Real stories: how self-exclusion helped people
Introduction
Gambling addiction affects millions of people around the world, and the mechanism of self-exclusion from online casinos is becoming a key tool to combat it. Many are unaware that a few clicks are enough - and access to losing platforms will be closed for a long time or forever. In this article - without theoretical reasoning and "water" - real examples from life, step-by-step instructions and recommendations of specialists.
What is self-exclusion and how it works
1. Definition. Self-exclusion is an official option on most licensed gaming platforms that allows the player to block their own account and deny themselves access for a certain period or indefinitely.
2. Legal framework. In a number of jurisdictions (Great Britain, Canada, Germany, etc.), the law obliges casinos to provide such a service. The package of documents and terms of consideration vary, but the process takes from several hours to 48 hours.
3. Timing options. Short-term (30-90 days), medium-term (6-12 months) and indefinite exclusion. After the first two categories, the player can apply for restoration of access, but the casino has the right to refuse if it considers that this threatens psychological health.
Real stories
History No. 1: Student and thousands of debts
Context: A 22-year-old economics student who considered himself "independent" lost more than $7,000 within three months. Games still seemed like "after-school fun."
Solution: After the loans and threats of collectors began, he activated the option of indefinite self-exclusion on three sites.
Result:
Story # 2: Three "quick win" attempts
Context: the 35-year-old sales manager, after being fired during the crisis period, decided to "recoup" on slot machines. Three unsuccessful attempts led to a breakdown in the family budget.
Solution: Using the municipal hotline to help dependent players, where the operator helped to submit a request for self-exclusion to five Russian and international casinos at once.
Result:
Story # 3: The pensioner who saved the rest of her pension
Context: The 67-year-old retiree, in an effort to feel excitement and "not get bored at home," played throughout the year, gradually increasing rates. During this time, she lost 80% of her savings.
Solution: By contacting a financial institution, she learned about the possibility of restricting access to payments to gaming sites. The bank has banned transactions to well-known gambling domains.
Result:
How to self-activate self-exclusion
1. Searching for Responsible Play. Usually located at the bottom of the site or in user settings.
2. Select an exception type. Decide on the period: short, medium or indefinite.
3. Completing the application. Please provide your user ID, email address, and proof of identity (for jurisdictions requiring verification).
4. Confirmation. After submitting the application, a letter or SMS will arrive. Confirm the action - after that the entrance to the site will be closed.
5. Blocking funds. Contact the bank or payment systems: many of them offer the service "blocking trading operations by category" - select "gambling."
6. Additional measures.
Install filter applications (for example, GamBlock, BetFilter) on your smartphone and computer.
Sign up for helplines or support groups.
Appoint a "responsible" - a friend or relative who can remind you of the promise not to play.
Advice from psychologists and specialists
Goal setting. Write down specific financial and life goals - to accumulate a certain amount, go on a trip, pay for school.
New habits. Replace the game ritual: sports, creativity, reading - any activity that causes a "dopamine effect" will help avoid breakdowns.
Group support. Join online communities (forums, Telegram chats) and offline groups of anonymous players.
Professional assistance. Consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist at the first sign of relapse will help to adjust the strategy in time.
Conclusion
Self-exclusion is a really working tool that has allowed tens of thousands of people to take a break or break the connection with excitement forever. Three simple steps - application on the site, blocking payments, psychological support - and you regain control over life and finances. Real stories confirm: the solution arises at the moment when a person is ready to recognize the problem and take advantage of the available measures. Start today to look at your life in a month, six months or a year without looking at the bouncing balance of online casinos.
Gambling addiction affects millions of people around the world, and the mechanism of self-exclusion from online casinos is becoming a key tool to combat it. Many are unaware that a few clicks are enough - and access to losing platforms will be closed for a long time or forever. In this article - without theoretical reasoning and "water" - real examples from life, step-by-step instructions and recommendations of specialists.
What is self-exclusion and how it works
1. Definition. Self-exclusion is an official option on most licensed gaming platforms that allows the player to block their own account and deny themselves access for a certain period or indefinitely.
2. Legal framework. In a number of jurisdictions (Great Britain, Canada, Germany, etc.), the law obliges casinos to provide such a service. The package of documents and terms of consideration vary, but the process takes from several hours to 48 hours.
3. Timing options. Short-term (30-90 days), medium-term (6-12 months) and indefinite exclusion. After the first two categories, the player can apply for restoration of access, but the casino has the right to refuse if it considers that this threatens psychological health.
Real stories
History No. 1: Student and thousands of debts
Context: A 22-year-old economics student who considered himself "independent" lost more than $7,000 within three months. Games still seemed like "after-school fun."
Solution: After the loans and threats of collectors began, he activated the option of indefinite self-exclusion on three sites.
Result:
- The first month without games made it possible to comply with the budget and find a part-time job.
- Six months later: full repayment of debts through an additional scholarship and freelance.
- In a year: psychological support, participation in a group of anonymous players. Full restoration of financial stability.
Story # 2: Three "quick win" attempts
Context: the 35-year-old sales manager, after being fired during the crisis period, decided to "recoup" on slot machines. Three unsuccessful attempts led to a breakdown in the family budget.
Solution: Using the municipal hotline to help dependent players, where the operator helped to submit a request for self-exclusion to five Russian and international casinos at once.
Result:
- Closing accounts within 24 hours.
- The psychologist through online consultations helped to develop new habits: daily jogging, volunteering.
- Six months later: stable work, well-established family relationships, lack of desire to run the casino application on the phone.
Story # 3: The pensioner who saved the rest of her pension
Context: The 67-year-old retiree, in an effort to feel excitement and "not get bored at home," played throughout the year, gradually increasing rates. During this time, she lost 80% of her savings.
Solution: By contacting a financial institution, she learned about the possibility of restricting access to payments to gaming sites. The bank has banned transactions to well-known gambling domains.
Result:
- Inability to transfer money to game accounts.
- Return to the usual hobbies: dacha, embroidery, hobby group.
- With the support of grandchildren - a stable replenishment of the account for the necessary expenses.
How to self-activate self-exclusion
1. Searching for Responsible Play. Usually located at the bottom of the site or in user settings.
2. Select an exception type. Decide on the period: short, medium or indefinite.
3. Completing the application. Please provide your user ID, email address, and proof of identity (for jurisdictions requiring verification).
4. Confirmation. After submitting the application, a letter or SMS will arrive. Confirm the action - after that the entrance to the site will be closed.
5. Blocking funds. Contact the bank or payment systems: many of them offer the service "blocking trading operations by category" - select "gambling."
6. Additional measures.
Install filter applications (for example, GamBlock, BetFilter) on your smartphone and computer.
Sign up for helplines or support groups.
Appoint a "responsible" - a friend or relative who can remind you of the promise not to play.
Advice from psychologists and specialists
Goal setting. Write down specific financial and life goals - to accumulate a certain amount, go on a trip, pay for school.
New habits. Replace the game ritual: sports, creativity, reading - any activity that causes a "dopamine effect" will help avoid breakdowns.
Group support. Join online communities (forums, Telegram chats) and offline groups of anonymous players.
Professional assistance. Consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist at the first sign of relapse will help to adjust the strategy in time.
Conclusion
Self-exclusion is a really working tool that has allowed tens of thousands of people to take a break or break the connection with excitement forever. Three simple steps - application on the site, blocking payments, psychological support - and you regain control over life and finances. Real stories confirm: the solution arises at the moment when a person is ready to recognize the problem and take advantage of the available measures. Start today to look at your life in a month, six months or a year without looking at the bouncing balance of online casinos.
