International online support
Gambling Therapy offers free online support to people affected by gambling internationally.
Independent harm-prevention guide
Self Exclusion: How Account Restrictions Work
Learn the difference between full self-exclusion, temporary breaks and product-specific restrictions, with a practical guide to getting independent support.
This is a Go-Stakes editorial safety resource, not Stake account support. Rules, support options and eligibility vary by location.
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a protective restriction intended for people who need to stop gambling. It can apply to one gambling operator, or in some jurisdictions across multiple regulated operators. A full account exclusion differs from a temporary break and from excluding only a specific gambling product.
Important: If gambling is causing harm, seek support alongside exclusion. An exclusion on one website does not automatically prevent gambling on every other site.
How Stake currently describes full account self-exclusion
- In your Stake account, navigate to Stake Smart → Self Exclusion (menu wording may vary).
- Select Request Self Exclusion.
- Review the implications and confirm the exclusion request.
- Check the operator's confirmation and keep a record for your reference.
Stake's official help guidance describes an indefinite self-exclusion with a minimum six-month exclusion period before an account can be considered for reactivation after formal review. It is not automatically reactivated after six months. Account access and activity are restricted once the full exclusion takes effect.
If you cannot access the settings or need clarification, use Stake's official support channels; Go-Stakes cannot set or lift restrictions on accounts.
Compare protection types before choosing
| Tool | Scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Break in Play | Temporary break | Stake publishes 1-day, 1-week and 1-month break options. |
| Product exclusion | One product category | Casino or sportsbook exclusion does not necessarily restrict the other product. |
| Full account self-exclusion | Entire account | Indefinite with a minimum six-month period under current guidance. |
| Multi-operator exclusion | Multiple operators where offered | Rules and eligibility depend on the local scheme; GAMSTOP applies to qualifying UK-licensed online operators, not all global websites. |
These distinctions follow official Stake guidance; check the current operator settings before relying on a specific duration or restriction.
After requesting exclusion
- Keep evidence of your request and confirmation.
- Do not create replacement accounts or try to bypass the restriction.
- Consider removing gambling apps, blocking payments and reducing access to gambling advertising.
- Where available, enroll in a local multi-operator exclusion scheme.
- Arrange support for finances, relationships and wellbeing when needed.
For independent guidance, read GamCare’s self-exclusion information ↗ or explore the broader gambling-harm prevention guide.
Global help and jurisdictional limitations
Find a local self-exclusion programme
Regulated exclusion systems are country-specific. Search by your actual place of residence and regulator.
Primary sources and help resources
The links below are informational, not tracked advertising links.