Examining Self-Exclusion Programs Across Jurisdictions

People on voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) lists to be able to gamble again must see a therapist, In Rhode Island.

In other jurisdictions, self-excluded visitors must petition and appear before a board of directors in order to gamble again.

According to Marlene D. Warner, CEO of the Massachusetts Council on Gambling and Health, — “It’s dramatically different in every jurisdiction,” “Recovery is becoming the rule rather than the exception in terms of having some criteria.”

Mental Health And Recovery Focus

The panel discussion that kicked off the NCLGS event session at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh examined the policies, self-exclusion principles and how they apply to gambling in various jurisdictions.

One of the main elements was that those who have asked to be placed on voluntary self-exclusion lists should be treated with equanimity. And not to treat them as criminals when they return to their facilities.

“You need to think of it as a mental health issue and how best to approach it, rather than turning it into a criminal activity or an enforcement mechanism against everyone else,” said Jennifer Shatley, executive director of the Responsible Gambling Association.

“It’s not criminal,” Warner agreed.

3.5 percent of all adults have a gambling problem and voluntary self-exclusion programs were developed as a tool to help people who have a problem with it.

According to Shelley Club, Washington State, self-exclusion periods last one, three, five or 10 years without the periods being canceled, according to a spokesperson for the Shelley Club.

“If you put yourself on that list, that step becomes an active tool in your recovery; you need to actively state that you are signing up for one year. After that time, they’ll let you know that you’re getting off that list, and if you want to get off the list, here’s the form.”

Shetley, as someone who has signed up for self-exclusion, says,” ”Sure, it could be because they have a gambling-related problem. “Or maybe there’s been a death in the family and they realize they shouldn’t be gambling at this time. They might just be spending a little more money than they realize at the moment.” “You don’t want to deter people who sign up for self-exclusion. That way, if someone doesn’t want to make that statement, it can deter them from self-excluding. They don’t want to make that public statement because it’s not true or they don’t want to make that statement publicly.”

Shatley added that she has seen people on voluntary self-exclusion lists in some jurisdictions declare that they have a gambling problem.