Breaks
Take a short time-out whenever you want to step back, reset and come back refreshed — it starts instantly and ends on its own.
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1. What a break is
A break — sometimes called a time-out — is a short, self-imposed pause from playing that you switch on yourself in a few clicks. During a break you cannot place new plays or make deposits, but your account stays open, your balance stays exactly where it is, and your history, limits and settings are untouched. A break is a lighter step than self-exclusion: it is designed for moments when you simply want breathing room — after a losing streak, during a busy or stressful period, or just because stepping away feels right. You never need to give a reason.
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2. When a break is the right tool
Consider a break when play has stopped feeling fun, when you notice you are logging in out of habit rather than choice, when a session left you frustrated, or when money or time is tighter than usual. A break is also a good preventive habit: some players schedule one after a big win or loss, precisely because those are the moments when judgement is most clouded. If your concerns are heavier — if gambling is affecting your finances, work or relationships — self-exclusion and professional support are stronger and more appropriate tools.
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3. How long a break lasts
You can choose a break of 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days, directly from the responsible-gambling section of your account. The break starts the moment you confirm it and ends automatically when the period is over — there is nothing to request, confirm or reactivate at the end. You can take breaks as often as you like, back to back if you wish, and taking one break never limits your ability to take another. If none of the durations feels long enough, that is usually a sign self-exclusion is the better fit.
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4. What is blocked during a break
While a break is active, ticket purchases and instant plays are blocked across every game, deposits are declined, and any scheduled or recurring plays are suspended. We also stop promotional emails and notifications for the duration, so you are not nudged back before you are ready. The block applies to your account itself — logging out and back in, switching devices or reinstalling the app makes no difference.
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5. What stays available
A break pauses play, not your money or your information. You can still log in to view your balance and full play history, withdraw a verified balance at any time, update your personal details, adjust your limits (tightening applies instantly), and contact support. Any prize from a play made before the break started is validated and credited normally — a break never puts winnings at risk.
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6. A break cannot be cancelled early
Once confirmed, a break cannot be shortened or cancelled — not by you, and not by our support team, however you ask. This firmness is the entire point: a pause that can be switched off in a weak moment protects no one. The end date is shown in your account so you always know where you stand. If you contact support during a break asking to play, they will decline, offer to explain the tools, and point you to free support services if you want to talk.
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7. Coming back after a break
When your break ends, play becomes available again automatically — quietly, with no welcome-back promotion. We encourage you to use the return as a checkpoint: review your deposit and time limits and tighten them if the break followed heavier play; look at your play history with fresh eyes; and decide, before your first session, what you want to spend. If you find yourself wanting more time away, you can start another break immediately or move to self-exclusion at any point.
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8. Support while you pause
A break can be a good moment to talk things through. Gambling: Help and Referral offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-461-0140 and at aidejeu.ca, in French and English, for players and for family members. Talking to someone does not commit you to anything — many callers simply want perspective. Taking regular breaks, like setting limits, is a healthy habit even when nothing feels wrong; the players who use these tools most are usually the ones who enjoy their play the most.