Cooling-Off Periods and Time-Outs
A cooling-off period, usually called a time-out, temporarily locks your gambling account for a set period, typically from 24 hours to several weeks. During that time you cannot deposit or play, and the lock usually cannot be lifted early. It is shorter and lighter than self-exclusion and suits a specific moment: after a bad session, during a stressful week, or when you notice you are chasing losses.
This page explains how time-outs work, how to set one, how they compare with self-exclusion and BetStop, and other built-in delays that create a cooling-off effect.
How a Time-Out Works
| Feature | Typical rule at online casinos |
|---|---|
| Length | Options such as 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days or 6 weeks; set by each casino |
| During the time-out | No deposits, no play, usually no marketing |
| Withdrawals | Usually still possible for the remaining balance; check the terms |
| Early end | Usually not allowed |
| After it ends | Account reopens automatically or after a request, depending on the casino |
| Scope | That casino only; sometimes sister brands if the operator applies it group-wide |
Australian-licensed betting providers offer their own break and limit tools, and BetStop provides the national register. Offshore casinos set their own time-out options.
When a Time-Out Is the Right Tool
- After a session where you went over budget or played longer than planned.
- When you notice the urge to win back losses.
- During periods of stress, poor sleep or heavy drinking.
- Before payday, if you tend to deposit as soon as money arrives.
- When you want to test whether you can take a break before committing to self-exclusion.
If you use time-outs repeatedly, or break the plan as soon as one ends, that is a sign a longer tool is needed; see self-exclusion.
Setting a Time-Out
- Withdraw any balance you want to keep before starting, in case withdrawals are restricted during the break.
- Open account settings, then “Responsible gaming”, “Take a break” or “Time-out”.
- Choose the length. If unsure, choose the longer option.
- Confirm. Save the confirmation email or take a screenshot.
- Repeat at every site where you have an account; a time-out at one casino does not affect others.
- Delete saved payment methods and the casino app for the duration.
If the site has no time-out option, ask support in writing to lock the account for a specified period, and keep the reply.
Cooling-Off vs Self-Exclusion vs BetStop
| Tool | Length | Coverage | Can be ended early? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time-out | Hours to weeks | One site | Usually no |
| Casino self-exclusion | Months to permanent | One site, sometimes the group | Restricted |
| BetStop | 3 months to lifetime | All licensed Australian online and phone betting | Only after 3 months, with a counsellor or GP visit and a 7-day wait |
| Venue self-exclusion | Set by state program | Listed venues | Program rules |
BetStop’s 3-month minimum makes it a longer commitment than a time-out. See BetStop explained.
Built-In Delays You Can Use
Several rules create cooling-off periods automatically. Knowing them helps you plan:
| Delay | Where it applies | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day wait for raising a deposit limit | Licensed Australian wagering providers (National Framework) | A decision made after a loss cannot take effect that night |
| 48-hour wait to remove a gambling block | ANZ (removal through the app) | Two days between deciding and being able to pay a gambling merchant |
| Waiting period for raising limits | Many offshore casinos (often 24 hours or more) | A shorter but useful pause |
| 7-day wait after a valid BetStop cancellation | BetStop | Time to reconsider ending an exclusion early |
Setting a low deposit limit, then raising it only if you still want to after the waiting period, uses these delays deliberately. See setting limits.
Making the Break Count
- Tell someone you trust that you are taking a break and when it ends.
- Plan what you will do during the time you would normally gamble.
- Unsubscribe from casino emails and SMS so promotions do not arrive on the day the break ends.
- Add blocking software for the period of the break; see blocking software.
- Before the break ends, decide whether you want to return and with what limits. Write it down.
Signs a Time-Out Is Not Enough
- You open an account at a different casino during the break.
- You deposit on the day the time-out ends, before you had planned to.
- You have taken three or more time-outs in the last few months.
- You are using credit, savings or borrowed money to gamble.
- Gambling is causing arguments, missed work or sleep problems.
Any of these suggests moving to self-exclusion and BetStop, adding a bank gambling block, and talking to a counsellor on 1800 858 858.
Bonuses After a Break
Casinos sometimes send “welcome back” offers when a time-out ends. Bonuses come with wagering requirements that increase play; see bonus red flags. Under the reforms passed in August 2026, licensed Australian providers will face restrictions on direct marketing of inducements to people who deregistered from BetStop in the previous 3 months, from 2027. Offshore casinos are not covered.
This guide is part of our responsible gambling section, which lists every tool and support service in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
A temporary lock on your account, usually from 24 hours to several weeks, during which you cannot deposit or play. It usually cannot be ended early.
A time-out is short and covers one site. Self-exclusion lasts months or longer and is designed for stopping gambling, with strict rules for ending it early.
At most casinos the remaining balance can still be withdrawn, but rules vary. Withdraw before starting the break to be sure.
No, unless the operator applies it across its brands. Set a time-out at each site or use BetStop and blocking tools for wider coverage.
Long enough to break the pattern you are worried about. If unsure, choose the longer option; 7 days or more covers at least one payday cycle for weekly earners.
If you find it hard to stay away during a break, Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858. Gambling is for adults 18+ only.