How to Quit Stake: Self-Exclude and Close Your Account

To quit Stake, use its self-exclusion form: go to Stake Safe → Self Exclusion and submit a request. Stake starts a 24-hour cool-down and emails you. When it ends, Stake emails you a link to choose how long you're excluded. Pick the longest option. According to Stake, self-exclusion can't be reversed, so withdraw any balance first.

I self-excluded from Stake when I decided to quit gambling. It was one of the first things I did. Below is exactly how to do it, and what else I did so it actually stuck. (Wondering whether Stake is even legal where you live? See is Stake legit, and is it legal in Canada.)

Why self-exclude instead of just deleting the app

Deleting an app or logging out takes ten seconds to undo. Self-exclusion locks the account on Stake's side, for a period you can't shorten once it's set. That gap between the urge and being able to place a bet is the whole point.

I'll be honest: it isn't a perfect solution. There are workarounds, and if you're determined, you'll find them. But every barrier you put up makes it harder to gamble on impulse, and for me that was a big step forward. Self-exclusion won't fix the urge. It buys you time to work on that.

How to self-exclude from Stake, step by step

1. Withdraw your balance first. Do it now, all of it, and don't place "one last bet" with it. Self-exclusion can't be reversed, so sort out your funds before you start.
2. Open the self-exclusion form. Log in and go to Stake Safe → Self Exclusion. Menu names can change; if you can't find it, search Stake's help center for "self-exclusion."
3. Submit the request. This starts a 24-hour cool-down. Stake emails you to confirm.
4. Watch for the second email. When the cool-down ends, Stake sends a link to set your exclusion period. You have 24 hours to use it, or you have to start over. Tell someone you trust it's coming so they can make sure you finish it.
5. Choose the longest period offered. I excluded myself for as long as possible everywhere I could. A short break just means a date circled on the calendar.

The 24-hour cool-down is the weak point. You'll be locked out of nothing for a full day, and the urge to gamble "one more time before it kicks in" can be strong. If you can, spend that day with someone, or install a blocker (below) before you submit the form.

Don't stop at Stake

When I quit, I self-excluded from every online and crypto casino I had access to, for as long as each one allowed. I did the same with the physical casinos near me. If you only lock one door, the urge just walks to the next one.

Block it everywhere: how to block gambling sites on your phone and computer, and how to block gambling payments at your bank.

• Every account you have. Go through your email for sign-up and promo messages to find casinos you've forgotten about, and self-exclude from each one.
• Related sites. Don't assume an exclusion on one site covers another site run by the same company. Check, and exclude separately where you can.
• Physical casinos. Provinces and states run self-exclusion programs for land-based casinos. Your local problem gambling helpline (listed below) can tell you how to sign up.

Block the workarounds

Crypto casinos are easy to find and new ones launch constantly, so self-exclusion works best with a blocker on every device you own.

• Blocking software. GamCare lists several tools, including BetBlocker, which covers Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and Fire OS, and Gamban. Install one on your phone and computer.
• Your crypto. Bank gambling blocks don't stop crypto deposits. If you hold crypto you'd be tempted to gamble with, cash it out, or ask someone you trust to hold the keys for a while.
• Your feeds. Unfollow gambling streamers and mute casino accounts. Streams and promo codes were designed to pull you back in.
• Someone you trust. Tell one person what you've done. It's hard, but it was the turning point for me.

If it still doesn't feel like enough

For the first year and a half after I quit, I still thought about gambling every day. Self-exclusion kept me out of the casinos, but it didn't quiet my head. What finally did was filling that time with something else. For me, that was chess: here's how chess helped me quit gambling.

If you've just excluded yourself, that's a real step. It's the same first step I took. You don't have to do the rest alone.

If you're struggling right now

• Thinking about suicide (US and Canada): call or text 988, any time. Outside North America, contact your local emergency number or crisis line.
• USA: the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
• Canada: find support by province or territory through the Responsible Gambling Council. In Ontario, ConnexOntario is free and available 24/7.
• Chess vs. Gambling: chessvsgambling.org is a free community that uses chess as a healthy replacement for gambling, with a Discord you can join.
• Anywhere: Gambling Therapy offers free online support in multiple languages.

Pawn of God never uses affiliate links or casino promo codes. Nobody pays us to send you anywhere. Stake's process may change; this guide follows its help center as of October 2026.