Struggling with Gambling Addiction? Support is Available.
If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) or Gamblers Anonymous. For immediate support call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Self-Exclusion Process
Self-exclusion is a responsible gambling tool enabling bettors to choose to ban themselves from participating in gaming activities.
This process is designed for those who recognize they may have a problem or wish to take preventive measures.
Self-exclusion typically begins with a person deciding to stop gambling for a specific period of time, or indefinitely.
This can involve filling out a self-exclusion form, either online or in person at a licensed facility. The form usually requires personal information and specifics about the desired exclusion period.
How to Self-Exclude
To self-exclude, individuals generally follow these steps:
Decide on the duration of self-exclusion
- Choose the scope of exclusion (e.g., specific casinos, online platforms, or all gambling establishments in a jurisdiction).
- Complete a self exclusion form, providing necessary personal details.
- Submit the form to the relevant authority or directly to gambling operators.
For example, in New Jersey, individuals can self-exclude from internet gaming and sports wagering by visiting the Division of Gaming Enforcement website and completing an online form.
Alternatively, they can visit a casino or racetrack and request assistance from a gamesense advisor to complete the process in person.
Benefits and Considerations
Self-exclusion can provide several benefits for those struggling with gambling issues.
It creates a barrier to accessing gambling services, potentially reducing the risk of financial losses and other negative consequences associated with problem gambling.
However, individuals should consider that self-exclusion is a serious commitment and it is part of a strong responsible gambling plan. Once enrolled, they are typically prohibited from collecting any winnings or recovering losses if they violate the exclusion terms.
This measure aims to reinforce the seriousness of the self-exclusion agreement.
Self Exclusion List
A self-exclusion list is a database maintained by gambling regulators or operators that contains information about individuals who have chosen to self-exclude.
This list is used to enforce the self-exclusion agreement across various gambling establishments and platforms.
When a person self-excludes, their name and details are added to this list.
The self-exclusion list is a crucial tool in management and enforcement.
Managing Self Exclusion
Managing self-exclusion involves ongoing efforts from both the individual and gambling operators. For the individual, it means adhering to the terms of their agreement and seeking support if needed.
For sportsbooks, it involves regularly checking the self-exclusion list and ensuring that excluded individuals do not access their services.
Some jurisdictions offer resources to help manage self-exclusion.
For instance, Pennsylvania's Gaming Control Board provides a "Self-exclusion FAQ" section on their website.
Duration and Removal
The duration of self-exclusion can vary. Common options include:
- One year
- Five years
- Lifetime
This policy aims to ensure the effectiveness of the self-exclusion program.
After the exclusion period ends, removal from the list is not always automatic.
In many cases, individuals must take active steps to reinstate their gambling privileges, which may include demonstrating that they have addressed their gambling issues.
Violating Self Exclusion
Violating a self-exclusion agreement can have serious consequences.
If a self-excluded person is found gambling at a casino or using an online betting platform, they may face:
- Forfeiture of any winnings
- Potential legal consequences
- Extension of their exclusion period
Gambling establishments are also held accountable for allowing self-excluded individuals to gamble.
They may face fines or other penalties from regulatory bodies for such violations.
Resources and Support
Various resources and support services are available for individuals considering or undergoing self-exclusion:
- Addiction hotlines
- Local support groups
- Professional counseling services
- Online self-help tools
These responsible gambling resources can provide guidance throughout the self-exclusion process and offer support for addressing underlying gambling issues.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are many resources available to support your journey.
Help for Problem Gambling
Problem gambling, also known as compulsive or pathological gambling, is a recognized disorder that can have severe personal and financial consequences.
Signs of problem gambling may include:
- Preoccupation with gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying to family members or others about gambling habits
Self-exclusion is just one tool available to those dealing with problem gambling. However, it's often most effective when combined with other forms of support, such as counseling or participation in support groups.
Self-Exclusion FAQ
Everything You Need About Responsible Gambling
The Facts About Underage Gambling: Risks and Regulations
Your Guide to Safe Gambling: Tips for a Responsible Gaming Experience
Understanding Deposit Limits: A Guide to Managing Your Online Gambling Spending
How to Set and Manage Effective Gambling Time Limits
Meet our Responsible Gambling Experts
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG
Principles and Ethics
Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
Future Perspectives
Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
