How Casino Self-Exclusion Works in Pennsylvania

How Self-Exclusion Works in the US

Self-exclusion is undoubtedly a noble idea in theory. But in practice, it’s extremely hard to implement a nationwide program. The idea that casino workers as far apart as Washington, Florida and New York could somehow police each other’s excluded players is unrealistic.

However, by breaking it down to the state level, there’s a better chance of sustaining these programs. The system relies upon the individual not traveling to casino venues outside of their home state. But this is hardly unique to the USA and all voluntary self-exclusion programs face similar challenges.

One way to combat that is for the player to take action with an individual operator. So rather than opt for a self-imposed state-wide ban, you could exclude from each company, be it Caesars, DraftKings, or whoever. Each casino and betting brand runs its own internal program, with details available on their respective websites.

If you or someone you love needs help, you can speak to the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700. Alternatively, reach out to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board at [email protected] or 717-346-8300.

PA Gambling Self-Exclusion

Unlike other parts of the United States, Pennsylvania self-exclusion is split into five distinct parts. You can opt into the iGaming Self-Exclusion program, which specially covers PA online casinos, but not land-based venues. If you wish to ban yourself from physical casinos in the Keystone State, you’ll need to go through a second process.

There are also individual programs for the state lottery, VGTs (Video Gambling Terminals) and Fantasy Sports contests. Unfortunately, enrollment into one of the five PA gambling self-exclusion programs does not mean you’ll automatically be barred from all venues. Instead, you’ll need to sign up for each one separately.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Both casino self-exclusion schemes in PA are operated by the state’s regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The PGCB website contains several useful responsible gambling resources, including how to protect yourself from harm and advice on spotting the signs of addiction. But you’ll also find a comprehensive walk-through of how to register to each PA self-exclusion list.

To voluntarily opt-out of bricks-and-mortar casinos in the state, you’ll have to visit the PGCB Harrisburg Office in person. Alternatively, you can file your application at the regional sites found in Conshohocken, Pittsburgh or Wilkes Barre.

Don’t turn up unannounced though. You’ll first need to call the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling on 717-346-8300 to make an appointment.

What to Expect

The registration form is comprehensive, requiring more than just the usual name, address, telephone and date of birth. Expect to hand over your Social Security Number, as well as a detailed physical description. This includes the color of your eyes, height and weight. Finally, you’ll need to supply a valid photo identification document

Options for voluntary self-exclusion periods are limited to the following:

• Minimum: One year of exclusion;
• Intermediate: A five year self-exclusion period;
• Permanent: An irreversible ban for life.

Nobody else is permitted to add you to the casino self-exclusion list; it must come from you. Once you’re on the list, you cannot reverse the decision.

PA Online Self-Exclusion

As previously mentioned, PA operates a specific online self-exclusion program for internet casinos. You can find detailed instructions on how to join on the PGCB site, but the first thing you’ll need is a Keystone Login account. Once registered, log in to enroll in the iGaming Self-Exclusion program.

Take care when completing the Keystone Login registration. Upon submitting your details, there will be a verification check. You can’t proceed until your details are validated and if you fail twice, you’ll be locked out. At that point, a call to the PGCB is required.

When you’re ready to register for iGaming Self-Exclusion, have some form of ID to hand as you’ll need to upload a copy. Registrants must also submit a photograph of themselves via their webcam or smartphone camera. It must be captured during the signup process; uploading old pictures is not allowed.

Online exclusion works in the same way as the offline program, in terms of the length of ban. Once registered, internet casinos in the Keystone State will no longer be allowed to accept your bets. But remember that an iGaming exclusion does not stop you from participating in other forms of gambling. So you’ll need to register for each opt-out separately.

How to Get Off Self-Exclusion List in PA

Like any good voluntary self-exclusion program, once your details are in the system, that’s it; there’s nothing you can do to change it. The whole purpose of such a program is to put obstacles between you and the problematic behavior, giving time to cool down.

Pennsylvania is particularly strict when it comes to enforcing self-exclusion, too. Unlike other US states, you can actually be arrested for attempting to gamble when under a self-exclusion.

If you choose a lifetime ban, it will literally remain in place permanently, with no right to appeal. However, if you plump for a one or five year opt-out, you will be able to resume gambling activities once your time is up. Unfortunately though, there is currently a disjointed approach between the online and offline programs. Here’s how it works:

• Land-based casino exclusion: Once the exclusion period has expired, you will remain blocked. A self-exclusion removal request must be sent to the PA gaming board;
• Online casino exclusion; Unlike the land-based program, online bans are automatically lifted. Your details are expunged from the system after 10 days. If you wish to extend the exclusion period, contact the gaming board prior to expiry.

What the Statistics of Self-Exclusion Look Like in the United States

With an estimated six million problem gamblers in the US, it’s little wonder that regulators are taking responsible gambling practices seriously. Self-exclusion programs may be the most extreme weapon in the fight. But online casinos supply plenty of other ammunition too, including deposit and loss limits, reality checks and time-outs.

These tools are certainly not for show and are being used across the country with great success. Some research papers show that responsible gambling measures really do result in significantly less time spent gambling. And in turn, there are positive knock-on benefits to the health and financial situations of problem gamblers.

An ever-growing number of players are self-excluding voluntarily. In Pennsylvania, the number of applications for the whole of 2021 was 2,891, almost double the 2020 figure. Although we don’t yet have complete data for 2022, there were 1,931 applicants by the end of June. With the bulk of registrations usually arriving at the end of the year, it seems the record will easily be broken.

This elicits mixed emotions. We obviously want to see people who struggle with addiction successfully improving their quality of life, so the rise is encouraging. But a less charitable interpretation of the data, from those opposed to the growth of online casinos, is that we are creating more problem gamblers.

Self-Exclusion in PA: More to be Done?

Voluntary self-exclusion programs in Pennsylvania, and indeed the USA, are clearly having a positive impact. But as the number of participants continues to grow, this also serves to illustrate the extent of the underlying problem.

It is clear that both the regulator and the many individual operators are already taking social responsibility seriously. But we only need to look to Europe to see what might happen if the number of problem gamblers continues to swell.

The UK is a notable case, implementing intrusive affordability checks, not to mention strict bans on advertising. But several governments are opting to tackle what is increasingly being perceived as a problem, with draconian measures. Casinos in the United States must learn from such examples.