Self-exclusion, time-outs and deposit limits

Control tools are not a punishment, and using them does not mean something is badly wrong. They are simply the easiest way to make sure the budget you set in a calm moment still holds in the middle of a session. This guide explains how limits, time-outs and self-exclusion usually work in an online casino account such as one at Fortunazo. Exact names and timings depend on the operator, so treat this as a map and confirm the details in your own account.

How to set a deposit limit

A deposit limit caps how much you can add over a period — a day, a week or a month. It is usually found in the account settings, under a heading such as responsible gambling, limits or player protection. The typical flow is to pick the period, enter an amount in your account currency and confirm. From then on, the cashier refuses any deposit above the cap until the period resets.

A practical tip: base the limit on what is left after bills, not on whatever happens to be in your bank account that day. And start low — raising a cautious limit later is far easier than recovering money spent under a generous one.

Loss, wager and session limits

A loss limit measures what you lose net, not what you deposit, which helps if you tend to top up several times in one evening. Some operators also offer a per-bet cap, handy on high-volatility slots where it is tempting to raise the stake to "reach" the bonus round. A session limit controls time: when it is reached, the session closes or a message appears showing how long you have played and your net result — often called a reality check.

The cooling-off period before a limit goes up

At most online casinos, lowering a limit applies straight away, while raising or removing it is subject to a cooling-off period, commonly a day or more. That is not red tape; it is the feature that protects your original decision from an impulse. If you catch yourself counting down the hours until you can deposit again, consider a longer break.

Short time-outs

A time-out locks the account for a period you choose, from a few hours to several weeks depending on what the operator offers. It is useful after a session that got away from you, before a holiday, or in a month when money is tight. While it runs you normally cannot deposit or play; the account reopens automatically or on request once the period ends.

How to self-exclude from an online casino

Self-exclusion is the strongest measure: it closes access for a long period or indefinitely. At an online casino you request it from the responsible gambling section or by writing to the operator's support team. Ask for written confirmation with the start date and the duration. During self-exclusion a responsible operator should not send you promotions; if any arrive, keep the message and report it.

Two extra steps make self-exclusion much stronger: install a gambling-site blocker on your phone and computer, and unsubscribe from marketing emails at every casino where you hold an account.

National self-exclusion schemes

Some countries run a central self-exclusion register that blocks access to every licensed gambling site at once; others only cover land-based casinos, and some have no scheme at all. Check what exists where you live and whether it reaches online operators. Where no national scheme covers online play, the operator's own tools are the way to block your account.

Where to get help

If gambling no longer feels like a choice, talking to someone is the most useful step. Gambling Therapy offers free online support internationally and in several languages, for players and for the people close to them. Many countries also run a free national helpline — look up the official service for your own country on a government or public health website. None of these services is linked to gambling operators.

Back to the full responsible gambling guide, or contact the operator's support to activate a tool.