Gaming regulator defers plan to take problem gamblers off self-exclusion list

Posted by Admin January 3, 2025 Gambling

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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has withdrawn its immediate plans to pursue automatic removal from the self-exclusion list that casinos use when prohibiting problem gamblers.

Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) on Dec. 19 applauded the move. Diamond, chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said in a release he was worried automatic removal would have caused multiple problems, including removal occurring without a conversation with the excluded gambler or assurances he or she actually wants to be removed.

“The withdrawal of this proposed regulation is a huge win for the protection of our problem gamblers and our counselors and mental health professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that problem gamblers get the help they need,” Diamond said in a statement. “I hope the gaming control board will re-engage in this rulemaking to make the self-exclusion process consistent between all forms of gambling, while protecting our problem gamblers at the same time.”

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board had proposed Regulation #125-250 to provide automatic removal related to the self-exclusion list at casinos. The list started through compulsive and problem gambling initiatives dating back 20 years, according to the release.

Self-exclusion allows someone to request to be excluded from legalized gaming activities in Pennsylvania. When submitting the request, the person can select to be on the list for one year, five years or a lifetime.

The regulation currently requires an individual to request removal from the list once his or her time period ends. The gaming control board has indicated it may pursue the process of automatic removal again in the future.

“Removing someone from the self-exclusion list without their request makes it more likely that person is unprotected from further gambling addiction and financial and emotional harm,” Diamond said in the statement.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently notified the Independent Regulatory Review Commission it would withdraw the proposed regulation.

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