Self-Exclusion from Casino Sites
Rachel Elam | May 20, 2023 | Updated on: November 27th, 2023
Every year, thousands of players in the USA seek help for their gambling addiction by using self-exclusion. While gambling, whether online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, is a casual form of entertainment for some, it can develop into a compulsive activity for others.
And when an activity involving money becomes a compulsion, danger ensues. Not only are their lives ruined but the lives of those that depend on them can also suffer the dire consequences of unchecked gambling.
If you, or someone you know, might be struggling with compulsive gambling, read on below for more information on self-exclusion and how you can get help.
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What is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is the government’s way of making sure casinos in their jurisdiction take safety measures to protect their citizens from the dangers of gambling addiction.
It is just one aspect of a program that aims to combat problem gambling. Some of these programs, depending on the state, work closely with the casinos in the state.
The best USA online casinos offer players the option to self-exclude, among other methods of combatting compulsive gambling.
Generally, it’s stipulated in the application for a license to register the casino that they need to have a self-exclusion program with effective fail-safes to prevent the problem gambler from being able to play while they’re on the self-exclusion list.
Self-exclusion is a program that bars you from entering places where legalized gambling takes place. This can include:
- Racetracks
- Brick-and-mortar casinos
- Off-track outfits
- casinos
You, as the player, sign yourself up to the self-exclusion for either a set period of time or for a lifetime, depending on how bad you think your addiction is. Only you can volunteer yourself to be on a casino ban list.
Casino Self-Exclusion Types
There are several different types of self-exclusion that USA players can use. Some are less severe than others and will have to do with how much help you need when it comes to controlling your gambling. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all casinos will have the same options on offer. The most common types of self-exclusion include:
Deposit Limits
Here, US players ask the casino site to limit their deposits to a set amount over a set period of time. It could be US$50 a week or US$200 a month. This is one of the lightest and easiest types of self-exclusion. It’s particularly useful for players who want to limit the amount of money they spend on a given day at their favorite casino website(s).
Temporary Self-Exclusion
This type of self-exclusion bans the USA player from the casino for a certain period of time. It’s a bit more severe, locking you out of the casino for however long you asked the casino to stop you from playing. The period can range from days, weeks, months, or even longer if necessary. Furthermore, you won’t be able to create a new account.
Permanent Self-Exclusion
Also known as a lifetime ban, this is a permanent solution for someone who can’t get a handle on their compulsive gambling. The most severe of the options available, the casino locks out the USA player from their gambling site permanently. Additionally, they won’t be able to create a new account with the site.
Who Needs Online Gambling Self-Exclusion?
Firstly, there is no set objective, definition, or standard to qualify for the self-exclusion program.
If you suspect that you have a gambling problem, you qualify. Unfortunately, though, most people wait until self-exclusion is a last resort when they’ve used all their savings and paychecks; maxed out credit cards, and gained more debt.
If you feel like the amount of time you spend gambling is increasing at an uncomfortable pace, volunteer yourself for self-exclusion. It shouldn’t be the last resort.
Self-Exclusion Limitations
There are some limitations to self-exclusion programs. After all, it isn’t designed to cure a gambling addiction but it’s a step among many to help problem gamblers address their addiction.
- Firstly, it requires players to volunteer themselves which means admitting that they have a problem. It’s very difficult for an addict to do so without hitting rock bottom first. Furthermore, they’ve convinced themselves that they can stop whenever they want to.
- Secondly, self-exclusion only works if the players commit to it. There’s nothing preventing them from going to another casino – casino sites don’t share their casino ban list among each other. This means that if players are serious about self-exclusion then they will have to ban themselves from multiple online gambling platforms.
Online Gambling Self-Exclusion FAQs
Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions around self-exclusion
Self-exclusion means that you have asked the casino operator to ban you from using their services for a certain period of time. This is usually between six months and five years.
A state self-exclusion list is a confidential list the Bureau has of all self-excluded gamblers in their state. These patrons aren’t allowed in all licensed gambling establishments in said state and any of the state’s casino platforms.
Yes, you can. However, each state may have its own rules and policies around self-exclusion and stopping problem gambling. As of writing, 15 out of 23 states with commercial casinos have anti-gambling addiction programs. Furthermore, many private casinos run voluntary self-exclusion programs.
This depends on the type of program your state has but it is possible. For example, the self-exclusion NJ program has the option of banning you from all internet gambling sites. So, it’s important to check if your state provides this service.
It is enforced by the gambling service provider that you asked to put on their ban list. The casino keeps your information on hand and if they spot someone that looks like you, they can either escort you off the premises or block you from playing online.
There’s no way of canceling your self-exclusion early. This is to prevent players who have relapsed from falling back into old habits.
With the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006, USA banks and other financial institutions weren’t allowed to process gambling payments originating from the USA. Banks like American Express, Bank of America, Chase, PayPal, and Wells Fargo are among US credit card issuers that aren’t allowing online gambling transactions.