Self-exclusion and limits: closing the door properly
Limits and self-exclusion are the strongest tools a player has, and they work best when they are set up deliberately rather than in the middle of a bad evening. This page explains the steps from the lightest to the strongest, with the Estonian national register in detail and general guidance for readers elsewhere. One practical note sits at the centre, because this site is about withdrawals: before you close access, take care of the money that is still in the account. The overview of all tools is on the responsible gambling page; the guides start on the home page.
Step 1: limits
Set a deposit limit per day, week or month in the account settings. If available, add a loss limit and a session reminder. Lowering a limit usually works immediately; raising one tends to come with a delay, so the decision you made calmly cannot be undone on impulse.
Step 2: a cooling-off break
A time-out blocks access for a short period — from a day to several weeks, depending on the operator. It is useful after a heavy loss or when you notice that you are chasing. During the break you usually cannot deposit or play.
Step 3: self-exclusion with the operator
Operator self-exclusion closes your account for a longer term. Ask support to confirm the start and end dates in writing, and whether marketing e-mails stop as well.
Step 4: the national register in Estonia
In Estonia, the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) keeps the list of persons with gambling restrictions, known as hasartmängupiirang. Only you can register yourself; nobody can do it on your behalf. There are four ways:
| How | When it takes effect |
|---|---|
| e-MTA self-service | No later than the next day |
| Letter with a digital signature | After EMTA processes it |
| EMTA service bureau | Up to 2 working days |
| At a casino or totalisator | EMTA registers it within 2 working days |
You choose a term of 6 to 36 months. It cannot be changed or cancelled during the term; after it ends, removal requires an application. The restriction applies to every organiser with an Estonian licence, in halls and online, and covers games of chance, totalisator and classic lottery — not instant lottery. Official instructions: setting restrictions on gambling (EMTA).
One limitation is worth knowing: the register binds operators licensed in Estonia. A site without an Estonian licence is not connected to it, which is one more reason to check the licence before depositing anywhere.
Outside Estonia
Many countries with regulated gambling run a national self-exclusion scheme of their own. Your national regulator's website explains how it works and which operators it covers. If your country has no such scheme, operator-level self-exclusion and blocking software on your devices are the next best tools.
Before you close the account: the balance
Withdraw whatever is left before self-exclusion starts, or ask support in writing how the remaining balance will be paid out. A request already in progress should continue through its statuses — pending, processing, approved, sent — but get confirmation. Do not cancel a pending withdrawal "to play one last time". The steps of a payout are in the withdrawal guide.
Talk to someone
Self-exclusion blocks access; it does not deal with the reasons behind it. In Estonia, the gambling addiction counselling centre is reachable on 15410 and at 15410.ee. Elsewhere, your national helpline is listed by your regulator or health service; Gambling Therapy is a free online support service for gambling problems that works worldwide and in many languages.