Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion (or voluntary exclusion) is a policy enacted by some governments and individual casinos to address problem gambling.

In areas that have enacted self-exclusion policies, an individual who is aware that they suffer from a gambling problem can voluntarily request that their name be added to the self-exclusion list. If their application is accepted, the person in question becomes legally banned from all participating gambling premises within the self-exclusion coverage area. If a person who has been added to the self-exclusion list enters or attempts to enter a gambling premise that participates in the self-exclusion program, they can be arrested and charged with trespassing. In addition, any chips, tokens, credits or other winnings in their possession at the time of arrest can be confiscated or invalidated.

The participant must complete the form voluntarily. There is also self-exclusion as a responsible gambling tool for online gambling, with 85.63% of casinos offering it, for example.

Often gambling operators are required as a condition of licence to participate in a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, as well as being required to enable their customers to exclude themselves with them directly.

Self-exclusion programs are available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and other countries.

With both online sports betting and online casinos being legalized in more and more U.S. states, gambling is increasingly prevalent across the United States of America. For many, increased access to gambling can lead to problematic behaviors, and, in some cases, the development of gambling disorder.

Only about one in ten problem gamblers seeks treatment, amplifying the importance that effective treatments programs are available to those who seek help. Self-exclusion programs are a critical tool for many struggling with problematic gambling behaviors. However, it is important to acknowledge the limited information currently available on the efficacy of self exclusion to all of the varying demographics of problem gamblers. Dozens of gambling self-exclusion programs are currently across the United States, operated by both state governments and betting operators such as online sportsbooks and online casinos.