📞 Need Help Now?
Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753 — free, confidential, available 24/7
Gamblers Anonymous Ireland: gamblersanonymous.ie — peer support meetings nationwide
HSE / gamblingcare.ie: gamblingcare.ie
What Is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a formal request you make — either directly to an operator, or through a national register — asking to be blocked from accessing gambling services for a set period. During that period, the operator is required to close your account, return any remaining funds, and refuse any new registrations from you.
It is not a punishment or a sign of weakness. Self-exclusion is a recognised, evidence-based harm reduction tool, and all GRAI-licensed operators are legally required under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 to offer it. You can self-exclude for a minimum period (commonly 6 months) or permanently. Most operators will not allow you to reduce or end the exclusion before the chosen period is up — that delay is deliberate, giving you time to reflect.
Self-Exclusion Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduced the most significant overhaul of Irish gambling law in decades. Among its core player-protection provisions, all GRAI-licensed operators must:
- Provide a self-exclusion mechanism that is easy to find and use
- Act on a self-exclusion request without delay — typically within 24 hours
- Close the customer's account and return any balance held
- Not send marketing communications to a self-excluded player
- Refuse any new account opened by a self-excluded individual (identity checks are required)
Operators who fail to honour a self-exclusion request are in breach of their GRAI licence and can face enforcement action, including fines and licence suspension.
Ireland's National Self-Exclusion Register
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 mandates that the GRAI build and operate a national self-exclusion register. Once live, this single registration will exclude you from every GRAI-licensed operator simultaneously — you will not need to contact each site individually.
As of November 2026, the national register is not yet operational. The GRAI has not published a confirmed launch date. Until it goes live, the most reliable approach is to self-exclude from each operator you use directly (see below).
💡 GamStop: Not Available in Ireland
GamStop is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme and works only with UKGC-licensed operators. It does not cover Irish or international licences. If you are in the Republic of Ireland, GamStop does not apply to you. Ireland is building its own equivalent under the GRAI — until it launches, use the per-operator route below.
How to Self-Exclude from Individual Sites Right Now
Until the national register is live, here is how to self-exclude from each operator you use:
- Log in to your account and look for a Responsible Gambling or Account Settings section. Many operators allow self-exclusion with just a few clicks from there.
- If you cannot find it, contact customer support via live chat or email and state clearly: "I want to self-exclude my account." You do not need to give a reason.
- Choose your exclusion period — minimum is typically 6 months; most operators offer 1, 2, or 5 years, or permanent exclusion.
- Confirm your identity if asked. Keep a copy of the confirmation email or reference number.
- Repeat this process for every operator you have an account with or might be tempted to use.
Getting Support in Ireland
Self-exclusion works best alongside wider support. The following organisations can help — all services are free and confidential:
- Gambling Awareness Trust — helpline 1800 753 753, available 24/7. Offers counselling and referrals.
- Gamblers Anonymous Ireland — gamblersanonymous.ie. Peer-support meetings in most counties.
- gamblingcare.ie (HSE) — gamblingcare.ie. Specialist gambling counsellors via the HSE.
- Citizens Information — citizensinformation.ie. Guides to local support services and financial advice.
If gambling is affecting a family member, Gamblers Anonymous also runs Gam-Anon groups for families and friends.