Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Boosts Self-Exclusion Tools

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has introduced a more user-friendly online system for self-exclusion to support individuals struggling with gambling disorders. This innovative program allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from participating in any gambling activity regulated by the PGCB.

The self-exclusion initiative was initially launched in 2006, focusing on banning participants from entering and gambling at Pennsylvania casinos. In 2017, following the passage of the Gaming Expansion Act, the program expanded to include three additional self-exclusion options: iGaming (online sports wagering), Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) at truck stops, and online Fantasy Sports.

When an individual enrolls in the self-exclusion program, gaming facilities and operators across Pennsylvania gambling must deny any gaming privileges and refuse all bets from that person. Failure to comply with the self-exclusion restrictions may result in criminal trespass charges, and any gambling winnings obtained during the self-exclusion period will be confiscated.

The enrollment process for the self-exclusion program has been streamlined and made easily accessible through the official website of the PGCB's Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (OCPG) at https://responsibleplay.pa.gov. 

The updated online system now offers a range of features, empowering individuals to enroll in one or multiple self-exclusion programs, request removal from the casino self-exclusion list, extend the duration of their self-exclusion period, view real-time self-exclusion documents and status, update personal information such as name and address changes, and access links to gambling disorder information and helplines.

To ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the self-exclusion program, individuals enrolling online must undergo identity verification by providing a "selfie" picture and a photo ID. Additionally, they must receive Lexis Nexis verification during the enrollment process.

The Self-Exclusion programs represent just one facet of the Board's commitment to promoting fairness and safety in the gaming industry. The OCPG Director ensures that casinos and online gaming operators have approved compulsive and problem gambling plans, including employee training on identifying signs and symptoms of gambling disorders and responsible gaming programs.

These plans also outline policies and procedures for recognizing potentially harmful behavior, identifying and removing underage and self-excluded individuals from gaming activities, and implementing responsible advertising policies. Moreover, casino-type online games, sports wagering platforms, and fantasy sports sites offer players options to impose self-imposed limits on deposits, wagers, spending, and playtime.

The OCPG has collaborated with the PGCB's Office of Communications to complement their efforts to develop public health educational campaigns like "What's Really at Stake" and "Don't Gamble with Kids."

For individuals seeking treatment services for gambling disorders, the OCPG's website, www.ResponsiblePlay.pa.go, provides information about state-funded one-on-one counseling services and Gamblers Anonymous schedules.

Additional support can be accessed through helplines:

• 1-800-GAMBLER
• text 800GAM
• chat via http://www.1800gamblerchat.org/

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees all aspects of gambling, including 17 land-based casinos, online casino games, retail, and online sports wagering, and Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) at qualified truck stops. The state's land-based casino industry comprises six racetrack (Category 1) casinos, five stand-alone (Category 2) casinos, two resort (Category 3) casinos, and four mini-casinos (Category 4).

These regulated gaming activities generated over $2 billion in tax revenue for the state in 2022, highlighting their significant contribution to the state's economy. Betting tax revenue is used to fund various programs and initiatives to benefit the state's residents and address critical public needs.

The tax revenue generated from betting activities, including casino gambling, sports wagering, and other forms of gambling, contributes significantly to the state's budget and helps fund different sectors and programs. While the specific allocations may vary from year to year, here are some common areas where betting tax revenue is typically utilized in Pennsylvania:

Education:

A significant portion of betting tax revenue is often allocated to support education in the state.

Property Tax Relief: 

Some of the betting tax revenue is directed toward providing property tax relief to homeowners in Pennsylvania.

Economic Development:

Betting tax revenue is often invested in initiatives to foster economic growth and development in the state.

Senior Citizen Services:

Part of the revenue is allocated to support programs and services for senior citizens, including healthcare, housing assistance, and community programs that cater to the needs of the elderly population.

Local Communities:

Betting tax revenue is distributed to local municipalities to support various community projects and services. 

Problem Gambling Programs:

As responsible gambling is a priority for the state, some revenue is used to fund programs that address problem gambling and promote responsible gaming practices. 

Tourism and Promotion:

A portion of the revenue is often invested in tourism promotion to attract visitors to Pennsylvania. 

Veterans' Services:

Some of the betting tax revenue goes towards supporting programs and services for veterans in Pennsylvania, including healthcare, housing assistance, and job placement services.