How to self-exclude from all gambling sites in the US
People search for one button that bans them from every gambling site in the country. In the US there isn't one. Each state runs its own list, fantasy apps and prediction markets have their own, and offshore sites answer to nobody. You can still get close to full coverage by stacking the lists in the right order, and this page shows that order.
The short version
- 1. Your state's list, at lifetime if it's offered. This covers licensed sportsbooks and casinos where you live.
- 2. NVSEP if you want help filing. It's free and submits state forms for you in the states it works with.
- 3. Fantasy apps through the idPair national program, then inside PrizePicks and Underdog.
- 4. Prediction markets one app at a time, plus SelfExclude.io.
- 5. Offshore and sweepstakes sites with a blocker and a bank block, since no list reaches them.
- Pick lifetime wherever it's offered. Where it isn't, pick the longest term and put the renewal date in your calendar.
Why there's no single national list
Gambling is licensed state by state, so each state keeps its own exclusion list for the operators it licenses. A big operator may extend your ban to its properties in other states, but that's its own policy. Illinois, for example, says Caesars, Boyd, Penn and MGM properties nationwide honor its list. Ohio says operators may extend its bans outside the state. Don't count on that. If you live near a state line or travel, enroll in each state where you could realistically bet.
Step 1: Your state program
Find your program
Every state page here lists who runs it, how to enroll and how long it lasts. Pick your state.
Choose lifetime
I chose lifetime self-exclusion. Many states offer it, including New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey (by appointment), Virginia and Maryland. Where it isn't offered, take the longest term.
Sign up for every track
Some states split their lists. Pennsylvania has separate casino, online, VGT and fantasy lists. Arizona has two. Michigan has one for Detroit casinos and one for online betting. Enroll in all of them.
Step 2: NVSEP, if filing is the hard part
The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP) puts state forms online for the states it works with. You fill them in once, upload a photo ID, and NVSEP submits them to each state regulator. It's free, including a free online notary if your state needs one. NVSEP says most exclusions take effect within 24 to 72 hours after submission.
It only reaches the states and programs it partners with, so check its list of state programs before you rely on it.
Source: NVSEP: How it works
Step 3: Fantasy and pick'em apps
Daily fantasy and pick'em apps like PrizePicks and Underdog have a national self-exclusion program run by idPair, and their own in-app exclusions. Our fantasy app guide has the steps.
Step 4: Prediction markets
Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood and similar apps are regulated federally, so your state list doesn't reach them. Exclude in each app and add SelfExclude.io. Our prediction market guide goes app by app.
Step 5: The sites no list reaches
- Offshore sportsbooks and casinos don't check any US list. Block them with BetBlocker or Gamban.
- Sweepstakes casinos sit outside state licensing in most states. Read how to block online slots and sweepstakes casinos.
- Turn on gambling blocks at your bank and card. See our bank blocking guide.
Step 6: Hand over what you can
When I quit, I handed my accounts to people I trusted. That's the part no list can do for you. Let someone you trust hold your blocker password, see your bank statements, and know your exclusion dates.
Every list on this page has gaps. I'm the last line of defense, and you are for yours. The lists buy time. Spend it on meetings, honest conversations and a plan for the nights you want to bet.
Common questions
Is there one self-exclusion list for the whole US?
No. Each state runs its own. NVSEP can file several states' forms for you, and fantasy apps share the idPair national list, but nothing covers every type of gambling in every state.
Does my state list block offshore sites?
No. Offshore operators don't check US lists. Use a blocker and a bank gambling block for those.
Does self-exclusion cover the lottery?
It depends on the state. Arizona's lists don't cover the lottery. Virginia and Massachusetts don't block retail lottery tickets. Maryland lets you exclude from its lottery separately. Check your state page.
How long should I pick?
Pick lifetime wherever it's offered. Where it isn't, pick the longest term and put the renewal date in your calendar.