off period.
Types of Self-Exclusion Tools
Self-exclusion comes in different forms. Each suits different needs, depending on how much control you want. Here’s a rundown:
- Casino-specific exclusion: You request a block from one gambling site. This is good if you only use a few platforms. Contact the site’s support team or check their settings.
- Third-party tools: Software like BetBlocker, Gamban, or GamBlock stops access to thousands of gambling sites. These work on your phone, computer, or even routers.
- Banking tools: Several major Australian banks, including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and NAB, let you block gambling transactions through their app or by phone.
- BetStop (national register): Australia’s national self-exclusion register, run by ACMA. It covers licensed Australian online wagering providers. It does not cover offshore online casinos.
- State and venue schemes: Programs in states such as Victoria and NSW cover venues such as pubs, clubs and casinos.
| Tool | What It Does | Best For |
| Casino-specific | Blocks one site. | Users of a single platform. |
| Third-party software | Blocks many gambling sites/apps. | Broad protection across devices. |
| Banking blocks | Stops gambling payments. | Controlling spending directly. |
| BetStop | Blocks licensed Australian online wagering providers | Sports and racing betting with Australian bookmakers |
| State and venue schemes | Blocks entry to venues and, in some cases, venue-run online services | Land-based pokies and casino venues |
Combining them adds an extra control layer, like using a casino block and banking restrictions.
Control Tools vs. Self-Exclusion
Before choosing self-exclusion, it helps to understand how it differs from lighter control tools:
| Approach | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit/Loss Limits | Cap how much you spend | Day-to-day control |
| Session Timers | Remind you to stop after a set time | Regular play sessions |
| Time-Outs | Short breaks (24h to 1 week) | Cooling off |
| Self-Exclusion | Blocks access for months or years | When other tools aren’t enough |
For many players, limits and time-outs are enough. But if you feel control slipping, self-exclusion provides a stronger reset. See also our Responsible Gambling and How to Stay in Control pages for everyday strategies.
Step-by-Step: How to Self-Exclude from a Casino Site
Most licensed platforms provide a clear self-exclusion process:
- Log in and locate the self-exclusion or responsible gambling section
- Contact customer support if the option is not visible
- Select the exclusion period that suits your needs
- Confirm the request (ID verification may be required)
- Keep confirmation records for reference
Once active, the account will remain restricted for the full exclusion period.
Self-Exclusion in Australia
Australia has a national self-exclusion register, BetStop, for licensed online wagering providers, and state-based programs for venues such as pubs, clubs and casinos. Neither covers offshore online casinos. For those, you need to self-exclude with each casino directly and combine it with blocking software and bank controls.
Online platforms that accept Australian players are expected to provide self-exclusion options within their responsible gambling settings. Gambling Help Online offers guidance on available support services and self-exclusion pathways.
Blocking Software
Blocking software can prevent access to gambling sites across devices:
- BetBlocker – free, broad site coverage
- Gamban – paid option with strong device-level blocking
- GamBlock – advanced blocking, harder to bypass
These tools reduce reliance on willpower …by automatically restricting access. Free tools like BetBlocker are a good starting point but may miss some sites. Paid tools like Gamban offer stronger protection.
Banking & Financial Self-Exclusion
Some Australian banks offer gambling transaction blocks, including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and NAB. These blocks can usually be enabled through online banking apps or customer support.
Australian law restricts the use of credit cards for online wagering with licensed providers, which reduces the risk of gambling on credit. Banking blocks add another layer by limiting debit card and account-based payments. Check with your bank for details, as some offer temporary or permanent blocks.
What to Do After Self-Excluding
Self-exclusion works best when combined with support:
- Seek confidential help through counselling or support services
- Reduce exposure to gambling-related triggers
- Use banking controls to limit access to funds
- Share your decision with someone you trust
- Replace gambling time with alternative activities
Support services such as Gambling Help Online and Financial Counselling Australia provide free assistance.
Final note
Self-exclusion is a protective tool designed to help people pause and reassess their gambling habits. If you feel gambling is becoming difficult to manage, support is available and help can be accessed confidentially.
FAQ
Can I cancel self-exclusion early?
Most platforms don’t allow early cancellation to protect you. You must wait until the period ends. Check the site’s terms for details.
Will my data be shared?
Self-exclusion is confidential. Your details will stay with the platform or program unless you agree otherwise.
Can I self-exclude from all sites at once?
You can register with BetStop to block licensed Australian wagering providers in one step, but it does not cover offshore casinos. For those, use each casino's own self-exclusion together with a blocker such as BetBlocker or Gamban.
What if I registered with multiple emails/accounts?
Tell the platform all your account details when excluding. Third-party tools like Gamban block sites regardless of your email.
