The Time Out feature is very similar to self-exclusion, but the difference is that it limits access to a given gambling operator for a shorter period. Due to its shorter duration, this feature is a lot more popular among many gamblers.
How Can the Time Out Responsible Gambling Feature Be Enabled?
The steps to activate this feature may be different from operator to operator, but they usually consist of the following steps:
- Login to your account.
- Head over to the account panel and look for the Time Out feature or the responsible gambling section.
- If you find it, you must choose the specific duration and enable it.
- If done correctly, you will be logged out of your account and won’t be able to access it for the period you specified.
In rare instances, operators will require gamblers to activate this feature via live chat (the same way as self-exclusion). In fact, the support team will probably also ask you the same question.
It’s also worth knowing that some operators do not have this feature at all. They prefer to provide self-exclusion because it is essentially the same but lasts longer.
What is the Time Out Duration?
The Time Out duration will vary but usually includes the following options:
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 7 days
- 30 days
Like the self-exclusion feature, you can use Time Out to prevent yourself from accessing a specific section or the whole gambling site. What’s different about this responsible gambling feature is that most companies will allow you to disable it, but you may have to wait a few days before this happens. Of course, you can always activate it again whenever you want to.
Regardless of your decision, the gambling operator will usually require you to state a reason why you are doing it.
Time Out Alternatives
As mentioned multiple times throughout this analysis, self-exclusion is the closest thing to this feature because it has the same effect. The only real difference is the duration because Time Out is used for shorter periods of time.
Besides that, it is possible to find similar features offered by some of the leading gambling commissions. For example, authorities in some countries will offer people the option to register with them. Once ready, these people will no longer have access to any operators with a license from the given regulator.
Besides these features, many of the big gambling operators will offer the following:
- Betting Limits
- Self-Assessment Test
- Account Closure
- Session Limits
- Deposit limits
- Disabling certain features
When Should You Activate the Time Out Feature?
You should activate the Time Out feature when you need to distance yourself from gambling. It depends on the situation, but many people use it when they feel like they spend too much time gambling every day. Others will apply it when they believe that they are spending too much money and want to stop doing it.
After enabling the feature, you will only have access to your account once the time-out is over.
