If you’re here because you’re afraid you’ll gamble again today, self-exclusion is one of the fastest ways to put a barrier between you and the next bet. It works best when you combine it with money friction and support.
Start now if gambling is escalating
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that can restrict your access to certain gambling venues or accounts. Coverage varies by state and gambling type, so confirm what your state program includes.
If you need immediate support, start at /help/ and the family hub at /help/family/.
People search “self-exclusion by state” when they want a concrete action with immediate impact: block themselves from casinos, cut off sportsbook accounts, or stop online gambling before the next binge. This page is a directory plus a practical guide to doing self-exclusion correctly so it actually reduces harm.
- What self-exclusion is and how it works
- Who self-exclusion helps most
- Types of self-exclusion (casinos, sportsbooks, online)
- Before you enroll: what to prepare
- Step-by-step: how to self-exclude effectively
- Self-exclusion by state directory
- After you enroll: what changes and what does not
- Add layers: money controls, blocking tools, and support
- FAQs
- Internal links
What self-exclusion is and how it works
Self-exclusion is a voluntary agreement where you ask a state program or regulated operator to restrict your access to gambling. Depending on the program, self-exclusion can do some combination of the following:
- Ban you from entering certain casinos or gaming venues.
- Prevent you from opening or using regulated online gambling accounts.
- Stop marketing messages from covered operators (emails, texts, offers).
- Allow venues/operators to remove you if you attempt to gamble while excluded.
Coverage reminder: Self-exclusion is not one universal US list. It is typically state-based and often product-based. Always verify what your specific state program covers (casino vs sports betting vs online).
Who self-exclusion helps most
Self-exclusion is especially effective for people who relapse impulsively or who binge when stressed. It is also useful for people who are tired of relying on willpower alone.
Strong signs self-exclusion is a fit
- You gamble automatically when triggered (stress, loneliness, sports events, boredom).
- You chase losses even when you promise yourself you won’t.
- You delete apps and reinstall them during urges.
- You keep gambling “in secret” because of shame.
- Access is too easy (saved cards, instant deposits, quick cash).
What self-exclusion is not
- Not a cure by itself. It is a barrier and a safeguard.
- Not guaranteed to block every possible gambling route.
- Not a replacement for a recovery plan and support.
- Not a way to erase debt or undo past losses.
Types of self-exclusion (casinos, sportsbooks, online)
When people fail with self-exclusion, it is usually because they self-exclude from one channel but keep another channel open. Identify your main pathways first.
Retail casinos and venues
Programs may ban you from entering participating casinos and can allow removal if you attempt to gamble. In many states, you choose a duration. Some states require in-person enrollment or ID verification.
If your problem is casino visits, prioritize venue self-exclusion plus cash-access limits on the same day.
Online casinos and sports betting
Coverage varies by state. Some programs cover regulated online operators in the state; others focus on venues. Online exclusion is strongest when paired with device/app blocking and payment friction.
If your problem is sports betting, also avoid “high-risk times” like game days and late nights by scheduling support and alternative plans.
Before you enroll: what to prepare
Most programs require basic identity information, and some require you to choose a duration and coverage type. Preparing reduces friction so you can complete enrollment without procrastination.
Prepare these items (common requirements)
- Government-issued ID information (driver’s license or equivalent).
- Basic personal details used to match you across records (name, address, date of birth).
- A decision about duration (shorter durations are easier to start, longer can be safer).
- A list of your main gambling channels (casino venues, sportsbooks, online apps, lottery, etc.).
- A plan for what you will do immediately after enrolling (money safeguards + support step).
Do it in one session: If you start enrollment, finish it. Half-finished self-exclusion often turns into “I’ll do it later,” which is exactly what the addiction wants.
Step-by-step: how to self-exclude effectively
This is the practical checklist that makes self-exclusion work in real life. The objective is not paperwork; the objective is reducing access and relapse risk.
Priority 1: enroll in the right program (state + product).
Match your primary gambling route.
Priority 2: add money friction today.
No cash access is a major win.
Priority 3: schedule support within 72 hours.
Recovery needs a plan, not just a ban.
Checklist
- Choose what you’re excluding from: casinos, sportsbooks, online gambling, or all available options in your state.
