If you’re familiar with the online gambling site PokerStars, there’s a chance you’ve also heard of the Self-Exclusion feature. While many people will never need to use this feature, many people will find the need to use it down the road.
So, what happens if you decide to self-exclude yourself from playing poker on PokerStars? Is there any way to reverse this exclusion or cancel it while it’s in effect? And, is it worth it to use the restrictive tool?
For those who struggle with a gambling addiction, self-exclusion can be a powerful regulation tool. But it’s not uncommon to wonder if someone can reverse this decision while it’s in effect. Understand this feature more and learn whether reversal is possible as we break it down below.
Pokerstars Self-Exclusion: What Is It?
Self-exclusion on Pokerstars is a built-in way to take a break from the site when needed.
PokerStars is committed to hosting responsible gaming, and due to that, they have included the option to exclude yourself from playing games and gambling for a set amount of time. During self-exclusion, players can only log into their online account to withdraw money, but there is no ability to play in any games or make further transactions.
During this time, the player will also be unregistered from any tournaments they had previously registered for, and you won’t find any of the site’s marketing emails in your inbox.
For the tool to work in its intended way, the player must sit out the entire self-exclusion period before they can play in games or tournaments again.
How to Set Up Self-Exclusion
To set up self-exclusion, it just takes a few steps. On Android mobile, go to Menu. On iOS mobile, go to More within the app. From there, go to Settings and Tools, then to Responsible Gaming, and hit Exclude me from playing.
If you’re on desktop, you’ll need to head to Tools, select Responsible Gaming, and then hit Exclude Me From Playing.
If your goal is to exclude yourself from participating in a specific game, you can select the game you’d like to restrict beneath the Responsible Gaming menu, and select Don’t Play.
Self-Exclusion Reversal: Is It Possible?
For self-exclusion to work the way it should, it is not possible to reverse it during the designated period. The only way out is through to the finish line or you can try casino sites not on GamStop.
Once input, the self-exclusion is irreversible, no questions asked. It does not matter the circumstances by which the restrictions occurred (whether self-imposed, selected by a spouse, or otherwise), how long the lock-out period was, or why you’d like to reverse the decision. You must sit out for the remainder of the period and then you will be able to play again.
Self-Exclusion: Is It Worth It?
Self-exclusion is an essential feature, especially given the sensitive nature of gambling. Around 1 percent of U.K. adults have a severe gambling problem, with a rate closer to 6-9 percent for young adults.
Responsible Gaming initiatives are social initiatives set up by the gambling industry to reduce gambling addiction and place restrictions when necessary.
Most of the time, self-exclusion is something the gambler chooses themselves when they feel they’ve been spending too much time online or if they have been losing too much money on games.
Other times, the restrictions might be at the urging of family members or loved ones concerned with a player’s gambling behaviour.
Self-exclusion is worth it if you have a real gambling problem. It’s essential to use if there is a real risk to mental health or of addiction.
If you want to take a break, you may be able to self-regulate your playing without needing to use the self-exclusion feature, which leaves no flexibility.
What to Expect During Self-Exclusion
You can choose self-exclusion at different intervals – a week, a month, two months, four months, or six months. You may also choose a “rest break” of 24 or 48 hours.
Expect to get locked out for that full period, beginning the moment you close the program. If you have any open cash tables, you can still play those until done. However, once you close the program, all will be lost.
If you are due to play any live tournaments, you may still be able to play if it takes place during your exclusion. However, it’s not sure.
You cannot transfer any funds from the account or transfer money to another player during your restricted period. You can only withdraw the money you currently have.
If your exclusion is 120 days or less, you may leave your money in the account. But if it’s over that limit, you’ll need to withdraw all of the funds in your account.
Final Thoughts
Self-exclusion does not include any options for a reversal for a reason. This feature is for those who may be struggling with gambling addiction or are losing money on poker games, so it is not possible to reverse the decision once selected.
Because of its strictness, self-exclusion should only be utilized by those who need it.
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