20,000 People Have Self Excluded Themselves From PA Casinos
by Alex Lloyd Gross
June 7, 2023
Did you know that you can ban yourself from all Pennsylvania casinos? If you think you gamble too much, or simply do not trust yourself, or do not want to give into temptation, you have the option of banning yourself. The 20,000 name was put on the list this week. When you do this, you have the option of removing yourself from the ban list. This, as opposed to misbehaving or getting put on the ban list by authorities. Those on the ban list will be arrested if they step foot in a casino in Pennsylvania.
In addition, the self-excluded individual is informed at the time when they agree to be placed on the list that they could be charged with criminal trespass if they enter a Pennsylvania casino and have any gambling winnings confiscated related to that casino visit.
“The Casino Self-Exclusion Program, along with the agency’s 3 other self-exclusion programs, are effective and proven tools that allow for individuals to regain control over their lives, and to learn about other recovery resources,” said Elizabeth Lanza, Director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (OCPG). “The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board encourages anyone who thinks they may have a gambling problem to seek treatment and consider taking advantage of the voluntary Self-Exclusion Programs.”
You can also choose to self exclude from i-Gaming: 3,778 individuals have done this so far. VGTs: 1,467 individuals and Fantasy Sports: 797 individuals chose to have themselves banned.
Self exclusion also means you cannot participate in any player club, or get checks cashed. no complimentary food or goods for you either.
An individual who wishes to enroll in any of the self-exclusion programs can complete the enrollment online by going to https://responsibleplay.pa.gov. Additional information and links for self-help tools, self-exclusion and gambling disorder are also available on that website. The Pennsylvania Lottery offers an iLottery Self-Exclusion Program. Visit the Lottery’s website for more information.
About the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board