Self-Exclusion in Ireland: What Happens to Your Bonus Money
KingCasinoBonus.ie receives money from casino operators every time someone clicks on our links, influencing product placement. However, the compensation we receive does not influence our evaluation process, analysis and recommendations. We always provide objective, honest verdicts to support informed choices.
Self-exclusion is the easiest way to limit your access to gambling. However, at this time, you must contact each casino directly to request exclusion. We’ve learned that Ireland is developing a National Gambling Exclusion Register, but it is not yet available. Read this guide to find out how self-exclusion works right now!
On this page
How Self-Exclusion Works in Ireland Today
If you no longer want to play at a particular casino, you can ask that casino to self-exclude you. Basically, you submit a request directly to the operator, and they are required to honor it.
Don’t worry it’s all very simple. Contact the casino or fill out the self-exclusion request form directly, choose the duration and confirm. From that moment on, the casino is required to block your account and stop sending you marketing emails or other offers.
However, keep in mind that self exclusion Ireland gambling applies only to the operator from whom you requested it not to other casinos in Ireland. You can still open accounts or play at other operators. If you want to prevent yourself from doing that, you must self-exclude separately from each operator, one by one.
This is why work is currently underway to establish a national registry for gambling self-exclusion, but we’ll discuss this in more detail a little later, in the sections below.
What Happens to Bonus Balances and Winnings
You’re probably wondering what happens to the money left in your account if you self-exclude from the casino. The rules are the same regardless of the operator.
If you have a bonus balance for which you haven’t met the wagering requirement, you’ll lose that money when you self-exclude. Real money, on the other hand, is treated differently. You can withdraw the amounts you’ve deposited or the money you’ve won even after self exclusion Ireland gambling. The operator will either process a final withdrawal or hold onto your money until you request it. Keep in mind, however, that the rules aren’t the same everywhere, so it’s best to check directly with the casino where you have an account.
If you have a portion of bonus money and another portion of your real money, you’ll only be able to withdraw the real money the funds you deposited or won from a game. Bonus money is permanently forfeited when you close your account! That’s why we believe it’s important to understand how we evaluate casino accounts and player protection tools before choosing a casino. The best thing you can do is check the terms and conditions before signing up!
The National Gambling Exclusion Register (Coming, Not Yet Live)
At this time, there is no unified national self-exclusion registry in Ireland. However, a National Gambling Exclusion Registry is under discussion, though it has not yet been launched.
The registry is part of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the law under which GRAI was established. In the GRAI’s strategy for 2025–2027, the registry is presented as a consumer protection measure that the authority plans to implement. When? We don’t know! No launch date has been announced.
According to the GRAI’s plan, the registry is supposed to work as follows. You register just once, and you no longer have to submit requests to each casino individually. At that time, you must also choose your self exclusion Ireland gambling period. Once you confirm, it applies simultaneously to all casinos.
However, keep in mind that this is just the plan. This registry does not yet officially exist. If you self-exclude today, you must do so separately at each casino.
Why a Single Register Will Be a Real Improvement
Right now, you have to self-exclude from each casino individually. And that’s a real problem! You can close your account at one casino tonight and open an account with another operator tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, that’s the reality.
Once there’s a single self-exclusion registry, things will change for the better! You won’t have this problem anymore the one I mentioned above.
What to Do Right Now
If you’re thinking about self-excluding or want to help a friend, here’s how the process works in practice.
- Contact the casino
Look for the self-exclusion option directly in your account, or contact the casino’s support team and tell them you want to self-exclude.
- Ask what happens to your balance
Before confirming your self-exclusion, ask the operator what happens to your winnings and the money in your account. We recommend that you request a written response.
- Choose the period carefully
Many operators offer a minimum period of six months. If you’re unsure you can start with this period. However if you never want to gamble again, it’s best to select permanent self-exclusion.
- Repeat the process for any other casinos you use
As mentioned above, you must self-exclude separately from each casino. If you play on multiple sites, submit a request to each operator.
If right now, as you’re reading this article, you feel that gambling is affecting you or you know someone who is going through such a problem, the simplest and quickest step you can take is self-exclusion. You don’t have to wait for the national registry to launch you can self-exclude yourself from each casino one by one.
Where to Get Support
Self-exclusion is a good, useful tool, but it works best when you also have real support. The good news is that there are many free services available in Ireland. It doesn’t matter which casino you’ve self-excluded from.
We recommend that you call the helpline at 1 800 936 725. It’s free and available 24 hours a day.
There’s another option, the External Problem Gambling Service, a completely free counseling service for both the person directly affected and their family members.
If you prefer support groups, there’s Gamblers Anonymous Ireland, another excellent option.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be self-excluded to use these services. They’re available even if you just want, for example, to talk to someone. We take this issue seriously; you can learn more about it in our section on player safety.
The Bottom Line
Self-exclusion in Ireland is still in effect, but there is no national self-exclusion registry. You must self-exclude from each casino individually; otherwise, you risk closing your account at one casino in the morning and playing at another operator that same evening.
When you self-exclude, you may lose your pending bonus balance and all winnings from the bonus if you haven’t met the wagering requirements. Don’t worry your real money remains in your account and you can withdraw it.
If you feel you need more help, there are completely free and confidential support services available in Ireland, whether you’re self-excluded or not.
How We Verified This
We independently verified the current status of the National Gambling Exclusion Registry before writing this article. In addition, we reviewed the GRAI strategy along with information published by regulatory authorities. We do not rely on sources claiming that the registry is active. We prefer to rely solely on official data.
We verified the rules regarding the forfeiture of bonuses in the event of self exclusion Ireland gambling by comparing the policies of several operators.
If you find yourself in any of the situations discussed in this guide, you can get free support right now through the National Helpline.
