What Is Self-Exclusion?

The popularity of various internet gaming activities gave rise to online casinos that have gained traction in recent years and become even more popular on a global scale.

At the same time, responsible gambling gained more attention not just from the media but also from gambling agencies and online casinos that wanted to offer multiple options for users to be able to gamble safely and responsibly.

Casino self-exclusion is nowadays a common option employed in casino sites across the globe that help casino members gamble responsibly. So, if you think you spend too much of your time on online casinos, in this article, we will cover everything you need to know about self-exclusion online gambling.

Types of Self-Exclusion

Before we take a look at the different types of self-exclusion, let's consider the concept of self-exclusion and how it relates to responsible gaming.

In a nutshell, self-exclusion gives you the option of asking the provider to ban you from accessing the site over a specific period of time, with periods lasting  from six months, one year, five years, and in some cases, indefinitely. Whether the self-exclusion period will last a year or five, for example, depends on the licensing regulations the provider must follow.

In Canada, the self-exclusion period ranges from 6 months to one year or permanently for casinos and Charitable Gaming Centres. For online gambling sites, including sports wagering, casino sites, online lotteries, and bingo, it can last at least six months or one, two, three, four, or five years.

That said, every provider, whether land based or online platform establishment must offer some kind of self-exclusion, which brings us on to the types of self-exclusion. Contrary to popular belief, it's not only traditional and online casinos which self-exclusion covers , but also fantasy sports wagering, video gaming terminals and other online gambling platform variants.

So, essentially if you are banning yourself from casinos, you will be added to a self exclusion list that prevents an operator from offering any complimentary gifts or valuable items and will prevent you from receiving any winnings.

Are you Ready?

If you don't have fun when you play your favorite casino games, or you are only focused on recovering any losses, then you should consider enrolling in a self-exclusion program. The same applies if you don't feel in control, if gambling in any way has become a dominant aspect of your life, you are facing financial losses, and you're generally stressed out due to your gambling activities.

Self-exclusion will result in you being added to a casino ban list for a specific period of time. The self-exclusion also means that you will be excluded from any promotional activities of the operator and removed from any marketing lists.

It is the first step of asking for help and a crucial part of any recovery process that might also include additional support from Gambler's Anonymous, therapy, and online forums, among other options. For more information relevant to your location, visit the official website of your province.

How to Ban Yourself from the Casino?

If you want to self-exclude, the first step is to sign up for a self-exclusion program from your province. Every Canadian province has its own Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program that offers multiple contact options. For example, if you want to enroll in Nova Scotia's Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, you can visit the Responsible Gambling Resource Centre.

In addition, you can also dial 902 563-3797 (Sydney) or 902-424-8663 (Halifax), and you will be banned from accessing any casino online and offline. Keep in mind that the process is completely confidential, and you get to choose the duration of the self-exclusion period. But, since every program is voluntary, you can't apply on behalf of someone else.

That said, there are instances when traditional and online casinos decide to ban certain users from their establishments for other reasons. For example, if you're counting cards or you're cheating and violating the regulations on the casino site, you will get banned. The same applies to illegal activities like harvesting bonuses, using betting bots, or attempting to create multiple accounts on the site.

So, needless to say, it's important to familiarize yourself with the casino's policy and regulations. Naturally, both traditional and online casinos have websites that provide more details regarding their casino policy.

How Do I Know if the Self-Exclusion Period is Over?

Because self-exclusion is a totally voluntary process, if you want to withdraw from the self-exclusion list, you need to wait for your previously chosen self-exclusion period to end. Then, you can apply to have yourself removed from the list.

The reinstatement process typically takes about a week and includes a formal application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission as well as a Self-exclusion Reinstatement Form. However, keep in mind that if you choose the lifetime option, you won't be able to fulfill this request.

Afterward, you will receive confirmation that you have been deleted from the self-exclusion list, and then you are able to gamble in online casinos or visit another gambling establishment. It's also worth noting that you can choose to extend your self-exclusion period.