What is Time-Out?

A time-out is a short, self-imposed break from gambling, typically lasting from 24 hours up to six weeks, during which an operator blocks your account from placing bets or depositing without triggering the longer commitment of permanent self-exclusion. It is a responsible-gambling tool built into most licensed casinos and sportsbooks, letting players pause quickly and cool off, then return automatically once the chosen period expires. Unlike self-exclusion, which usually runs for a minimum of six months and often years, a time-out is designed for a brief reset. During an active time-out you cannot log in to wager, deposit, or claim promotions, and most operators also suspend marketing emails and push notifications for the duration. Under UK Gambling Commission rules, licensees must offer a time-out facility with options of one day, one week, one month and up to six weeks, and cannot let you cancel it early once set. Worked example: on a Friday night you notice you have already lost 200 pounds and feel tempted to chase it. You set a 7-day time-out. Your account locks immediately, any scheduled reload bonus is paused, and you regain access only the following Friday, by which point the impulse has passed. Setting it costs nothing and does not forfeit an existing withdrawable balance. For affiliates, prominently signposting time-out and related tools is both a licensing expectation and a trust signal that improves long-term player retention. If you find one break is not enough, escalating to self-exclusion or a national scheme such as GAMSTOP is the stronger next step.