Self-exclusion is the most powerful responsible gambling tool — a commitment to block access to gambling for a set period. This guide covers your options as an Irish player and how to use them effectively.
Single-Casino Self-Exclusion
All licensed casinos offer self-exclusion. Contact customer support (or find it in Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Self-Exclusion). Choose your exclusion period: typically 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or permanent. During exclusion, you cannot open accounts, deposit, or receive marketing. Permanent exclusion is irreversible.
GAMSTOP (UK Self-Exclusion Scheme)
GAMSTOP is the UK's national multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. Registering at gamstop.co.uk blocks you from all UKGC-licensed online casinos in a single step. It covers all online operators holding a UKGC licence — the most comprehensive single action for UKGC-licensed sites. Irish players can also register, as many Irish-facing casinos hold UKGC licences.
GRAI and National Self-Exclusion
GRAI is developing a national self-exclusion register for Ireland, to be launched when casino gaming licences are issued (expected 2027–2028). This will allow Irish players to self-exclude from all GRAI-licensed operators with a single registration. Until then, Irish players should use GAMSTOP (for UKGC-licensed casinos) and single-casino exclusion for others.
MGA Self-Exclusion
Malta's MGA operates a national register allowing exclusion from all MGA-licensed operators. Register at rcgregistration.mga.org.mt. This covers many Irish-facing casinos that hold MGA licences.
Practical Steps for Self-Exclusion
- Use GAMSTOP for UKGC-licensed casinos
- Use MGA's register for Malta-licensed casinos
- Self-exclude directly at each remaining casino
- Block gambling sites via your ISP or apps like Gamban
- Consider blocking gambling payment processing via your bank
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Frequently Asked Questions
For UKGC-licensed casinos, use GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk) for multi-operator exclusion. For MGA-licensed casinos, use Malta's national register. Self-exclude directly at any remaining casinos. Consider also blocking gambling sites via Gamban or your bank.
Options typically include 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or permanent. Most regulators require a minimum of 6 months. Permanent exclusion is irreversible. After a timed exclusion, most schemes require a cooling-off period before reinstatement.
GAMSTOP is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. Registering at gamstop.co.uk blocks you from all UKGC-licensed online casinos. Irish players can also use it for casinos that hold UKGC licences.
Permanent exclusion is irreversible. Timed exclusions (6 months to 5 years) can be reviewed after the period ends, though most schemes require a cooling-off period before reinstatement requests are considered.
Casino Self-Exclusion Options in Ireland
| Option | Duration | Coverage | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site-level self-exclusion | 30 days to 5+ years | That casino only | Account settings then Responsible Gambling |
| GRAI Register (when available) | TBC | All GRAI-licensed operators | grai.ie |
| Gambling Awareness Trust | No time limit | Support service | gamblingcare.ie or 1800 753 753 |
| Bank gambling block | Reversible (24-hour delay on removal) | All gambling transactions | App settings (Revolut, AIB, BOI, etc.) |
When you self-exclude from an Irish licensed casino, the operator must: immediately suspend your account, remove you from marketing lists, refund any remaining balance (minus active bonus), and not reactivate your account for the chosen period. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, GRAI is building a national self-exclusion register. Free, confidential support: Gambling Awareness Trust, 1800 753 753, gamblingcare.ie. 18+.
Written by Mark Craic, editor at CraicBet. See how we review.