Responsible gambling: help, limits and self-exclusion

If gambling is costing you more money or time than you can control, you can call the Gambling Regulatory Authority toll-free on 0800-723-770 and you have a legal right to exclude yourself from all licensed gambling (Act s.115).

Last updated 2026-10-04

Gambling is addictive

Gambling is paid entertainment with a built-in cost. It is not a job, an investment or a way out of debt. Section 115(1) of the Gambling Control Act, 2025 describes the point at which a person should act: when gambling is harmful to them, or gives rise to "difficulties in limiting the money or time or both, spent on gambling, leading to adverse consequences for that person, others, or for the community".

Questions worth asking yourself honestly:

• Do I deposit more than I planned, or deposit again to recover a loss?
• Do I use money meant for rent, food, school fees or loan repayments?
• Do I hide the amounts or the time from people close to me?
• Do I borrow in order to gamble?
• Do I find it hard to stop once I have started?

If any answer is yes, use the tools below now, not after the next bet.

Limit tools the law requires operators to provide

Regulation 87 of the Conduct of Gambling Operations Regulations obliges every licensee to give players accessible, real-time tools to control their gambling. At minimum:

Operators are also barred from lending to players (Act s.74(1)(a)) and from facilitating bets through credit cards (s.72(7)).

How self-exclusion works

1. You decide and notify

   Under s.115(1) and (2) you may voluntarily enter a self-exclusion agreement with a licensee, covering all gambling establishments and online gambling, and you notify the Authority. The regulator's self-exclusion page says you can visit its offices in person or send an email stating your intent to self-exclude.

2. You complete the form and prove who you are

   Regulation 70 requires the prescribed Form 1, stating the period, with a copy of your national identity card or passport. You may choose a specified period or permanent exclusion (r.69(2)). The regulator's page describes periods typically ranging from six months to five years.

3. The Authority registers you

   It must acknowledge a complete application within seven days, verify your identity, enter your details in the register, and notify you in writing when the exclusion takes effect (r.70).

4. Operators must act

   The Authority notifies all licensees (s.115(3)). Each must close your accounts and return any funds held, remove you from marketing databases within two days, and prevent you from gaining access (s.115(4)). Failing to implement a request within seven days of written notification is an offence (s.115(5)).

What exclusion means in practice

While your name is on the register you may not place a bet, open a gambling account, receive promotions or claim gambling winnings (r.70(7)). Licensees must check the register daily and block activity automatically (r.73). If a deposit slips through, it must be refunded within seven days, and any winnings obtained in breach of the exclusion are cancelled (r.74).

Exclusion lasts for the period you chose (r.71(1)). An application to remove or change it can be made only after that period has expired (r.72(1)). The regulator's page states plainly that leaving the programme before the period ends is not permitted.

For family members

Regulation 78 allows a family member or other interested party to apply to the Authority for the exclusion of a person whose gambling has caused or is likely to cause serious financial hardship, who poses a risk to dependants or family welfare, or who lacks capacity to make informed decisions because of gambling-related harm. The Authority assesses the application and gives the person an opportunity to be heard where practicable (r.79). Call the toll-free line for the current procedure.

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