Published on: November 18, 2024, 12:43h.
Last updated on: November 18, 2024, 12:43h.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is proposing a change to make it easier for individuals who have previously self-excluded themselves to regain access to the state’s 17 brick-and-mortar casinos.
The PGCB’s current rules require individuals who have self-excluded themselves for one or five years to apply for reinstatement after their self-exclusion period ends. This new proposal would automatically allow formerly excluded individuals to rejoin the casinos without the need for an application.
Critics argue that this automatic reentry process could undermine the purpose of the self-exclusion program. However, state gaming regulators believe it will help standardize the PGCB’s self-exclusion programs across various gambling platforms.
Currently, the casino self-exclusion program is the only one managed by the PGCB that requires individuals to apply for reinstatement after their self-exclusion has ended.
The PGCB highlights that many individuals mistakenly believe their access to the casinos will automatically be restored upon the end of their self-exclusion period, leading to potential trespassing charges if they try to enter a casino before being officially reinstated.
The PGCB explains that individuals who remain on the self-exclusion list may face trespass charges and have their winnings confiscated if they try to gamble in the casinos before being properly reinstated.
The PGCB’s proposed rule adjustment aims to eliminate confusion, reduce trespass actions, and streamline administrative proceedings related to requests for the return of confiscated funds.
Self-Exclusion Data
Pennsylvania has a robust self-exclusion program, with a total of 33,953 enrollments across its four options. Of these, 23,242 enrollments are for the casino self-exclusion program.
Men make up nearly 65% of the self-excluded individuals, with males being more likely to trespass while on the list. Since the program began in 2006, men accounted for 6,418 of the 9,118 violations.
Individuals aged 55 and older are most likely to enroll in the program, with whites being the most represented ethnic group at 16,017 members.
A total of 5,136 individuals have chosen a lifetime self-exclusion, with no option available to regain access to the gaming facilities for these individuals.