Illinois gambling regulators are proposing changes to facilitate self-exclusion for individuals with gambling problems.
The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approved three proposed rule changes to expand enrollment options for the state’s self-exclusion program, as reported by CBS.
Currently, nearly 16,000 people are enrolled in the program, which allows individuals to exclude themselves from sports betting, casinos, and other legal gambling activities.
The proposed changes are in response to the expanding gambling landscape in Illinois. According to a state-commissioned study, 383,000 Illinois adults have a gambling problem, with an additional 761,000 at risk of developing one.
An investigation by the Illinois Answers Project and Capitol News Illinois revealed that the state allocated less than 6 cents for gambling addiction treatment for every $100 collected in gambling tax revenue last year.
Currently, gamblers can only enroll in the self-exclusion program for five years or indefinitely.
The proposed rules introduce additional options for exclusion periods, including six months, one year, and three years. Individuals opting for shorter terms will be automatically re-enrolled but can opt out of the program at any time.
Those selecting five-year or indefinite exclusions will still need to provide an affidavit or letter from a certified gambling addiction counselor confirming they are no longer problem gamblers.
Illinois Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter highlighted that the current program lacks various enrollment options available in other jurisdictions, such as notarized mail applications, treatment-provider pathways, and an online portal.
“Research indicates that shame, embarrassment, stigma, and procedural friction at the entry point are some of the most common barriers reported by individuals who considered but did not complete self-exclusion enrollment,” he said.
Alyssa Wilson, an associate professor at Fresno State University specializing in gambling studies, suggested that Illinois could improve by eliminating the five-year minimum and introducing shorter “cool-off” periods.
A third proposed rule aims to prohibit gambling companies from targeting marketing efforts at individuals leaving the self-exclusion program for at least 12 months.
The proposals will now proceed to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for public comment and review. The process may take six months to a year.
Illinois’ existing self-exclusion program currently does not cover the state’s over 50,000 video gaming terminals, which operate in approximately 9,000 locations including gas stations and carryout restaurants. These machines were not part of the program when it was established in 2002.
The Gaming Board approved a resolution on Thursday affirming its commitment to integrating video gambling into the program. The board plans to use identity card readers installed at video gaming locations to prevent individuals on the self-exclusion list from playing.
Fruchter stated that the system will be implemented across the state’s 9,000 video gaming locations as Illinois transitions to a cashless system.
The state has a $162 million, 10-year contract with LNW Gaming to enhance its gaming terminals, including adding self-exclusion capabilities. The company is required to complete the transition by December 31, 2027, facing penalties for delays. These changes will not affect the Illinois Lottery’s separate self-exclusion program and will not apply to the Gaming Board’s involuntary exclusion list.
In 2002, Illinois gamblers lost over $2.5 billion at casinos and the lottery when the state’s self-exclusion program was initiated. Last year, losses exceeded $7.8 billion across casinos, video gaming, the lottery, and sports betting.
“The significant growth of legalized gambling in Illinois and nationwide requires corresponding updates to the state’s self-exclusion program,” added Fruchter, referencing the 2019 Gaming Expansion Law.
The Gaming Board also approved a rule to include fantasy contests in its regulatory framework, as mandated by the Sports Wagering Act. Fantasy sports are legally distinct from sports gambling under Illinois law but are now required to be part of the voluntary self-exclusion program. Players must also be at least 21 years old.