The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board this week announced the rollout of a more user-friendly online self-exclusion system. The new system enables those with gambling disorders to enroll online at responsibleplay.pa.gov to self-exclude from gambling activities regulated by the PGCB.
Individuals who wish to sign up online can:
- Enroll in one, several, or all self-exclusion programs
- Request removal from the casino self-exclusion program
- Extend the period self-exclusion bans
- View self-exclusion documents and status in real-time
- Update their personal information such as name or address changes
- Access links to gambling disorder information and the helpline.
For identity verification and confidentiality purposes, individuals enrolling in self-exclusion programs must upload a self-taken picture, include a picture of a photo ID, and receive Lexis Nexis verification during the enrollment process.
Also, all online games (casino, sports wagering, and fantasy) have options enabling players to place self-imposed limits on deposits, wagers, spend, and play time.
When a person self-excludes, gaming facilities and operators in the Commonwealth must refuse wagers from and deny gaming privileges to that person. If a listed individual participates in gaming activities in Pennsylvania, he or she may be charged with criminal trespass and any gambling winnings will be confiscated.
PGCB’s self-exclusion program started in 2006 to allow people to ban themselves from entering and gambling at the state’s casinos. The program was expanded after passage of the Gaming Expansion Act in 2017. Three additional self-exclusion programs are now available for igaming, including online sports wagering, video gaming terminals at truck stops, and online fantasy sports.
