What is Cooling-Off Period?
A temporary break from gambling, typically ranging from 24 hours to several weeks, during which a player's account is suspended. Less permanent than self-exclusion, a cooling-off period allows players to pause and reflect without permanently closing their account.
Related Terms
Deposit Limit
A player-set cap on how much money can be deposited into a casino account over a daily, weekly, or monthly period. Required by the UKGC — all licensed operators must offer deposit limits. Reductions take effect immediately; increases require a 24-hour waiting period.
GamStop
The UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GamStop (free, at gamstop.co.uk) simultaneously excludes you from all UKGC-licensed online gambling websites and apps for your chosen period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).
Self-Exclusion
A formal request to a gambling operator (or GamStop for all UK online casinos) to block access to your account for a minimum period of 6 months. Self-exclusion cannot be reversed during the chosen period, and the operator must cease all marketing to you.