Cooling-off period
A short break you put on yourself ("pause" or "période de réflexion"), from 24 hours to a few weeks. You can't cancel it early.
A cooling-off period, or time-out (pause, période de réflexion), locks your account for a short set time. Usually 24 hours, a week or a month. Self-exclusion is for stopping long-term. This is just a pause.
When it helps
Use it when things feel risky: right after a big loss, when you catch yourself chasing, or when life is stressful. Say you lose your rent money on a Friday night. A 7-day lock means you can't try to win it back Saturday. And since you can't undo it early, a sudden urge goes nowhere.
How to turn it on
- Regulated sites, including Loto-Québec's online casino, have to offer it. Look in your account or responsible gambling settings.
- Crypto casinos might not have a button for it, or only do it through support. Ask in writing and get a written confirmation.
- Cash out your balance first so your money isn't stuck in there.
Taking breaks all the time?
If you keep starting time-outs, that alone is a sign gambling might be hurting you. Look at self-exclusion and call a helpline. In Quebec, there's Jeu: aide et référence.