Gambling Limits
Complete guide to deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, and self-exclusion. Learn how to use these essential tools to stay in control of your gambling.
Why Set Gambling Limits?
Limits are not a sign of weakness — they're a sign of smart gambling
Benefits of Setting Limits
- Prevents overspending and financial problems
- Removes the need for willpower in the moment
- Stops the dangerous cycle of chasing losses
- Keeps gambling as entertainment, not a problem
- Gives you peace of mind about your spending
- Easy to set up and adjust as needed
Who Should Use Limits?
Everyone
Deposit limits are recommended for all players, regardless of experience
Players who sometimes overspend
Loss and wager limits add extra protection
Players who lose track of time
Session time limits prevent marathon gambling sessions
Players with gambling problems
Self-exclusion provides the strongest protection
Types of Gambling Limits
Understand each limit type and when to use it
Deposit Limits
Control how much money you can add to your casino account within a specific timeframe.
How It Works
Once you reach your deposit limit, you cannot add more funds until the period resets. Most casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, and monthly limits simultaneously.
Example
If you set a $100 weekly deposit limit on Monday and deposit $100, you cannot deposit again until the following Monday.
Tips for This Limit
- Set all three timeframes (daily, weekly, monthly) for maximum protection
- Start conservative — you can always increase later
- Factor in your entertainment budget, not your total income
- Remember: decreasing limits takes effect immediately, increasing may have a cooling-off period
When to use: Everyone should use deposit limits. They're your first line of defense against overspending.
Loss Limits
Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period. Stops you from chasing losses.
How It Works
The casino tracks your net losses. Once you hit your loss limit, you're blocked from further play until the period resets.
Example
With a $50 daily loss limit: if you deposit $100, win $30, then lose $80, your net loss is $50 and you're done for the day.
Tips for This Limit
- Set loss limits lower than deposit limits for extra protection
- Consider your risk tolerance — how much loss genuinely hurts?
- Loss limits prevent the dangerous cycle of chasing losses
- Some casinos call these "net loss limits" or "betting limits"
When to use: Essential for anyone who has ever chased losses or felt bad after a losing session.
Session Time Limits
Control how long you can play in a single session or per day.
How It Works
After the time limit expires, you'll either receive a warning, be logged out, or be prevented from playing more that day.
Example
With a 2-hour session limit: you'll be notified or logged out after 2 hours of continuous play.
Tips for This Limit
- Set session limits to prevent losing track of time
- Combine with breaks — a 1-hour limit with mandatory 30-minute break between sessions
- Time limits help prevent fatigue-based poor decisions
- Some casinos offer "net time" (active play only) vs. "logged in time"
When to use: For anyone who loses track of time while gambling or plays for extended periods.
Wager/Bet Limits
Limit the maximum amount you can bet on a single game or spin.
How It Works
You cannot place bets higher than your set limit. Helps prevent impulsive large bets.
Example
With a $5 max bet limit: you can't place a $10 spin on slots or a $50 hand at blackjack.
Tips for This Limit
- Particularly useful for slot players where bet sizes can vary widely
- Prevents the temptation to "big bet" your way out of losses
- Consider your bankroll — most experts recommend max 1-2% of bankroll per bet
- Not available at all casinos, but very useful where offered
When to use: For players who sometimes make impulsively large bets, especially after losses.
Cool-Off Periods
Temporary breaks from gambling ranging from 24 hours to several weeks.
How It Works
During a cool-off period, your account is frozen. You cannot log in, deposit, or play. The period cannot be shortened once set.
Example
Setting a 7-day cool-off on Monday means you cannot access your account until the following Monday.
Tips for This Limit
- Use after a bad session to prevent emotional gambling
- Good option when you need a break but don't want permanent exclusion
- Plan something else during your cool-off period
- Cannot be reversed — don't set longer than you need
When to use: After a bad session, when feeling stressed about gambling, or to reset unhealthy patterns.
Self-Exclusion
Long-term or permanent exclusion from gambling. The most powerful responsible gambling tool.
