From time to time, we all need to take a bit of a break. And there’s where a time out from gambling comes in.

Maybe you’ve got something big coming up at work you want to focus on, you want to save some money, you want to spend a bit more time with your family, you’re getting a bit bored of online gambling or you just feel like some distance. Whatever the reason, a time out from gambling is always a good thing.

Unsure if it’s for you? We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about a time out from gambling so you can decide when’s the best time to try one for yourself.

What is a time out from gambling?

A time out from gambling is simply any short break you decide to take from placing wagers, playing casino games or hitting the poker tables. All good online gambling sites give you the option to put a time-out on your account.

When you put a time-out on your online gambling account, you won’t be able to bet or gamble in any way until your time-out is finished. However, you should still be able to log in and withdraw your balance at any point. It’s essential and only fair that you can access the cash in your own account if you want it for any reason at all.

Why would I set a time out?

There are lots of different reasons why it might be good to set a time-out on your online gambling accounts. The main one is to give yourself a bit of space from online gambling. It is nice to block off some time when you won’t place bets or think about it at all.

Of course it’s possible to not gamble without setting a time out from gambling, but this just removes a little of the temptation.

It can also help bring a better balance to your life too and help you plan out your time. You can decide in advance when you want to gamble and when you’re going to take a break and focus on other things.

How long is a time out from gambling?

If you’re just giving yourself a time out from gambling, of course you can choose any length of time at all. But if you’re using a time-out on an online gambling site, they can be for 24 or 48 hours, or 7 or 30 days. Some sites also give you the chance to create your own custom time-out, which is especially useful.

What is a custom time-out?

A custom time out from gambling is a specific time period that you don’t want to gamble in. You can choose it to be a once-off or recurring time out. When it starts and ends is completely up to you. For example, you can decide that you want your time-out to start at 20:00 on Sunday night and run until 18:00 on Friday. That suits people who want to keep the working week completely gamble-free, even if you like a flutter on the weekend.

Another good option is to set a custom time out in the run up to a particular event that you’re saving for. Maybe you don’t want to gamble in the month leading up to a wedding, for example. We all know how expensive they can get! Or maybe you’ll set it during a getaway, so you can properly switch off and focus on relaxing.

Can I cancel a time-out on my online account?

When you’re setting a time out from gambling on an online casino or sportsbook, you won’t be able to cancel it. If you were able to cancel it whenever, it’d take away from having a time out from gambling in the first place, wouldn’t it? The only way to get around it is to simply wait until your chosen time-out is over. Then once it is over, you can use your account as normal once again.

Should I try a time-out?

If you’re on the fence about trying a time-out, we think you should just give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose from putting a little time-out on your account. In fact, you’ve got a lot to gain, including getting time and money back that you would’ve spent on gambling. Trust us, you’ll enjoy your little breather and your account will be there when your time out is finished.

Worried you might have a gambling problem?

The time-outs we were talking about in this article aren’t designed to tackle problem gambling. If you’re worried you might have a gambling problem or you’re at risk of developing one, you need to stop gambling entirely (try a self-exclusion from online sites) and get help. If you’re based in the UK, you can visit Be Gamble Aware or ring 0808 8020 133 to get help. If you’re in the United States, you can visit the National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1800 522 4700. You can also find a comprehensive list of international problem gambling help services.