Self Exclusion From Online Bingo
Published On 9th January 2020
Bingo can be a fun game, but ultimately it is gambling. For many people wagering online is an enjoyable pastime, but occasionally it can lead to problems. If you have difficulty staying away from bingo sites then you may wish to self-exclude. This is a way of keeping away from a site whilst you take a step back from wagering and/or seek additional help.
Self Exclusision is when you tell a particular bingo site that you wish to be prevented from playing for a specified period. This can be set to be between 12 months to 5 years. The process is relatively simple - you notify the site that you wish to self-exclude and they then stop you accessing your account.
Take A Time Out
For players who feel the self-exclusion period is too long, some sites, such as Gala Bingo, offer a 'Time Out Period'. This works along the lines as above but lasts for 24 hours to 6 weeks. During this time you'll not be able to use your account. This option can also be useful if you're worried that your account has been compromised.
The options to cool-off or self-exclude should be accessible via your account details at any bingo site. This is the case at Tombola. Once you've selected 'My Account' there's a 'self exclusion' section. This explains the process in more detail, but it's relatively easy to understand. Select a time frame and then click the 'exclude me from the site' button.
Dragonfish Self Exclusion
Note that with self exclusion the decision cannot be reversed. Your account can't be reactivated until the time period chosen has elapsed. For this reason we've not tested the option as we'd like our account to stay open. However, Tombola's process is one of the simplest to follow online.
Other brands don't have similar self exclusion procedures. For example, Jumpman outline their process in the 'Responsible Gaming' section of their websites. Players are required to send in an email request if they wish to withdraw from the site. Similarly, Dragonfish brands seem to hide their self exclusion options - we found them easier to find by searching 'foxy bingo self exclusion' or 'wink bingo self exclusion'.
Play Responsibly
Finding information at Jackpotjoy was easy. "My Account' and 'Play Responsibly' leads you to the required self exclusion information. However, note that you need to then go on and contact the site's support staff. They will then deal with the request appropriately.
All the above are for individual websites. The process relies on the players to decide they wish to self-exclude. However what happens if you're a member of multiple sites or tempted to join others? Thankfully there's an option available.
Gamstop
Gamstop is a free service that puts you in control of your online gambling. By signing up you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain. You need to register and provide postcode, date of birth and email. Note that you can't register for anyone else.
Gamstop will self-exclude you for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. You will not be able to cancel your self-exclusion until your chosen minimum period has elapsed. Note that whilst Gamstop can prevent you accessing GB licensed sites it can't stop access to non-GB licensed sites or prevent you receiving marketing materials.
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