Problem Gamblers Can Exclude Themselves from Casinos

A visit to a casino is harmless fun or a way to test their luck for most people. But for some, it's an addiction impacting their life. Various governments and casinos have implemented problem gambling exclusion to address this problem.

Betting requires healthy limits and responsible wagering. The majority understand casinos are a place of entertainment, immersive shows, and fine restaurants.

Yet, a small portion engage in compulsive gambling, struggling to stop. It becomes an addiction for these people, as betting stimulates the brain's reward system, like drugs and alcohol.

The results can often be devastating, affecting the gambler and the people around them. As a result, many countries, including the U.S., introduced problem gambling exclusion.

What is casino self-exclusion?

Casino self-exclusion refers to the policy governments and casinos enact to allow persons to exclude themselves from legalized gambling activities at their request. These programs are a way to help problem gamblers and prohibit them from recovering losses, collecting winnings, or accepting complimentary services or gifts from casino operators or licensees.

Since this is a voluntary problem gambling exclusion, gamblers must be aware of their addiction and willing to request that the state or casino add their name to the list. They're also responsible for not breaching self-exclusion by using online services or casinos outside their jurisdiction.

How can problem gamblers sign up for a self-exclusion list?

Depending on their state, problem gamblers can add their name to the self-exclusion in two ways:

· Finding their national Self-Exclusion Program online and signing up.

· Going to their state's Division of Gaming Enforcement's Self-Exclusion Program offices.

Both options require the person to complete the form voluntarily and choose the exclusion period (typically between one and five years). After applying, they might have to schedule a physical or video conference appointment to finalize the process.

How does problem gambling exclusion work?

Once the state approves the problem gambler's casino self-exclusion application, they add their name to the list and send all participating casinos within the coverage area. But it's crucial to note that each state has a different program scheme, and not all have self-exclusion policies.

For instance, some ban problem gamblers from physical casinos, others from online betting, and some offer both options. Regardless of the scheme, a casino, sports wagering facility, or online betting website won't accept the wagers of the person whose name is on the self-exclusion list.

If caught gambling, self-excluded problem gamblers will have to forfeit any winnings, tokens, or chips in their possession. The same applies to funds and electronic credits on their online gaming account.

Moreover, self-excluded problem gamblers are subject to being arrested and charged with trespassing if they attempt to enter a casino.

What states offer a self-exclusion program?

The following is an overview of the self-exclusion program scheme in the U.S.:

Alabama

Alabama doesn't provide a self-exclusion program at the moment. However, most forms of commercialized gambling are illegal in this state, including online casinos.

Alaska

Like Alabama, this state currently offers no self-exclusion program. But Alaska also prohibits gambling and online casinos.

Arizona

Problem gamblers can request to be banned from all Indian Gaming Facilities in Arizona on their website.

Arkansas

This state has no statutorily mandated self-exclusion programs, but Southland Casino allows problem gamblers to exclude themselves from their casino for two years.

California

Problem gamblers can sign up for a self-exclusion list on the State of California Department of Justice website.

Colorado

The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado allows problem gamblers to apply for a voluntary casino self-exclusion program.

Connecticut

People can apply for the problem gambling exclusion on the government's website or the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino sites.

Delaware

The casino self-exclusion program is available through Delaware Lottery Games.

Florida

No problem gambling exclusion programs are available in this state.

Georgia

Problem gamblers can join the self-exclusion program through the Georgia Lottery by calling the Player Information Hotline at 1-800-GA-LUCKY (1-800-425-8259).

Hawaii

This state currently has no casino self-exclusion policies.

Idaho

Idaho gambling laws permit limited casinos and have no official self-exclusion program.

Illinois

The Illinois Gaming Board runs a problem gambling exclusion program. More information on how to apply is available on their website.

Indiana

The Indiana Gaming Commission is responsible for the self-exclusion program in this state, and problem gamblers can find more information on their site.

Iowa

People can apply for the self-exclusion program through the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Kansas

Problem gamblers can find more information on how to apply for self-exclusion on The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) website.

Kentucky

This state currently offers no official casino self-exclusion programs.

Lousiana

Louisiana Gaming Control Board provides instructions on how to enroll in a self-exclusion program.

Maine

People can apply for casino self-exclusion through the Division of Disease Prevention website.

Maryland

The Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling allows residents to apply for problem gambling exclusion.

Massachusetts

Problem gamblers can apply for self-exclusion through The Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Michigan

One can exclude themselves from various gambling options through the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Minnesota

Problem gamblers can sign a voluntary self-exclusion agreement with each separate facility.

Mississippi

The Mississippi Gaming Commission offers more information on how to apply for problem gambling exclusion.

Missouri

People can ban themselves from gambling through the Missouri Gambling Commission.

Montana

Problem gamblers can apply for self-exclusion through the Montana Lottery.

Nebraska

Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission allows people to apply for casino self-exclusion.

Nevada

This state has no official self-exclusion program; each casino has a self-limit list.

New Hampshire

This state has no official casino self-exclusion.

New Jersey

Problem gamblers can find information on how to apply for self-exclusion on the Division of Gaming Enforcement website.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Gaming Control Board offers instructions on how to join the gambling self-exclusion program.

New York

People can ban themselves from all forms of gambling through the New York State Gaming Commission.

North Carolina

Although no state-level self-exclusion policies exist, the Catawba Two Kings Casino provides a problem gambling exclusion program.

North Dakota

This state has no official self-exclusion program.

Ohio

People can sign up for self-exclusion through a program named Time Out Ohio.

Oklahoma

Smart Play OK allows people to apply for problem gambling exclusion.

Oregon

This state currently provides no official casino self-exclusion.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board enables problem gamblers to join the self-exclusion program.

Rhode Island

Problem gamblers must contact Problem Gambling Services of RI for more information on casino self-exclusion.

South Carolina

This state has no official self-exclusion program at the moment.

South Dakota

It's necessary to contact the SD Commission on Gaming for more information on joining the self-exclusion program.

Tennessee

This state allows bettors to opt out of online sports wagering on the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council website.

Texas

This state currently has no official voluntary casino self-exclusion.

Utah

Utah doesn't have a problem gambling exclusion program.

Vermont

Professional gambling is illegal in this state (although online sports betting is legal as of June 2023), and there are no official self-exclusion programs.

Virginia

People can apply for a self-exclusion program through The Virginia Lottery.

Washington

Washington State Gambling Commission allows problem gamblers to join casino self-exclusion.

Washington D.C.

The DC Lottery enables applying for a self-exclusion program.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery requires filling out the enrollment form, attaching a photo of the ID, and emailing the application.

Wisconsin

This state has no official self-exclusion program.

Wyoming

Problem gamblers can join the casino self-exclusion through the Wyoming Gambling Commission.

How does casino self-exclusion help problem gamblers?

Problem gambling exclusion makes access to physical and online gambling more challenging, deterring people from falling into temptation. According to a recent study, self-exclusion has positive long-term effects, but it's more effective among those more heavily involved in gambling.

But ultimately, the success of this gambling reduction method depends on the commitment and will of the problem gambler.

Learn how to get help for problem gambling.