Limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion
The best limits are set with a calm head — before the first deposit, not halfway through a bad session. This page explains the tools usually available in an operator account, how to choose sensible numbers, and what you can add at device level. Some countries run national self-exclusion schemes; where none applies to you, everything below depends on your own accounts and habits.
Three kinds of limit
| Limit | What it caps | Most useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Money paid in per day, week or month | Always — the foundation of every other limit |
| Loss limit | Deposits minus withdrawals in a period | If you often withdraw and then redeposit |
| Time limit | Session length or total playing time | For fast games and arcade-style formats |
Which limits exist and how to set them is up to the operator; they usually sit in the profile or responsible-gambling settings. If you cannot find them, ask the operator's support to apply them and keep the written confirmation.
Choosing the numbers
- Work out the money that is genuinely free after bills and repayments this month.
- Take only a small part of it as your monthly entertainment budget — and treat it as already spent.
- Split it into weekly limits so one bad night cannot use up the whole month.
- Set a session time limit that matches the game's pace; fast games need tighter limits.
Game mechanics help here. A high-volatility game can consume a small budget before its feature arrives; if your budget is small, a gentler game — or not playing — is the better match. The Slots page explains why.
Cooling-off and self-exclusion
A cooling-off period locks the account for a short time, from a day to several weeks — useful after an emotional session or during a stressful period. Self-exclusion closes the account for a long time, sometimes permanently, and usually cannot be undone before it ends. Use the account menu or ask the operator's support. While it is in force, do not open accounts elsewhere; the urge to find a loophole is a sign the decision was right.
Device-level blockers
Because operator self-exclusion covers one account at a time, add protection on your devices: a gambling-site blocking app, content filtering on your home router, or the built-in parental controls on your phone to restrict specific sites and apps. Ask someone you trust to keep the settings password. Delete gambling apps and bookmarks, and unsubscribe from promotional emails and messages.
Habits that make limits stick
- Do not store card or wallet details in gambling accounts.
- Decide your stop time and set an alarm before you start.
- Do not play when tired, angry, sad or after drinking.
- Log every session: time, money in, money out. Real numbers are hard to argue with.
If limits are not enough
If you keep breaking your own limits, it is not a matter of weak willpower — it is a sign you need support. Gambling Therapy offers free online help in many languages, and Gamblers Anonymous lists meetings worldwide. More is on the Responsible Gambling page.