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Types of Exclusion and Temporary Suspension

Types of Exclusion and Temporary Abstinence

The regulatory framework provides players with several options to restrict or suspend their participation in gambling activities. These measures form part of the broader responsible gambling framework and are intended to help players maintain control over their gambling behaviour.


1. Indefinite Exclusion
Online Games of Chance and VLT Gaming (OPAP PLAY-VLTs)
Players may request an indefinite exclusion from games of chance conducted via the internet or through Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) gaming machines.
Upon receiving such a request, the License Holder is required to:

  •  Immediately deactivate the player’s Electronic Player Account (for online games) or Individual Player Card (for VLT gaming).
  • Set the account or card status to “Closed”.
  • Terminate the contractual relationship with the player.


An indefinite exclusion cannot be lifted automatically.
The player’s account or card may be reactivated only at the player’s request, provided that:
• At least one (1) year has elapsed since the exclusion took effect; and
• A new player agreement has been concluded and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements have been fulfilled.

Land-Based Casinos
For land-based casino gambling, an indefinite exclusion is subject to a mandatory minimum exclusion period of six (6) months from the date on which the exclusion declaration is submitted.
The exclusion cannot be lifted automatically and may only be removed following a declaration submitted by the excluded individual personally, irrespective of whether the exclusion was originally requested by:

  • The individual themselves;
  • A first-degree relative; or
  • Their spouse.

 

2. Temporary Exclusion
Online Games of Chance and VLT Gaming (OPAP PLAY-VLTs)
Players may request a temporary exclusion from online gambling activities or VLT gaming.
Key features of temporary exclusion include:
• The exclusion period is determined by the player.
• The minimum duration is one (1) month.
• The License Holder must immediately block the player’s Electronic Player Account or Individual Player Card.
• The block remains in effect for the entire exclusion period.
At the end of the selected period, the exclusion is automatically lifted.
Land-Based Casinos
Temporary exclusion is not available for land-based casino gambling.

3. Temporary Abstinence
Temporary abstinence provides players with the ability to suspend their participation in gambling activities for a short period without initiating a formal exclusion process.


3.1 Twenty-Four (24)-Hour Temporary abstinence for Online Gambling
Online gambling operators must provide players with the option to abstain from participation in games of chance for a period of twenty-four (24) hours.
When this option is selected:
• The player’s Electronic Account is immediately placed in “Blocked” status.
• Access to gambling activities is suspended for the duration of the abstinence period.
• The restriction is automatically lifted once the twenty-four-hour period expires.


3.2 Temporary Abstinence for VLT Gaming (OPAP PLAY-VLTs)
VLT operators must provide players with the option to interrupt their gaming activity through a Day Stop mechanism.
When activated:

  • The player is excluded from participating in VLT games for the remainder of the calendar day.
  • The restriction remains in force until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same day.
  • Participation is automatically restored at the start of the following day.