Cooling-Off vs Self-Exclusion

Why Use Online Casino Safer Gambling Tools?

There’s a common misconception that safer gambling tools are only for problem gamblers, but that simply isn’t the case. These tools can be hugely useful to a wide range of people, including:

1. Players who want to take a break and focus on work or a social activity

2. Players who are saving money and want to avoid temptation

3. Players who are trying to get a mortgage and don’t want any casino transactions on their bank statements

4. Players who are concerned about their gambling

Simply put, tools like cooling-off or self-exclusion could come in handy for literally any online casino player.

Cooling Off Vs Self-Exclusion

Both of these safer gambling tools are widely available, including at new online casinos.

Each of them allows the players using them to take a break from the online casino in question by restricting access to the website for a designated period of time. The key difference is the amount of time that this break lasts for.

The cooling-off tool is a shorter-term break, which could be anything from 1 hour to a day, a week or even a month.

The self-exclusion tool offers options like six months, one year, three years, five years, or even permanent self-exclusion.

By using either of these tools, you will put in place a restriction that cannot be lifted, even if you contact the casino’s customer service team. You will be unable to play any of the games on their site, regardless of whether you log in on desktop, mobile or via a VPN.

Other Common Safer Gambling Tools

The exact safer gambling tools vary depending on the operator in question, but there are lots of different options available, especially at the top casinos online. Here are some of them:

Online Casinos Cooling Off Vs Self-Exclusion: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

• Numerous time periods to choose from
• Useful in various circumstances
• Both are crucial safety features

• Cannot be lifted under any circumstances

Summary: Both Are Useful, but Self-Exclusion Is a Long-Term Restriction

Both the cooling off and self-exclusion tools are extremely useful and important safety features that all legitimate online casinos should have.

On the face of it, they’re quite similar, with both resulting in enforced breaks. However, the key difference is how long these breaks last, with the self-exclusion periods longer and, in some cases, indefinite.

Online Casinos Cooling Off Vs Self-Exclusion: FAQs

Gamble Responsibly

Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:

Set a Budget:

Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.

Don’t Chase Losses:

Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.

Play with a Clear Head:

Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.

Set Time Limits:

Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.

Know Your Stuff:

Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:

Gamblers Anonymous

National Council on Problem Gambling

Gaming Addicts Anonymous

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Ryan Leaver as part of our fact-checking process.