Get free help

Call 0800 862 342

Take a Break from Gambling

Sometimes the most powerful step you can take is simply giving gambling a rest.
Self-exclusion is your choice to take a break from weeks to years so you can refocus your time, money, and energy on other things.
It’s not a forever ban. Think of it as pressing pause to give yourself space.

beach scene

Why Take a Break?

  • Protect your money – no chance of spending more than you can afford
  • Protect your time – more hours for family, hobbies, rest
  • Ease the pressure – reduce stress and worry linked to gambling
  • Refocus your energy – explore things you’ve put on hold
  • Interrupt the cycle – give yourself space from loss-chasing

How It Works

You choose:

  • One venue or online operator
  • Multiple venues and providers at once 

Minimum timeframes:

  • Some venues start from 3 months
  • Others offer longer options (6 months, 1 year, or more)
  • Some venues have requirements upon return such as completing counselling sessions followed by an interview with staff

During your break, you won’t be able to enter those venues or access their websites/apps. Staff are trained to help enforce this.

take a break gambling

We Can Do This Together

You don’t have to navigate self-exclusion alone. We can guide you through the process, talk through your options, and help you plan how to use this time.

group shot

What Could Your Break Look Like?

  • Reconnect with hobbies you enjoy
  • Spend more time with family and friends
  • Focus on physical or mental wellbeing goals
  • Learn new skills or try new activities
  • Take on small challenges that keep your mind engaged

Multi-Venue Exclusion

Want to take a break from several gambling venues and websites at once?

Multi-Venue Exclusion lets you do this in one go.

We’ll help you:

  • Book an appointment (in person or online)
  • Bring photo ID
  • Choose the venues you want to exclude from
  • Enter your details into the national exclusion database 

Multi-Venue Exclusion Co-ordination

Why People Return – and How to Stay on Track

It’s normal to feel the urge to go back, especially to try and “win back” what’s been lost.

A break gives you time to step out of that cycle, get perspective, and make decisions without the pressure of the next bet.

During your break, we can help you explore practical tools, new routines, and emotional supports to make it easier to stay on track. 

Practical tools