- Open your state program page: use the directory below and confirm coverage and enrollment method.
- Select a duration: pick a duration that reflects your real risk. If you repeatedly relapse, longer is usually safer.
- Complete enrollment: submit required information and save confirmation details (date, program, duration).
- Remove easy access: delete apps, log out, remove saved payment methods, unsubscribe from promos.
- Reduce money access: implement a no-cash rule, remove instant-deposit options, and pay essential bills directly if needed.
- Schedule one support step: GA meeting, therapy assessment, or a structured helpline plan within 72 hours.
- Plan for trigger windows: sports events, paydays, late-night browsing, loneliness, conflict. Write a replacement plan.
If you keep relapsing: self-exclusion alone is not enough. It means you need more layers (money controls + blocking + support). Go to /help/ and start a treatment/support plan.
Self-exclusion by state directory
Choose your state to see enrollment steps and coverage notes. State programs and coverage vary; always confirm details on the official state program page when you enroll.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Tip: If you gamble in multiple states (travel, nearby borders), you may need to enroll in more than one program and add device/payment blocks for anything not covered.
After you enroll: what changes and what does not
Self-exclusion is a barrier, not a full recovery system. The most important question is: “What do I do when the urge hits anyway?” Plan that now.
What usually changes
- You have fewer “easy” gambling routes through covered venues/operators.
- Marketing and promotions may reduce (depending on the program).
- You create a psychological stop sign: the next bet becomes harder to justify.
What usually does not change automatically
- Urges and triggers (stress, boredom, sports events, loneliness).
- Financial patterns (cash access, impulsive spending, “chasing losses” thinking).
- Relationship trust issues created by secrecy and broken promises.
- Offshore sites or non-covered channels (if you do not add blocking/payment friction).
Add layers: money controls, blocking tools, and support
High success usually comes from stacking safeguards. Each layer reduces relapse probability. If you want a high-impact approach, use one layer from each category below.
Money friction (fast wins)
- Implement a no-cash policy or reduce cash access for a set period.
- Remove saved payment methods from gambling-related apps and wallets.
- Pay essential bills directly first; prevent “bill money” from being rerouted.
- Stop loans and bailouts without a treatment plan and safeguards.
Family angle: /family/boundaries-vs-enabling/.
Support layer (stops the cycle)
- Attend a support meeting (GA) within 72 hours.
- Schedule a therapy assessment focused on gambling relapse prevention.
- Use a family plan if household finances and trust are affected.
- Write a relapse response: who you contact, what changes for 7–30 days, and how you restart immediately.
Start: /help/ and /help/family/.
Commercial-intent note: If you later add product comparisons (blocking apps, banking blocks, identity monitoring), keep them separate on dedicated tool pages and link from here. This page should remain the self-exclusion hub and directory.
FAQs
Does self-exclusion stop all gambling everywhere?
Not always. Coverage depends on your state program and the type of gambling (casinos vs sports betting vs online). Many programs block entry and marketing from covered operators, but they may not cover out-of-state venues, offshore sites, or every product category. Use self-exclusion as a core safeguard and add financial and device blocks.
Can my spouse or family member self-exclude me?
In most cases, self-exclusion is voluntary and initiated by the person who wants to exclude themselves. Families can still protect household finances, set boundaries, and use support options. If you are a family member, start at the family help hub.
What if I self-exclude and still find a way to gamble?
That is a sign you need more layers: tighter money controls (no cash access, pay bills directly, separate finances), blocking tools, and structured support (GA, therapy, programs). Self-exclusion reduces access, but recovery typically requires a relapse-prevention plan and consistent support.
Will self-exclusion remove gambling debt?
No. Self-exclusion is a prevention tool to reduce future harm. For debt, focus on essentials protection, stopping new losses, and getting support. Avoid taking new loans to cover losses without a treatment plan and safeguards.
Editorial and safety notes
This page provides educational information and a directory structure. Self-exclusion rules and coverage vary by state and can change. Confirm details on official state program pages when enrolling. If there is immediate danger, call 911. If there is emotional crisis or suicidal thoughts, contact 988. For problem gambling help and referrals, use your helpline resources and local services.