Illinois Creates Self-exclusion Program
Illinois has recently established statewide regulations to help curb problem gambling. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) self-exclusion list, approved in February, allows self-identified problem gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from Illinois' nine riverboat casinos. Once registered, members of the IGB self-exclusion list are lawfully prohibited from entering casino premises. Time periods for exclusion from casinos range from five years to lifetime. Readmission to casinos after the five-year exclusion period, however, is permitted only at the discretion of the individualÕs physician.
In addition to exclusion from the actual casinos, individuals also bar themselves from receiving casino marketing materials. Riverboat casinos in Illinois are required to cease marketing efforts to members of the exclusion list and must remove their names and contact information from all mailing distribution lists. In order to do this effectively, the IGB notifies area casinos once new individuals sign up for self-exclusion, and lists are updated and distributed among the properties on a monthly basis.
The Illinois self-exclusion regulations are similar to those in Louisiana, Missouri, Michigan and New Jersey. According to Gene O'Shea, public information officer for the Illinois Gaming Board, the program should take effect within a matter of months.
