The number of self-exclusion registrations in Pennsylvania has surged to 20,000

On June 5, 2023, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported that it had received the 20,000th voluntary request for self-exclusion from gambling at casinos and retail sports wagering venues. The Casino Self-Exclusion Program, implemented in 2006, enables individuals to request bans from gambling for durations of one year, five years, or for a lifetime.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently revealed that the number of individuals voluntarily requesting to be excluded from gambling at casinos and retail sports wagering locations has reached a significant milestone, with the 20,000th request received on June 5, 2023. This achievement highlights the effectiveness and popularity of the Casino Self-Exclusion Program, which was established in 2006.

Under the self-exclusion program, individuals who place themselves on the list are afforded certain protections. Gaming establishments throughout Pennsylvania are obligated to refuse wagers, deny check cashing, club membership, complimentary goods and services, as well as junket participation to those on the list. Moreover, anyone on the self-exclusion list who enters a Pennsylvania casino can face criminal trespass charges, and any gambling winnings they acquire can be confiscated.

Out of the 20,000 individuals currently enrolled in the self-exclusion program, a significant proportion, 4,335 individuals (21%), have chosen the lifetime ban option. It is interesting to note that there is a diverse demographic representation among participants, with 12,811 men and 7,189 women enrolling in the program. The age range of participants spans from 21 to 102 years old, demonstrating that gambling-related issues can affect people across various age groups.

Remarkably, 1,026 individuals have chosen to reenroll in the program after previously removing their names from the list. Among this group, 307 individuals opted for a lifetime ban upon re-enrollment. This indicates that some individuals recognize the need for long-term support and restrictions to maintain control over their gambling habits.

Elizabeth Lanza, the director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (OCPG), emphasized the effectiveness of self-exclusion programs in helping individuals regain control over their lives. Lanza encouraged individuals who suspect they may have a gambling problem to seek treatment and consider enrolling in the voluntary self-exclusion programs. The PGCB actively promotes these programs as valuable resources for recovery.

Lanza also highlighted that participants in the Casino Self-Exclusion Program were not solely involved in slot machine and table games gambling. Many also engaged in other forms of regulated gaming activities overseen by the PGCB, such as online casinos, sports wagering, video gaming terminals (VGTs) at truck stops, and fantasy sports. To address the specific needs of these verticals, the PGCB has established additional self-exclusion programs. As of now, there are 3,778 participants in the iGaming self-exclusion program, 1,467 participants in the VGT self-exclusion program, and 797 participants in the fantasy sports self-exclusion program.

The commitment of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to the self-exclusion programs reflects their dedication to promoting responsible gambling and assisting individuals in overcoming gambling-related issues. The significant number of enrollments in these programs serves as a testament to their efficacy in helping individuals regain control over their lives and directing them towards other recovery resources. It is crucial for individuals who believe they may have a gambling problem to seek help and consider utilizing the voluntary self-exclusion programs available to them in Pennsylvania.