Pause first when you are unsure
If the concern is short term, a cooling-off period is normally the better starting point. From a few days up to a month, the account is fully blocked from logins and gameplay but the balance is preserved and any verified withdrawal can still be processed. This is the right tool when life is simply busy or when you want to step back from a hot streak before making bigger decisions.
Trigger the cooling-off from the account settings under responsible gambling, or ask live chat. The pause starts immediately and the end date is shown clearly so there is no ambiguity.
Self-exclusion as a stronger step
Self-exclusion blocks the account for six months, twelve months, two years or permanently. The block cannot be lifted before the end date. This is the right tool when gambling has stopped being fun, when it is affecting other parts of your life or when somebody close to you has raised a real concern.
Trigger self-exclusion the same way as a cooling-off, then close any open browser tabs and remove the casino bookmark to reduce future temptation. Many British players also register with GAMSTOP, which extends the exclusion across every UKGC-licensed operator at the same time.
Permanent account closure
Permanent closure is a clean break. The account is closed, the balance is paid out to the last verified withdrawal method, and your personal data is retained only for the period required by anti-money-laundering law. After that retention window expires the data is deleted.
Permanent closure is the right tool when you are confident the decision is final. If there is any doubt, choose self-exclusion instead because it remains reversible at the end of the chosen window.
What happens to your balance
Any cash balance is paid out to the most recent verified withdrawal method. Bonus balances and free spins that have not yet been wagered are forfeited because the bonus is tied to an active account. If a bonus has been partly wagered and you choose to close the account, the cash portion that has already been earned is retained and the outstanding bonus portion is forfeited.
Loyalty points and tier status are usually retained for a cooling-off, but reset on permanent closure. If you are mid-way through a tournament, talk to support before closing because in some cases the tournament prize is still paid even if the account closes immediately afterwards.
Verification and timing
If your account is not yet fully verified, complete the identity check before closing. This makes any final withdrawal smooth and fast. Submit a clear photo of your passport or driving licence plus a recent utility bill or bank statement issued in the last three months. Verification normally finishes within 24 hours.
Closure itself is processed within one working day. Live chat can confirm the exact status and any final step required.
Closing accounts across multiple casinos
If you have accounts at several casinos, close them all together rather than one at a time. Registering with GAMSTOP at gamstop.co.uk extends the exclusion across every UKGC-licensed operator at once and is the strongest single step a British player can take if gambling has become a longer-term concern.
Blocking gambling transactions at the bank is the other practical move. Every major UK bank, including Monzo, Starling, Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC and NatWest, offers a self-service gambling block in the app that prevents new card deposits to any gambling merchant.
Getting support during the process
If closing the account feels emotionally hard, that is normal and a sign the decision is the right one. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 from GamCare on 0808 8020 133. Counsellors can talk through the practical steps and connect you with longer-term services where useful.
GambleAware funds a national network of treatment services that you can access without a GP referral. There is no judgement and no cost.
Reopening an account later
A cooling-off ends automatically on the chosen end date and the account becomes active again. Self-exclusion can only be lifted at the end of the chosen window and may require a short conversation with the responsible gambling team to confirm the decision still stands.
Permanent closure is final. Opening a new account is only possible if the previous closure was for personal reasons rather than as a sanction. Slot Bunny keeps every part of the process transparent and supports whichever choice serves you best.
Ready to join Slot Bunny?
Open an account in under a minute and claim the 120% No Rules welcome match.
Create my account