Self-exclusion: from a short break to a national register
By Kristaps Birznieks · updated October 2026
Self-exclusion is a deliberate decision to stop gambling for a period or for good. It works on two levels: tools inside a single operator's account, and national registers that apply to all licensed operators in a country. This page explains both, with Latvia as the worked example because Klondaika is a Latvian-market brand.
National level: self-exclusion registers
Many countries run a national register. Once you are listed, licensed operators in that country must not let you gamble. The rules, minimum periods and how to apply differ from country to country, so always use your regulator's own information.
Latvia. The Pašatteikušos personu reģistrs (register of self-excluded persons) is kept by the State Revenue Service (VID), which took over gambling and lottery supervision on 1 April 2026; the register continues to operate. An entry means licensed gambling organisers must not allow you to take part in gambling. The minimum period is 12 months. The procedure and ways to apply are described on VID's page: Pašatteikušos personu reģistrs. We do not repeat it here to avoid outdated details; always check the original source.
What an entry does
- Licensed operators check the register at sign-up and during verification.
- A new account with a licensed operator will not be opened.
- On existing accounts, participation is refused under the operator's own procedures.
A register does not protect you on unlicensed sites. That is why it matters to play only with operators you found in the licence register, and why hunting for "mirror" sites after self-excluding is dangerous; see Klondaika mirror.
Operator level: shorter tools
| Tool | Typical length (example) | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Time-out | From 24 hours to a few weeks | After a bad session, in an emotional moment |
| Cooling-off | Several weeks or months | When a longer break is needed |
| Account closure | Under the operator's terms | When you do not want to return to that operator |
The exact periods are set by the operator. A time-out usually cannot be cancelled before it ends; that is the point of the tool.
How to prepare
- Withdraw any remaining balance before activating the break, if possible.
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails and text messages.
- Delete apps and saved passwords.
- Tell someone close to you about your decision.
- If you need support in Latvia, call +371 293 232 02, daily 12:00–22:00 according to azartaatkariba.lv; elsewhere, Gambling Therapy offers free online support worldwide, or use your national helpline.
If the break is hard to keep
Some people start looking for sites that ignore the register. If you notice that urge in yourself, support matters more than ever. Talk to a helpline and to the people close to you, and consider blocking software on your phone and computer. Unlicensed sites offer neither the register's protection nor a regulator to complain to.
After the break
If you decide to return when the period ends, do so with limits already set, and be honest about whether the reasons for the break have changed. Returning is not an obligation. Limit tools are described on the responsible gambling page and contacts on the support page.
Why this matters for live tables and in-play betting
Live tables and in-play bets are fast and emotional. Many players notice a problem right after an evening at a table or a match where bets followed one another. A break is not a sign of weakness; it is a control tool, just like a deposit limit.