Self-exclusion is a voluntary process that allows individuals to ban themselves from participating in gambling activities. This is a helpful tool for individuals who may have a problem with gambling and wish to take control of their behaviour. If you are looking to self-exclude, the following is a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Step 1: Decide to Self-Exclude
The first step in the self-exclusion process is to make the decision to do so. This can be a difficult decision when you’ve been grappling with how you feel about your gambling. However, it is important to remember that self-exclusion can be a positive first step towards taking control of your gambling behaviour.
What are the signs that self-exclusion may be helpful for you?
First of all, if you aren’t sure whether your gambling is problematic or not, you could read our post on the signs that you may have a gambling problem. This could help you determine whether you are showing any warning signs. In summary, the signs include:
- Spending significant lengths of time gambling
- Spending less time with friends and family so that you can gamble
- Lying, stealing money, denial that you have a problem
- Financial difficulties and debts due to gambling
- Trying to recoup losses by gambling more
If any of these signs apply to you, we highly recommend that you get in touch with us for free support and advice as well as trying self-exclusion. You can also try our free assessment tool to determine how much of an impact gambling is having on your life, and what steps you can take to mitigate the impacts.
Step 2: Identify the Gambling Operators you Wish to Self-Exclude from
The next step is to identify the gambling operators you wish to self-exclude from. This includes online gambling operators, betting shops, casinos, and bingo halls. You may also choose to self-exclude from all gambling operators in the UK by using a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.
You can find out more in-depth information about banning yourself from multiple betting sites by reading our article about how to block gambling sites.
Step 3: Contact the Gambling Operators
Once you have identified the gambling operators you wish to self-exclude from, you have the option to contact them directly to initiate the self-exclusion process. All UK gambling operators have a self-exclusion process in place, and they will be able to provide you with the information you need to get started. If you are self-excluding from multiple operators, you may need to contact each one individually.
One way to do this is to to search for the operator name, followed by the words responsible gambling; e.g. searching on Google for “Paddy Power responsible gambling” will bring up this link: Responsible Gambling
As mentioned in Step 2, you could also use software to self-exclude from multiple providers. Read about this in our article about blocking gambling sites.
GamStop
Gamstop, the UK’s free National Online self-exclusion scheme, includes all online gambling providers. Since March 2020 all companies have been required to join by the Gambling Commission.
This is a free service allowing you to put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities.
Bingo
You can begin the process of self-exclusion by completing the online form at Bingo Self Exclusion Alternatively, you can visit your local Bingo premises.
Betting Shops
You no longer need to visit a betting shop in-person to exclude. Call 0800 2942060 or visit self-exclusion.co.uk
Casinos
To self-exclude from all UK casinos please visit the following link for the enrolment form: National Casino Forum
Step 4: Provide Personal Information
When contacting the gambling operators, you will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. This information is used to verify your identity and ensure that you are the person who is self-excluding.
Step 5: Choose a Self-Exclusion Period
Once you have provided the necessary information, you will need to choose a self-exclusion period. This is the length of time that you wish to be banned from gambling. You can choose a self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
Step 6: Wait for Confirmation
After you have completed the self-exclusion process, you will need to wait for confirmation from the gambling operator. This confirmation will confirm that you have been successfully self-excluded and that you are banned from participating in any gambling activities with that operator for the duration of your self-exclusion period.
Step 7: Seek Help
The most important step! It is so important to seek professional help if you are experiencing problems. You’re not alone – we hear from people with similar issues every single day. All of our services are free, any many of our clients tell us they wish they’d got in touch earlier! We appreciate it is a difficult decision to make, but you’re not committing to anything – you can have as much or little contact as you like.
If you are based in Wales or the South West of England, we provide completely free, confidential advice and support to all adults experiencing gambling harms. Whether it’s just a quick casual chat or longer term counselling, we are here to help.
This can be accessed via our Get Support form, or by calling us on 0330 1340 286. You can also email us at aragamblingservice@recovery4all.co.uk, or use the form below.
In addition, we provide free support to any friends or family members affected by gambling harms. For this service, visit thesixtoten.co.uk
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-exclusion is a useful tool for individuals who may have a problem with gambling and wish to take control of their behaviour. The process is straightforward and can be initiated by contacting the gambling operators directly or by using blocking software. Remember, self-exclusion is a positive step towards taking control of your gambling behaviour and seeking further help is important if you have a problem with gambling.
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