What is self-exclusion?

Short Answer: Self-exclusion is a voluntary, formal agreement between you and the casino (or regulator) to ban yourself from gambling. Unlike a simple account closure, which can be reopened, self-exclusion is a legally binding 'lockout' that lasts for a minimum period (usually 6 months to permanent).

1. How It Works

When you request self-exclusion, the casino immediately closes your account and returns your remaining balance. They remove you from all marketing lists. Crucially, their system flags your ID number so that you cannot simply open a new account 5 minutes later under a different email address.

2. The 'Cooling Off' vs. Exclusion

Do not confuse the two. A 'Cooling Off' period is short (e.g., 24 hours or 1 week) to take a break. Self-Exclusion is long-term (6 months+). If you are struggling with addiction, a 24-hour break is useless; you need the long-term barrier of full exclusion.

3. Network Wide Effect

If you exclude from a casino group (e.g., The Tsogo Sun group), you are typically excluded from all casinos owned by that company. However, you are not automatically excluded from competitor casinos unless you use the National Register (NREP).

4. It Saves Lives

It acts as a 'circuit breaker.' By removing the immediate ability to gamble, it forces the brain to de-escalate from the 'high' of the addiction. It gives you the breathing room needed to seek professional help or financial counseling.