What self-exclusion means
Self-exclusion is a deliberate request to stop or restrict your own access to gambling. It is different from simply closing a browser tab or taking a short break. A useful self-exclusion request should be clear about the account, the requested restriction, and the period for which you want it to apply.
This guidance is practical rather than legal advice. It does not confirm that every operator offers the same controls, and it does not establish an Ethiopian national self-exclusion register. If you need immediate help because you may hurt yourself or someone else, contact local emergency services or a trusted person now. Gambling Therapy offers multilingual online support, but it is not an Ethiopian emergency service.
Start with a direct account request
If you have an account, use the operator’s support channel and write that you want self-exclusion, not a promotional pause. Ask the operator to restrict access, stop marketing messages, and explain how any remaining balance can be handled. Keep a copy of your request and the reply.
Do not rely on a promise that you will simply avoid logging in. Ask for the restriction to be applied to every account you hold with the same operator, where the operator can identify those accounts. If you have used different email addresses, telephone numbers or payment details, mention that privately to support. Do not publish sensitive information in a public complaint or review.
Remove easy routes back in
Self-exclusion works best when combined with practical barriers. Sign out of gambling accounts, remove gambling applications, delete saved passwords, and ask your bank or payment provider whether gambling-related controls are available. The exact controls depend on the provider, so check what is actually offered before relying on them.
Ask a trusted person to help you review access to devices, money and promotional messages. You can also move spare funds away from an account used for gambling and set a written spending limit for ordinary expenses. These steps do not replace operator action, but they can make an impulsive return less immediate.
A simple action plan
| When | Action | Keep a record of |
|---|---|---|
| Today | Send a clear self-exclusion request to each relevant operator | Date, account identifier and request text |
| Today | Stop promotional contact and remove saved logins | Confirmation messages and changed settings |
| Within 24 hours | Tell a trusted person and review payment access | What support was agreed |
| This week | Contact a support service or peer-support group | The service contacted and any next step |
| If access continues | Make a factual written complaint | Dates, replies and unresolved points |
Use the responsible gambling guide for additional ways to reduce access and spending. If the issue concerns an operator response, the complaints guide explains how to organise a factual record.
What to include in your request
A short message is usually easier to process than a long explanation. State your name or account identifier as the operator records it, the account email or telephone number, and the restriction you want. Ask for a written confirmation and for marketing contact to stop. If you want the restriction to be permanent, say so; if you want a defined period, give the start date and duration.
Do not send passwords, one-time codes, payment-card numbers or identity documents unless the operator’s verified support process specifically requires them. Check that you are using a genuine support channel before sharing account information. Save screenshots or email copies privately, with the date visible where possible.
If the operator does not respond
Allow a reasonable opportunity for support to process the request, while avoiding further deposits or play during that time. If the operator ignores the request, keeps sending promotions, or allows access contrary to its written confirmation, gather the evidence in date order. Include the account identifier, your request, the response, later marketing messages and relevant transaction records.
Use the contact route for site-related questions, but do not treat an independent review site as the operator or regulator. A complaint should describe what happened without claiming misconduct that the records do not establish. You can also review the legal checks guide for the distinction between licensing information and a personal account dispute.
Ethiopia licensing information and uncertainty
The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) states on its official website that it issues licences and regulates private lottery activity under its establishing framework. Separately, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation reported an ELS announcement that all sports-betting organisation licences were revoked effective 15 December 2025.
Those records are important context, but they do not tell us whether a particular account is currently accessible, whether a specific operator will honour a self-exclusion request, or whether a national self-exclusion system exists. Do not treat an operator’s badge, claim or marketing message as proof of current authorisation. For the latest official position, consult the ELS record and check the date and precise activity covered.
Support beyond an operator
Gambling Therapy offers multilingual online support for people affected by gambling harm. Its service is not an Ethiopian emergency service, so use local emergency channels for an immediate crisis. You can also use the Gamblers Anonymous website to find peer-support meeting information; availability in Ethiopia must be checked by you because meeting locations and formats may change.
Support can be useful even if you have not lost money recently. You may ask for help with urges, secrecy, debt-related stress, relationship difficulties or maintaining a decision to stop. If speaking feels difficult, begin with a short message explaining that gambling is affecting you and that you want help reducing access.
Protect your privacy and finances
Use only verified support channels. Keep account correspondence, payment records and identity documents separate from public posts. If someone asks for a password, one-time code or an unexpected fee to process self-exclusion, pause and verify the request through an established channel.
Self-exclusion is a protective choice, not a promise about future behaviour. If you return to gambling after making a request, do not treat that as failure. Repeat the restriction request, tell your support person, and seek additional help. For immediate danger, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest appropriate emergency facility.
gamblingtherapy.org · gamblersanonymous.org · els.gov.et · ebc.et
Frequently asked questions
Is there an Ethiopian national self-exclusion register?
No supplied record establishes a national self-exclusion register. Ask each relevant operator directly for its available restriction process, and do not assume that one request covers unrelated operators.
What should I ask an operator to do?
Ask for self-exclusion or account restriction, stopping promotional contact, and written confirmation. Identify the account clearly, but do not send passwords or one-time codes.
Can a review site close my gambling account?
No. An independent review site cannot apply an operator’s account restriction. Send the request through the operator’s verified support channel and keep the correspondence.
Where can I find online support?
Gambling Therapy offers multilingual online support. Gamblers Anonymous provides peer-support meeting information. Check availability and suitability directly, and remember that Gambling Therapy is not an Ethiopian emergency service.
What if I feel unsafe right now?
Contact local emergency services or a trusted person immediately, and go to the nearest appropriate emergency facility if necessary. Online gambling-support services should not be treated as emergency response.
For more practical guidance, use the urgent help information and keep a written record of the steps you take.