Pennsylvania regulator debuts revamped “more user-friendly” self-exclusion scheme
PGCB launches simplified process to begin, extend, or remove individuals from list as well as update data
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has launched an improved and more user-friendly version of its statewide self-exclusion scheme, which aims to simplify the process of exemption.
From July 12, individuals wishing to self-exclude can navigate to a single site and complete a form online.
This form allows individuals to enroll in one, several, or all self-exclusions programs available in the state, as well as requesting an extension of the self-exclusion period or removal from the self-exclusion register as required.
Individuals can also access their self-exclusion profile to update their personal information and access links to gambling disorder information along with the state’s problem gambling treatment facilities?.
For identity verification purposes and to ensure confidentiality, individuals enrolling in a self-exclusion program must upload a “selfie” picture, a picture of their photo ID, and must also be verified by external entities.
The state’s first self-exclusion program, which was initially only land-based, began in 2006 and was expanded in 2017 as part of the Gaming Expansion Act.
Three additional self-exclusion programs are now available for igaming (including online sports wagering), video gaming terminals (VGTs) at truck stops, and daily fantasy sports (DFS).
According to recent data, published in June by the PGCB, more than 20,000 individuals have self-excluded from all gambling sites in the Keystone State.
Of these, 4,335 (21%) individuals have chosen a lifetime ban.
The 20,000 self-exclusion signups are comprised of 12,811 males and 7,189 females, with individuals ranging from between 21 and 102 years of age.
A total of 1,026 self-excluded individuals chose to re-enrol in the program after previously removing their name from the list, including 307 who selected a lifetime ban at re-enrolment.
To assist individuals who wish to ban themselves from other types of legalized gaming, the PGCB has additional self-exclusion programs, with 3,778 individuals excluding from igaming, 1,467 from VGTs, and 797 from DFS.
As part of the PGCB’s approach to responsible gambling, its Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (OCPG) mandates that every operator have a responsible gambling plan, inclusive of training, customer identification, responsible advertising, and outreach.