Self-Exclusion
A stronger, binding step to stop playing for 6 months, 1 year or permanently — with support available at every stage.
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1. What self-exclusion is
Self-exclusion is a voluntary, binding commitment to stop playing for a period you choose. It goes further than a break: once it takes effect, your account is closed to play and deposits for the entire period, and neither you nor our staff can reopen it early — no exceptions, however the request is made. Many players use self-exclusion not as a last resort but as a decisive, positive way to reset their relationship with gambling, free from the daily decision of whether to play.
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2. Signs it may be time
Consider self-exclusion if gambling has stopped being entertainment: you spend more money or time than you decide to, you chase losses or play to escape stress, you hide play from people close to you, you borrow to play, or play is crowding out work, sleep or relationships. You do not need to meet any threshold, prove anything, or wait for things to get worse — wanting a firm stop is reason enough, and choosing one early is easier than choosing one late.
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3. Choosing a duration
You can self-exclude for 6 months, 1 year, or permanently, directly from the responsible-gambling section of your account — the process takes a few minutes and takes effect immediately upon confirmation. Choose the period that feels right for your situation; a longer period offers stronger protection, and you can always extend an active exclusion, though you can never shorten one. A permanent self-exclusion is intended to be lasting and is not lifted on request. If you are unsure, six months is a meaningful reset that many players start with.
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4. What happens immediately
The moment your self-exclusion takes effect: all play and deposits are blocked across every game and device; scheduled and recurring plays are cancelled; you are removed from all marketing, promotional offers and notifications; and your account is flagged so that support staff cannot restore access. Plays made before the exclusion remain valid and any prizes from them are validated and credited normally. Your data is retained as required by our licence and privacy law, including to enforce the exclusion itself.
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5. Your balance and pending prizes
Self-exclusion never confiscates your money. Any verified balance can be withdrawn at any time during the exclusion through the normal withdrawal process, subject to standard compliance checks, and we encourage you to withdraw your full balance when you exclude so the account holds nothing that draws you back. If a prize from a pre-exclusion play is validated after your exclusion begins, it is credited and can be withdrawn the same way.
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6. Enforcement and new accounts
A self-exclusion applies to you as a person, not just to one account. Opening a new account during an exclusion is a breach of our terms: we take reasonable steps to detect and close duplicate accounts — including identity, payment and device checks — and any play made through them may be voided with stakes handled as our licence directs. Do not test the barrier: every workaround weakens the protection you chose for yourself. If you become aware of an account evading an exclusion, ours or anyone's, please report it to support confidentially.
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7. When the period ends
A fixed-term exclusion does not end with your account quietly reopening. When the period expires, the account remains closed until you contact our support team and ask for reinstatement. There is then a mandatory reflection step: a short reinstatement review, a 24-hour waiting period before access is restored, and — before your first play — a prompt to set deposit and time limits. If at any point you decide you would rather stay excluded, you can extend or convert to a permanent exclusion instead. A permanent exclusion is not subject to reinstatement.
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8. Provincial self-exclusion programs
Excluding yourself here covers this site only. For broader protection, players in Québec can also register with Loto-Québec's voluntary self-exclusion program, which covers its casinos, gaming halls and online platform. Using both programs together closes more doors at once and is the strongest safeguard available. For guidance on the options — including programs in other provinces if you move — contact Gambling: Help and Referral at 1-800-461-0140; the service is free, confidential and available around the clock.
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9. Blocking software and practical steps
Some players pair self-exclusion with practical barriers: blocking software such as GamBan or BetBlocker on phones and computers, asking their bank to decline gambling merchant payments (many Canadian banks offer a gambling block on cards), unsubscribing from gambling content, and telling one trusted person about the decision. None of these is required, but each layer makes the commitment easier to keep, especially in the first weeks.
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10. Support is available
Choosing self-exclusion is a sign of strength, and you do not have to go through it alone. Gambling: Help and Referral offers free, confidential help 24/7 at 1-800-461-0140 and aidejeu.ca, in French and English, including support for family members affected by someone else's gambling. You can also speak with your doctor, a counsellor, or a local support group. If you are ready, you can start your self-exclusion from your account right now; if you want help doing it, our support team will guide you through the steps without trying to talk you out of it.