Self-Exclusion Process and Program for Compulsive and Problem Gamers

Self-exclusion programs provide a way for a person to voluntarily ban themselves from a casino in order to deal with compulsive or problem gaming (Gainsbury, 2014; Jackson & Thomas, 2005).

Self-Exclusion is a process that allows a person to request to be banned from all legalized gaming activities and to be prohibited from collecting any winnings, recovering any losses or accepting complimentary gifts or services or any other thing of value at any licensed facility. Self-exclusion only applies to the gaming floor of the licensed gaming facilities in the State of New Mexico (New Mexico Gaming Control Board, n.d.).

A person can voluntarily exclude themselves from gaming activities for one year (12 months), Five years, or Lifetime.

Placement on the Self Exclusion list requires licensed facilities to refuse wagers from and deny gaming privileges to any self-excluded person; deny check cashing privileges, player club membership, complimentary goods and services, junket participation and other similar privileges and benefits to any self-excluded person. Licensed facilities must ensure that self-excluded persons do not receive junket solicitations, targeted mailings, telemarketing promotions, player club materials or other promotional materials relating to gaming activities at its licensed facility; and may exclude self-excluded persons from their properties in other jurisdictions.

Licensed facilities must refuse to accept a self-excluded person’s wagers, will ask the person to leave the gaming floor, and the person may be arrested for trespass. A self-excluded person who has gambled while on the self-exclusion list may not collect in any manner or in any proceeding any winnings or recover any losses arising because of any gaming activity for the entire period that the person is on the self-exclusion list. Any winnings issued to, found on or about or redeemed by a self-excluded person shall be remitted to the licensed gaming establishment and deposited into the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund (New Mexico Gaming Control Board, n.d.).

The request for self-exclusion must be filed in person with the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. Placement on the list is entirely voluntary and must be done by the individual seeking exclusion.

Placement on the self-exclusion list must be done in-person by submitting a completed request for self-exclusion to: New Mexico Gaming Control Board, 4900 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87113.

Call 505-841-9700 to set up an appointment at the Albuquerque office or for additional approved locations.

The link below takes you to the request for self-exclusion form and instructions.

http://www.nmgcb.org/uploads/FileLinks/8ae5b8f0a50042df951ce0deca43ca3d/Self_Exclusion_Request_Form_v6.2.pdf.

Sources

Gainsbury, S. M. (2014). Review of Self-exclusion from Gambling Venues as an Intervention for Problem Gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 30(2), 229–251. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-013-9362-0

Jackson, A. C., & Thomas, S. A. (2005). Clients’ perspectives of, and experiences with, selected Australian problem gambling services. Journal of Gambling Issues, 14. https://doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2005.14.7

New Mexico Gaming Control Board. (n.d.). Self-Exclusion. Retrieved December 18, 2017, from http://www.nmgcb.org/self-exclusion.aspx

Please use this link to access the complete PDF...

From Enforcement to Assistance: Evolving Best Practices in Self-Exclusion 

-- a discussion paper by The Responsible Gaming Council

Would you know a gambling problem if you saw it in a friend, loved one, coworker, patient, or student?  It's Important to know the signs because three percent of the population may have a problem, which puts them and their families at financial and emotional risk.  Here are some warning signs:

• Preoccupied with gambling and unable to stop
• Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
• Restless and irritable when not gambling
• Gambling to win back what you've lost
• Borrowing money for gambling
• Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debts
• Frequent unexplained absences
• Losing work time because of gambling
• Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
• Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling

Information gathered from www.npgaw.org

Remote gambling is any form of gambling in which a person does not need to be physically present.

It can be conducted from the safety of a gambler's own home, car, airplane, street corner, cafe, school room, board room, or any place a remote device is operable.

If someone you know is gambling for more than fun, they may have a problem.  Talking to them can seem scary, but they need you to have courage.  Here are some ways to begin the conversation.

• Find a comfortable place to talk where you won't be disturbed.
• Keep it simple and straightforward.
• Tell the person you care about him and you're concerned about how they are acting.
• Tell the person exactly what they have done that concerns you.
• Tell the person how their behavior is affecting other people-and be specific.
• Be clear about what you expect from them ("I want you to talk to someone about your your gambling.") and what they can expect from you ("I won't cover for you anymore.")
• After you've told the person what you've seen and how you feel, allow them to respond.  Listen with a non-judgmental attitude.
• Let the person know you are willing to help, but don't try to counsel them yourself.
• Give the person information, not advice.  Encourage then to call the National Gambling Hotline.

When their problem is your problem

If you are the spouse or family member of a problem gambler, it is important for you to take care of yourself and realize that you are not responsible for the gambler's behavior.  Even if your loved one isn't ready or willing to get help, you may want to call the Problem Gambling Hotline or talk to a counselor yourself.

Make the call

A problem gambler doesn't necessarily need to "hit bottom" to decide to get help.  To get specific advice on how and when to approach the problem gambler you know, call the problem gambling hotline.

If playing is not fun anymore, call for help.

CONFIDENTIAL.

Twenty-four hours a day.

Seven days a week.

1-800-GAMBLER

1-800-572-1142

Information gathered from www.npgaw.org