Pennsylvania Scraps Proposal for Automatic Self-Exclusion Removal
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has decided to withdraw a controversial proposal that would have allowed gamblers to be automatically removed from self-exclusion lists after their selected exclusion period ended.
The measure, known as Regulation #125-250, aimed to create uniformity in how self-exclusion policies are applied across different forms of gambling in the state, including online gaming, fantasy sports betting, and video gaming terminals (VGTs).
Currently, individuals self-excluded from these platforms are automatically removed from the list once their chosen period (one year, five years, or lifetime) ends. However, gamblers who self-exclude from casinos must manually request removal after their exclusion period expires.
Community Backlash Leads to Reversal
The proposal, originally approved by the PGCB in August 2024, faced significant public criticism during the consultation period. At the board’s final meeting of 2024, held on December 18, Senior Counsel Robert Wood highlighted the overwhelming response from stakeholders opposing the change.
Wood revealed that 85% of the 39 public comments received came from individuals with experience in advocacy or counseling services. Most expressed deep concerns about the potential harm to problem gamblers, with many fearing that automatic removal could lead to relapses.
One of the most vocal critics was Pennsylvania State Representative Russ Diamond, who argued that automatic removal assumes gamblers would want their exclusion lifted, potentially exposing them to renewed harm.
“Removing someone from the self-exclusion list without their request increases the likelihood that they will remain vulnerable to gambling addiction and its financial and emotional consequences,” Diamond said.
A Win for Responsible Gambling
The unanimous decision to abandon the regulation was praised as a victory for those advocating for stronger protections for problem gamblers. Commissioner Sara Manzano-Diaz, who introduced the motion to drop the proposal, emphasized the importance of prioritizing player welfare over convenience.
Diamond echoed this sentiment, calling the withdrawal a “huge victory” for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and the mental health professionals who work tirelessly to help them. He added that any future changes to the self-exclusion process should balance consistency across gambling platforms with safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
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