# Taking a break or self-excluding: steps in the app

> How to take a time-out or self-exclude from a betting app in Ireland: the difference, the steps in the app, what each step shows, and where to get help.

Source: https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/time-out-or-self-exclude-in-a-betting-app/
Updated: 2026-11-07

A time-out is a break from your account that you choose. Self-exclusion is a longer, stricter step. To use either, open the safer gambling section of the app, pick the option and the length, confirm, then check that the account shows as restricted. Each operator sets its own lengths. Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725.

## What you need

- Your login for the betting app.
- A decision on the length: a short break or a longer exclusion.
- A trusted person you can tell, if you want one.
- The help numbers in the table below.

For the definition and the status of the national register, read [what self-exclusion means](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/self-exclusion-meaning/). For bank blocks, see [the bank block guide](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/switch-on-a-bank-gambling-block/).

**In short:** your login, a decision and one other person if you wish.

## Time-out or self-exclusion

- **Time-out:** a break from the account that you choose. Lengths and how to end it are set by each operator.
- **Self-exclusion:** a longer step. Lengths, the way back and what it covers within the operator's group are set by each operator.
- **National register:** the exclusion register in the Act (ss.44–49) is planned, not in force.

**In short:** the operator you use sets the length and the way back.

## The steps in the app

1. **Open the safer gambling section.**

  - *Do:* look in the account, profile or help area for time-out and self-exclusion. The path differs by operator: Not checked.
  - *Result:* a screen with the options and the lengths on offer.
  - *Typical error:* closing the app before the option is confirmed.

2. **Choose the option and the length.**

  - *Do:* read what the operator says the option covers. Pick one.
  - *Result:* a summary before you confirm.
  - *Typical error:* picking a short time-out when you meant a longer step.

3. **Confirm.**

  - *Do:* confirm and read any message. Take a screenshot.
  - *Result:* a confirmation on screen. Whether the operator also sends a message: Not checked.
  - *Typical error:* confirming without reading what happens to open bets.

4. **Check the account shows the restriction.**

  - *Do:* try to open the betting screens, without depositing.
  - *Result:* the account shows the restriction and the end date.
  - *Typical error:* assuming it worked because no error appeared.

5. **Plan the end.**

  - *Do:* read how the operator ends a time-out or exclusion and what you must do. Write the date.
  - *Result:* you know the way back, as published.
  - *Typical error:* assuming a restriction ends or extends itself without a step from you.

**In short:** find, choose, confirm, verify, plan the end.

## What four operators publish

**Time-out and self-exclusion, as each operator publishes it. Source: operator help pages · checked 7 November 2026**

| Operator (candidate, licence to be confirmed) | Time-out lengths | Self-exclusion lengths | How to end it |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| Paddy Power | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| BoyleSports | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| BetVictor | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |

Where an operator publishes nothing, the cell will read "The operator does not publish this". See the [Paddy Power controls page](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/paddy-power-app-limits-and-time-outs/) for the page type.

**In short:** no operator figures are on this page until they are read and dated.

## If it did not work: three cases

1. **You cannot find the option.** Search the operator's help for "self-exclusion". Write to support and ask for the exclusion in writing. Keep the reply.
2. **You excluded but can still log in.** Do not deposit. Screenshot the screen and write to support. Add a [bank block](https://beforeyouinstall.com/data/bank-gambling-blocks-and-protection-tools/).
3. **You want help beyond the app.** Call or message one of the services below. They are open at the hours listed.

**In short:** keep proof, and add support outside the app.

## Help and support

Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

**Help services on the GRAI Get Help list. Source: [GRAI Get Help](https://www.grai.ie/gambling-safety/get-support/get-help) · checked 7 November 2026**

| Service | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Awareness Trust | 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie | 24/7, free |
| Extern Problem Gambling | 089 241 5401 · problemgambling.ie | Not checked |
| Gamblers Anonymous Ireland (Dublin) | 01 872 1133 · gamblersanonymous.ie | Not checked |
| Samaritans | 116 123 | Not checked |
| MABS | 0818 07 2000 | Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 20:00 |

BetBlocker is a blocking tool that the GRAI protection tools list names; see [bank blocks and other tools](https://beforeyouinstall.com/data/bank-gambling-blocks-and-protection-tools/).

**In short:** 18+ only; 1800 936 725 is free at all hours.

## How we checked, what changed, caveats

- **How we checked:** we took the helpline list and register status from our research notes read on 6 November 2026. We opened no accounts. More in [responsible gambling](https://beforeyouinstall.com/responsible-gambling/).
- **What changed:** 7 November 2026, first version.
- **Caveats:** the operator rows and the in-app paths are Not checked.

**In short:** help numbers are dated; operator facts are still to be read.

## Related questions

**Is a time-out the same as self-exclusion?** No. A time-out is a break from your account. Self-exclusion is a longer, stricter step. Each operator sets its own lengths and how to end them.

**Does self-excluding in one app cover every betting app?** Not on public information. The national exclusion register in the Act is planned, not in force. Self-exclude with each operator and add a bank block.

**Can you cancel a time-out early?** That depends on the operator's own rules. We show them only as published: Not checked.

**In short:** each operator sets its own rules, and each exclusion is separate.

## FAQ

**Is a time-out the same as self-exclusion?**

No. A time-out is a break from your account. Self-exclusion is a longer, stricter step. Each operator sets its own lengths and how to end them.

**Does self-excluding in one app cover every betting app?**

Not on public information. The national exclusion register in the Act is planned, not in force. Self-exclude with each operator and add a bank block.

**Can you cancel a time-out early?**

That depends on the operator's own rules. We show them only as published: Not checked.