Self-Exclusion and Account Limits: How to Take Control or Take a Break

Limits and self-exclusion are the brakes of online gambling. Limits let you keep playing within a budget; a cooling-off period pauses play for a short time; self-exclusion stops it for months or years. This page explains how each one works, how to set them up at a casino such as Elon, and how to make a break hold beyond a single site. If you are reading this because gambling is already causing harm, start with the help section near the end.

How to set a deposit limit

A deposit limit caps the money you can add to the account per day, week or month. Find it in the responsible gambling or limits section of the account (often labelled "Set deposit limit"), choose the period and the amount, and confirm. At most licensed casinos, lowering a limit takes effect immediately, while raising or removing one only takes effect after a waiting period — a deliberate delay that gives the calm version of you the last word. Set it below what you think you need; it is easier to live with a limit that is slightly low than one that is never reached.

Loss limits, session limits and reality checks

A loss limit caps your net losses over a period, which suits fast games where a deposit limit alone can be used up quickly. A session limit ends or interrupts play after a set time. A reality check shows a reminder at intervals you choose, with the time played and the net result. Combined, they turn a vague intention ("not too long, not too much") into numbers the system enforces.

Take a break: cooling-off and time-outs

A cooling-off period — also written as a cooling off period, timeout or "take a break" at many casinos — locks the account for a short time, often from 24 hours to several weeks. During it you cannot deposit or play, and you should not receive marketing. It is the right tool after a bad session, during a stressful period or when you notice limits creeping up. Once set, a cooling-off period cannot normally be cancelled early.

How to self-exclude

Withdraw any remaining balance, if possible.
Open the responsible gambling section of the operator's site and choose self-exclusion, or ask support in writing.
Choose the period — six months or more is typical — and confirm.
Ask for written confirmation of the start and end dates, and that marketing will stop.
Unsubscribe from any remaining emails and delete the app and bookmarks.

Self-exclusion at one operator usually covers only its own brands. Do not open accounts elsewhere during the period; if you notice the urge to, that is important information to share with a support service.

Making a break hold beyond one site

National schemes: some countries run self-exclusion registers that cover every locally licensed operator. Check whether one exists where you live.
Blocking software: apps and browser tools can block gambling sites on your devices.
Bank blocks: many banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards.
Someone you trust: telling one person makes a plan far more likely to hold.

Where to get help

If gambling has stopped feeling like a choice, help is free and confidential. Gambling Therapy offers international online support — live chat, forums and groups — in many languages. Gamblers Anonymous runs peer-support meetings and has a meeting finder. Your country may also have a national helpline; a doctor can point you to local services. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.

Self-exclusion FAQ

How do I self-exclude from Elon?

Look for self-exclusion in the responsible gambling or account limits section of the operator's site, choose the period and confirm. If you cannot find it, ask support in writing to self-exclude you and to confirm when it starts and ends. Withdraw any remaining balance first, if you can.

What is the difference between a cooling-off period and self-exclusion?

A cooling-off period, time-out or 'take a break' option blocks the account for a short time — usually a day to a few weeks. Self-exclusion is longer, typically six months or more, and is meant for people who want to stop gambling rather than pause it.

Does self-exclusion at one casino cover others?

Usually not. Self-exclusion with one operator normally covers its own brands only. Some countries run national schemes that cover all locally licensed operators; check whether one exists where you live, and consider blocking software and bank gambling blocks as well.

See also the responsible gambling page for warning signs and everyday habits that help.