Cool Off in Gaming: What Is It & How to Request It?

1. Silentbet
2. Responsible Gaming
3. Cool-Off

Author Katerina Gadzheva

Approved by Atanas Tanev

Updated:

31 January 2024

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Cool Off is a feature used by gamblers to interrupt long sessions. Drawing from our experience, it is one of the most popular options for responsible gambling, so it’s available in many online casinos. Let’s see everything you should know regarding it.

Katerina Gadzheva, Betting Expert & Writer for Silentbet

Cool Off is one of the first features I’ve seen people using when they have problems. It may not seem as effective as others, but I believe it is a step in the right direction.

Check If a Casino Has Mandatory Play Breaks

Those who check our guide to Responsible Gaming will see that most casinos will offer a cool-off feature once you log in. However, there are exceptions to the rule because you may only access the feature after talking to the support team. Those of you who want to save time can check SIlentbet’s free checker to see where it’s available.

What is Cooling Off in Gambling?

Cool Offs are features that allow users to get play breaks so that they can “take a reflective time out” (Source). In other words, the feature lets users take a break from gambling. Many underestimate it, but players often get carried away and forget they spend countless hours playing.

How Do I Set Up Cool Down?

You can set up Cool Off or Time Out period gambling tool by doing this:

What are the Usual Time-Out Durations?

The usual time out durations for the cool off measures depend on the casino. We’ve read from our customers that it ranges between the following:

• 30 min
• 1 hour
• Any time for a period of 1 day
• Up to 6 Weeks

We’ve seen some casinos that offer an even larger time out period, but they are rare.

Katerina Gadzheva, Betting Expert & Writer for Silentbet

I tried using the time outs once, and I decided to use a 3-hour limit. That’s said, the operator I was using at the time allowed me to add a much higher limit.

Can I Reverse Cool Offs?

It really depends on the online casino. Some sites have a mandatory play break policy, meaning you may be unable to reverse the option. On the other hand, there are a lot of operators that give their clients more freedom.

If you can disable the cool of tool gambling, you will most likely have to talk to the support team. Considering the specifics of this feature, you probably can’t reverse it on your own.

Play Breaks Not Enough? Here Are Some Alternatives

The cooling off measures can help players a lot, but we are aware of cases where it is just not enough. If you’ve been using the option and it does not help, here are a few alternatives to consider.

Session Limiting

Albeit similar to the standard time outs, the session limiting tools make it harder for gamblers to access their account.

• Session Limits

Reality Check Pop-Ups

This will inform you when you’ve spent more time playing than the pre-determined amount. It is a pop-up you may or may not heed.

• Reality Checks

Delete Gambling Account

After deleting your account, you will be unable to use the gambling site anymore.

• Close All Accounts

The Bottom Line: Silentbet’s Take

We at Silentbet believe that having a mandatory break is a plus. The fact that there is a tool that can prevent access to a given casino helps people control their gambling behavior.

According to our expertise, the cool off tool has a positive effect on gamblers even in betting shops and not just online, so we suggest using it when possible. (Source) The fact that the tool is even available in betting shops backs up our words.

Katerina Gadzheva, Betting Expert & Writer for Silentbet

I know a lot of you think that Cool Off is not as useful as other features, but I assure you this isn’t the case. Knowing you have a limit when playing helps you stay in control.

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