Online casino games are always a fun way to pass the time. But prioritizing responsible gambling habits is vital, and it’s important to know what to watch out for that could indicate the need to reassess how often you play.

If it’s time to take a break from gambling, you might want to explore the time-out or self-exclusion gambling feature at your online casino of choice. Read on to learn what these features are, how they work, and what signs to look out for that could indicate you might benefit from using them.

What Are Online Casino Self-Exclusion and Time-Out Features?

These are tools to help promote responsible gambling. Since online casino games are so entertaining, it’s possible to get carried away and enjoy playing a little too much or too often. When this happens, it’s helpful to know the online casino self-exclusion and time-out features are there to encourage you to take a breather. Here’s how they typically work.

Self-Exclusion

• This feature allows you to restrict yourself from accessing online gambling platforms for a specified period that suits you. This period could be a few days, weeks, or even years.
• During the self-exclusion period (which is usually irreversible until the set time has elapsed), the online casino will prevent you from accessing your account, so you won’t be able to play any games via the platform.
• The self-exclusion gambling feature is typically a last resort for anyone who believes they have a gambling problem and wants to take action to control their behavior.

Time-Out

• Often referred to as a “cooling off period,” the time-out feature within an online casino is slightly more flexible than self-exclusion. It also allows you to temporarily suspend your account, but it’s usually for a shorter time spanning a few hours to a few days.  
• Like self-exclusion, once you’ve set your time-out period, you can’t reverse it. You must wait for the selected time to pass before logging in again.
• Time-out is a great option for players who simply feel they need a break from gambling and want to ensure they stick to a specific time limit they’ve set for themselves. Many experts agree it can be a useful tool for a player to reinforce their gambling limits.

How Do I Know When It’s Time To Take a Break From Gambling?

Part of responsible gambling is knowing when to stop — and that extends to knowing when to stop the game you’re playing, knowing when to stop playing each day/week based on your personal limits, and knowing when to stop gambling in general if your habits are becoming problematic.

Here are some signs that indicate it might be time to take a break:

1. Chasing losses: If you find yourself trying to recoup the money you’ve lost by gambling more despite exceeding your set bankroll, it’s a clear sign your gambling behavior may be getting out of control.
2. Spending more time gambling: If you’re spending an increasing amount of time gambling and neglecting other responsibilities, hobbies, or relationships, then it may be time to reassess the amount of time you spend gambling. 
3. Borrowing money: Needing to borrow money or resorting to credit cards to fund your gambling activities is a red flag.
4. Feeling guilty or regretful: If you frequently feel guilty, remorseful, or anxious about your gambling habits, this is another sign a break should be on the cards.
5. Difficulty controlling your gambling: You should investigate deeper if you find it challenging to stick to limits you’ve set for yourself, whether it’s money or time limits.
6. Relationship strain: Your gambling shouldn’t have a negative impact on your personal life — watch out if it’s causing conflicts in your relationships with family, friends, colleagues, or your partner.
7. Negative impact on work or school: Have you noticed your gambling affecting your performance at work, school, or other important areas of your life? This is yet another warning sign to be aware of.
8. Using gambling as an escape: Gambling should be fun and something you do when in a good mood. If, instead, you tend to gamble when feeling other emotions like sadness, loneliness, or anger, you may be using gambling as an unhealthy coping mechanism.

What Are the Best Ways To Take a Break From Gambling?

The best way to take a break from gambling is to spend more time on other activities you enjoy or exploring new activities that grab your interest. This could involve things like signing up for cooking classes, going hiking with friends, or simply reading a good book.  

It’s always best to seek support if you’re struggling to limit your gambling. Sometimes, a chat with a close friend or family member will do the trick, but you might also need support and advice from an expert. Start by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting 800gambler.org for free resources, information, and 24-hour assistance.

Responsible Gambling Tips

Here are a few more responsible gambling tips to ensure you can enjoy your favorite online casino games with peace of mind:

1.      Use prepaid cards or dedicated gambling accounts to limit your spending to a predetermined amount and prevent you from dipping into your regular funds.

2.     Take plenty of breathers between games. This helps you enter a new game with a clear mind, making it less likely for you to make impulsive decisions.

3.      Keep track of all your wins, losses, and expenses — doing so can help you identify patterns or trends in your gambling behavior.

4.      Remember that although some casino games like online poker come with an element of skill, the outcome of most games is determined by chance — and there are certainly no guaranteed wins. Always view gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.

5.      Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments that are unrelated to gambling. Recognizing achievements in other areas of your life reinforces a healthy sense of self-worth and reduces the need to seek validation through gambling.

Play Online Casino Games at Borgata Online

Are you looking for an online casino that emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling? Choose Borgata Online. When you register, you join a community of gamblers that prioritizes healthy gaming habits — and the Borgata self-exclusion feature is always available if you ever need it. Register when you’re ready to explore casino games like poker, blackjack, roulette, online slots, jackpot slots, variety games, live dealer casino games, and many more.