# Deposit limits and time-outs: how to set them with an Irish betting site

> How to set a deposit limit or a time-out with a betting site in Ireland: six steps, what the options mean and where to get free help.

Source: https://bookieledger.com/licence/set-deposit-limits-and-take-a-break/
Updated: 2026-11-07

A limit is a cap that you set on your own gambling; a time-out is a pause you ask for on your account. Section 164 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 requires a licensee to let you set a money limit. The steps below have six stages. Screens differ by operator, and we did not test any.

## What is a limit, and what is a time-out?

A limit is a cap that you set on your own gambling. Section 164 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 requires a licensee to let you set a money limit on your participation.

A time-out is a pause on your account for a period you choose. Options differ by operator, so read the account terms. See [GRAI Protection Tools](https://www.grai.ie/gambling-safety/get-support/protection-tools) for the tools GRAI describes.

**Bottom line:** a limit caps your gambling, and a time-out pauses it for a set time.

## What are the steps?

The steps are a generic sequence. We did not open an account to test any operator, and menu names differ.

**Setting a limit or a time-out, six steps · Source · Checked 7 November 2026**

| Step | Action | Result | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decide the amount and the period before you open the tool. | A figure you can afford to lose. | Choosing a figure after a loss. |
| 2 | Open the account area and look for the responsible gambling or safer gambling section. | You find the limit and break options. | Searching only the help centre. |
| 3 | Choose the limit type and the period the operator offers. | The period you want is selected. | Assuming daily, weekly and monthly are all offered. |
| 4 | Enter the amount and confirm. | A message or e-mail confirms the limit. | Closing the page before confirming. |
| 5 | Read when the limit starts and when a change applies. | You know the effect date from the operator's terms. | Assuming a change is instant. |
| 6 | For a break, choose the length and confirm. | The account shows the time-out dates. | Confusing a time-out with self-exclusion. |

**Bottom line:** set the limit before you bet, and read the effect date.

## Where do three candidate operators put the tools?

We did not record the location of tools on any operator's site on 7 November 2026. The table is a layout to be filled once each licence is confirmed.

**Limit and time-out tools as published · Source · Checked 7 November 2026**

| Operator (candidate, licence to be confirmed) | Tool names, periods offered and effect of changes | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Could not be verified on 7 November 2026 | Operator rules page, URL to be recorded | 7 November 2026 |
| Paddy Power | Could not be verified on 7 November 2026 | Operator rules page, URL to be recorded | 7 November 2026 |
| BOYLE Sports | Could not be verified on 7 November 2026 | Operator rules page, URL to be recorded | 7 November 2026 |

The [safer gambling controls data table](https://bookieledger.com/data/safer-gambling-controls/) will hold dated entries.

**Bottom line:** each operator names and places its tools differently, and we have not yet recorded them.

## What if a limit is not enough?

A limit does not stop you betting within it. If gambling is causing harm, ask for help. Free 24/7 support: Gambling Awareness Trust helpline 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie.

Other services listed by GRAI include Extern Problem Gambling on 089 241 5401 and Samaritans on 116 123. Check numbers and hours on [GRAI Get Help](https://www.grai.ie/gambling-safety/get-support/get-help).

**Bottom line:** limits help, and free support is available at any hour.

## How do exclusion options differ?

Self-exclusion is a longer step than a time-out. The national register of self-exclusion is not in force, so options sit with each operator, banks and blocking tools. See [self-exclusion in Ireland](https://bookieledger.com/licence/block-or-exclude-yourself-from-betting/).

**Bottom line:** a time-out is short, and exclusion is covered on its own page.

## Sources

- [Irish Statute Book](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/35/enacted/en/html), section 164.
- [GRAI Protection Tools](https://www.grai.ie/gambling-safety/get-support/protection-tools) and [GRAI Get Help](https://www.grai.ie/gambling-safety/get-support/get-help), read 7 November 2026.
- Operator account pages: not recorded yet.

**Bottom line:** the statute and GRAI pages are the primary sources here.

## Where to go next

- Read the [responsible gambling page](https://bookieledger.com/responsible-gambling/).
- Check [before you deposit](https://bookieledger.com/licence/checklist-before-you-deposit/).
- Compare controls in the [safer-gambling ranking](https://bookieledger.com/compare/best-for-safer-gambling-controls/).

**Bottom line:** each link stays inside this site.

## What changed?

No changes recorded since first publication on 7 November 2026.

**Bottom line:** this is the first version of the page.