What self-exclusion does
Self-exclusion is a request to stop access to gambling with an operator or group of operators for a specified period, under the relevant scheme's terms. Some schemes cover a single account; others cover multiple participating operators. Coverage is jurisdiction-specific and does not necessarily extend to other countries, brands or unrelated social casino services.
Official explanation: UK Gambling Commission self-exclusion guide ↗
How to request an operator-level exclusion
- Identify the operator and the particular licensed site or account you use.
- Open that operator's official responsible-gambling or support page and read its exclusion terms.
- Choose a permitted exclusion duration and follow its verification or request procedure.
- Obtain confirmation and review how remaining balances, open bets and marketing preferences are handled.
- Repeat the process across other operators or separately registered regional accounts, where necessary.
- Combine exclusion with independent support and blocking tools if it is difficult to maintain the break.
Only the operator or a designated exclusion scheme can implement your request. Play-SportPesa.com cannot close or restrict a gambling account.
SportPesa.com: what the official policy says
The Isle of Man-licensed SportPesa.com responsible-gaming policy lists self-exclusion choices of 24 hours, one week, one month, three months, six months, one year or permanently. It states that requests may be submitted to its customer-services team and may require processing time. Permanent exclusion cannot be reversed under that policy. The policy also cautions that exclusions on this service do not automatically cover other regional SportPesa accounts.
Verify the current instructions and any processing or balance rules directly in SportPesa official Responsible Gaming policy ↗. Its FAQ also describes account-level protective options: SportPesa FAQ ↗.
Multi-operator schemes are not global
In Great Britain, GAMSTOP Online ↗ offers self-exclusion from participating online operators licensed there. According to the UK Gambling Commission, it does not mean every gambling website worldwide is covered. Other regions may have their own regulator-approved or operator-specific systems.
Before relying on any scheme, check its geographic and operator scope, exclusion period and method of enforcement. Source: UK Gambling Commission ↗.
Additional steps that may help
- Ask operators to stop direct marketing and switch off gambling notifications.
- Consider blocking software and payment restrictions where available.
- Reach out to friends, family or a qualified support professional.
- Seek independent help even when you have already self-excluded; exclusions do not replace care.
Resources: GambleAware support tools ↗ · Global Gambling Therapy ↗ · US support via NCPG ↗
Related safety information
See our responsible-gambling guide for warning signs, practical safeguards and crisis guidance. If you or someone else is at immediate risk, contact local emergency services.