How It Works
Once activated, your account is closed and you're banned from opening new accounts. Cannot be reversed until the period ends (or ever, if permanent).
Example
UK's GamStop excludes you from all UK-licensed casinos with one registration. Similar schemes exist in other countries.
Tips for This Limit
- Available at individual casinos or through national schemes
- National schemes (GamStop, BetStop, etc.) cover multiple operators at once
- Winnings in your account are usually returned before exclusion
- Consider this if other limits haven't worked
When to use: When gambling has become a serious problem and you need complete separation.
How to Set Gambling Limits
Step-by-step guide for any online casino
Log into your casino account
You must be logged in to access responsible gambling settings.
Find Responsible Gambling settings
Usually under Account Settings, My Account, or a dedicated "Responsible Gambling" or "Safer Gambling" section.
Choose the type of limit
Select from deposit, loss, time, wager, or self-exclusion options.
Set your limit amount or duration
Enter the amount (for financial limits) or duration (for time limits).
Confirm your choice
You may need to enter your password or verify via email to confirm.
Receive confirmation
You'll get confirmation that your limit is active. Decreases apply immediately.
Note: The exact location and options vary by casino. Look for "Responsible Gambling," "Safer Gambling," "Player Protection," or "My Limits" in your account settings. All regulated casinos in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia are required to offer these tools.
National Self-Exclusion Schemes
Multi-operator self-exclusion programs by country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
GamStop
Free service that lets you self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
Coverage: All UK Gambling Commission licensed operators (required by law)
🇦🇺Australia
BetStop
National self-exclusion register for online wagering. Minimum 3-month exclusion period.
Coverage: All Australian-licensed online wagering operators
🇺🇸United States
State-by-State Programs
Each state with legal gambling has its own self-exclusion registry. No national scheme exists.
Coverage: Varies by state — NJ, PA, MI, and others have their own programs
🇨🇦Canada
Provincial Programs
Each province operates its own self-exclusion program through provincial gaming corporations.
Coverage: Provincial gaming sites and partnered land-based venues
Important Things to Know
Key facts about gambling limits
Changing Limits
- • Decreasing limits: Takes effect immediately
- • Increasing limits: Usually has 24-72 hour cooling-off period
- • Self-exclusion: Cannot be shortened or reversed
- • This asymmetry is intentional — to protect you from impulsive decisions
Limits Don't Prevent All Problems
- • Limits only work at the casino where you set them
- • You can still gamble at other sites (unless using national schemes)
- • Limits are a tool, not a cure for gambling addiction
- • If you're struggling, seek professional help in addition to using limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gambling limits
How quickly do gambling limits take effect?
Decreases to limits (making them stricter) typically take effect immediately. Increases (making them more lenient) often have a mandatory waiting period of 24-72 hours to prevent impulsive decisions.
Can I remove gambling limits once set?
Most limits can be increased or removed after a cooling-off period (usually 24-72 hours). Self-exclusion periods cannot be shortened and must run their full course.
Do limits apply across multiple casinos?
Individual casino limits only apply to that casino. For multi-casino coverage, use national self-exclusion schemes (GamStop, BetStop, etc.) where available.
What happens if I try to exceed my limit?
The transaction will be blocked. You'll receive a notification explaining that you've reached your limit and when it will reset.
Can customer support override my limits?
No. Reputable casinos do not allow staff to override responsible gambling limits under any circumstances. This is a regulatory requirement.
Are my limits confidential?
Yes. Your responsible gambling settings are private and not shared with third parties (except where required by law for national exclusion registries).
What happens to my money during self-exclusion?
Any balance in your account is typically returned to you via your original deposit method. Pending withdrawals are processed. Bonus funds are usually forfeited.
Can I set different limits for different games?
Some casinos allow game-specific limits (e.g., separate limits for slots vs. table games), but this feature isn't universal.
Take Control Today
Setting gambling limits is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a gambler. It takes just a few minutes to set up, and it gives you peace of mind that your gambling will never get out of control. Every reputable casino offers these tools — use them.