How we offer help in the field of Problem Gambling.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that prohibits you from entering and gambling at any casino where you register. If you go to a casino at which you’ve been enrolled in this program you will not be paid any winnings, are typically barred from all casino restaurants and entertainment venues and will be asked to leave if seen on premises (or you could be arrested for trespassing!).

Exclusion/Restriction for Card Rooms (no slot machines):

You can register to self-exclude from all card rooms in California with a single form or choose to self-restrict access to individual card rooms with a different form. Registration can be completed online, or by downloading and mailing a notarized form.

Please note that the link to the downloadable form changes when the form is updated, so we do not provide a direct download link. Instead, we recommend visiting the California Gambling Control Commission’s website for access to the forms:

• Register online here, or: 
• Instructions to print/mail form here, from CGCC’s Website
   

Native American Casinos (with slot machines):

Each Native American casino has its own forms and policies. You must contact each of them individually to learn about their programs. We recommend you call the “gaming commission,” “security department,” or “department of public safety” of the casino(s) you wish to ban/restrict yourself from for more information about their program(s).

Visit www.howtoexclude.org to find our more about most casinos’ self-exclusion programs.

Free Notarization

Please note that the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (a third party service which is unaffiliated with CalPG) offers to notarize forms for the Card Rooms’ self-exclusion program at no cost here.

Third Party Exclusion

If an immediate loved one (such as a spouse, parent or child) has a problem with gambling, you may be able to request a “third-party exclusion" to have the casino ban the gambler you are requesting it for. Once/if approved, third party exclusions work in the same ways as self-exclusion.

As of 2019, only a few tribal casinos and no California Card Rooms offer third party exclusion, and the requirements to exclude someone in this way are usually very strict. However, if the program is available at your loved one’s casino of choice, it can be a very helpful tool. We recommend you call the casino’s “gaming commission” to find out if it is available.

Disabling Credit/Debit Cards

Everi’s Self Transaction Exclusion Program (STeP) allows gamblers to disable their credit/debit cards at any casino that uses cash access machines from the company Everi (most of them do). Over 20 casinos throughout California use Everi’s machines, and work with the STeP program.

Blocking Gambling Websites

Gamban©, Gamblock© and Betblocker© are examples of programs you can install on your electronic devices (phones, PCs, tablets, etc.) to block access to many internet gambling websites and apps. CalPG does not evaluate or recommend any one program above the others; however, you can receive a code to install Gamban© (normally a paid service) for free by calling 1-800-GAMBLER, and Betblocker is a free program for the public.
 

What Else Do I Need To Know About These Programs?

It’s important to understand that tools such as those listed above are intended to be part of a broader program of treatment and recovery – they will not ‘solve all of your problems’ by themselves. Additionally, these tools are only available for some of the legal forms of gambling in California, and do not prevent you from gambling illegally or getting involved in other activities that may provide a gambling-like rush.

For these reasons, we strongly urge you to take advantage of these tools at any time – and as soon as – you feel that you need them, but to also take advantage of no-cost treatment programs that allow you to speak with a professional counselor or therapist, and utilize these prevention tools under that professional’s guidance!

Lastly, please know that the casinos and companies that offer these tools are bound by certain regulations to put forth their best good-faith efforts to make them effective, but that they do not have any individual responsibility or liability beyond making those efforts – which is why it is all the more important that you utilize these tools as part of that broader program of treatment and recovery.