Time-Out
A short, temporary break from an account — typically from 24 hours up to a few weeks — that a player can activate instantly.
Definition
A time-out lets a player lock themselves out of an account for a short, chosen period, commonly ranging from one day to around six weeks. During the time-out the player cannot log in, deposit, or gamble, and any marketing is usually paused. It differs from self-exclusion, which is a longer and more formal commitment (often six months or more), and from a cooling-off period, which some sites apply automatically. The value of a time-out is that it introduces friction and distance at moments when a player wants to step back — after a heavy session, a stressful loss, or simply to reset habits — without the bigger decision of long-term exclusion. It is a lightweight, low-stakes tool, and using one is a healthy, ordinary act of self-management rather than a sign of failure.
Worked example
After a frustrating evening, a player activates a 72-hour time-out so they cannot log back in impulsively, giving the urge time to pass before they decide anything further.
Why it matters
Learners learn there are graded options between doing nothing and permanent exclusion. Professionals should present time-outs as easy, stigma-free, and always available, since friction at the right moment can interrupt harmful sessions.