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Josephs wants to increase awareness of gaming self-exclusion program

HARRISBURG, June 1 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., said the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's new self-exclusion program is one tool people with gambling problems have at their disposal in their struggle to cope with their addiction.

"The self-exclusion program gives people another option to help them deal with their gambling problem," Josephs said. "While some options help them admit and cope with their problem, this program can help to remove some temptation."

The program, which began late last year, allows people to exclude themselves voluntarily from all gaming activities at Pennsylvania's licensed slots facilities. It helps people avoid gambling, giving the option to be excluded from the facilities for one year, five years or even a lifetime.

All licensed facilities in Pennsylvania must refuse all bets from anyone on the self-exclusion list, as well as deny him or her check-cashing privileges and complimentary goods and services. Gaming facilities may not send or call them with promotions or advertisements related to gambling. If a person on the list gambles, any winnings will be forwarded to the PGCB and deposited into the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund. In addition, he or she may be charged with trespassing.

To date, 52 people have signed up for the program. Josephs said that more than 50 percent of them are currently involved in a treatment program, including Gamblers Anonymous, or have sought help in the past. About 35 percent have also excluded themselves in other jurisdictions, like Delaware and New Jersey.

"This can help a person remove the temptation of gambling from his or her lifestyle and allow the person to go through the day without thinking about placing bets," Josephs said. "It's unfortunate that only a handful of people are using this program. I hope that with continued publicity, more people will sign up for this list.

"And, while I understand this is no solution to a serious problem, it is something that people can take advantage of that might help them."

For more information, applications or instructions for the self-exclusion program, please visit www.pgcb.state.pa.us/compulsive.HTM.