What Is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a formal request to a gambling operator (or multiple operators via a central register) to close your account and block access for a set period. During the exclusion, you cannot deposit, wager or access your gambling account. The operator is required by law to enforce this.
Self-exclusion is not a "break" or a "cooling off" — those are separate tools. Self-exclusion is specifically designed as a protective measure for people who recognise they need a barrier between themselves and gambling activity. It is taken seriously by regulators; operators who fail to enforce self-exclusion face significant penalties from GRAI.
The National Gambling Exclusion Register (NGER)
The National Gambling Exclusion Register (NGER) is the most powerful self-exclusion tool available to Irish players. Established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and managed by GRAI, it allows a single registration to exclude you from all GRAI-licensed gambling operators simultaneously.
Without NGER, self-exclusion from one site does not carry over to another. A player who self-excludes from Site A remains fully accessible to Sites B, C and D. NGER closes this gap by broadcasting your exclusion to all participating operators.
To register with NGER:
- Visit the GRAI website (grai.ie) and navigate to the NGER section.
- Create an account and verify your identity (required to prevent fraudulent exclusions and to ensure enforcement).
- Select your preferred exclusion duration and confirm your registration.
- GRAI notifies all participating licensed operators. Your accounts with those operators should be suspended promptly — typically within 24–72 hours.
Self-Excluding from Individual Sites
For immediate self-exclusion from a site you are currently using (while NGER covers all operators):
- Log in to your account.
- Go to Responsible Gambling / Safer Gambling in your account settings.
- Select Self-Exclusion or Close My Account.
- Choose your exclusion duration (minimum 6 months at GRAI-licensed sites).
- Confirm. The exclusion takes effect immediately or within a very short window.
Alternatively, contact the site's customer support directly — by live chat or email — and explicitly request self-exclusion. Put your request in writing (email is best) and keep a copy. If the site does not action your request promptly, file a complaint with GRAI.
Supplementing Self-Exclusion with Blocking Software
Self-exclusion from licensed operators does not cover unlicensed sites. For comprehensive device-level blocking, consider installing dedicated gambling blocking software:
- Gamban (gamban.com) — blocks gambling across all devices (phone, tablet, desktop) using deep packet inspection. Very difficult to bypass. Available from €2.99/month or as a one-time annual fee.
- GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) — multi-operator exclusion scheme covering UK-licensed sites, useful for sites that hold UKGC licences.
- NetNanny / Circle — parental control software that can be configured to block gambling category sites, also useful for home Wi-Fi filtering.
What to Do After Self-Excluding
Self-exclusion is a protective tool, not a treatment. Many professionals recommend using the exclusion period to also access support:
- Contact the Gambling Awareness Trust at 1800 753 753 for counselling referrals.
- Consider attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings — peer support during the exclusion period significantly improves outcomes.
- If debt is a problem, contact MABS (mabs.ie) for free, confidential money advice.
- Inform a trusted person that you have self-excluded. Accountability support helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Self-Exclude from Betting Sites in Ireland
- Log in to your account
- Go to Responsible Gambling → Self-Exclusion
- Choose the period (6 months / 1 year / 5 years / permanent)
- Confirm your request — exclusion typically activates within 24 hours
- Contact the operator directly if the online process fails
| Exclusion type | Duration | Reversal process |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary (cooling-off) | 24 hours to 6 weeks | Can be reversed after expiry |
| Self-exclusion (standard) | 6 months minimum | 7-day cooling period to reopen |
| Permanent exclusion | No end date | Cannot be reversed — account closed |
| NGRE (national register) | Covers all GRAI licensees | In development as of 2026 |
Once self-excluded, the operator must close your account and return any remaining balance. If you receive marketing from an operator you've self-excluded from, report it to GRAI at grai.ie.
18+ | Gambling Awareness Trust | 1800 753 753 | gamblingcare.ie
NGER is the central exclusion register managed by GRAI. A single NGER registration excludes you from all participating GRAI-licensed operators simultaneously — far more comprehensive than site-by-site exclusion.
GRAI-licensed operators must offer at least 6 months. Many offer 1, 2, 5 years or indefinite exclusion. You cannot access your account during the exclusion period.
Not immediately. A mandatory cooling-off period applies before reinstatement is possible. The process requires a formal request and is not instantaneous — this is intentional.
NGER applies to GRAI-licensed operators. Coverage will expand as licensing rolls out to land-based bookmakers. For retail shops, self-exclude directly with each operator.
Your balance should remain withdrawable. GRAI-licensed operators must return funds in customer accounts on request during exclusion. Contact the site's responsible gambling team for the withdrawal process.