How we offer help in the field of Problem Gambling.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that bans you from all casinos from which you sign up. If you are self-excluded, you will not be paid any winnings if you sneak into the casino, are usually not allowed on any of the casino’s property (including restaurants and entertainment), and may be arrested for trespass if you violate the exclusion.

• California Card Rooms (no slot machines):
  Self-Exclusion Form – this one form will exclude you from all card rooms in California. You can register online – you do not have to enter the casino!
• Tribal Casinos (with slot machines):
  Each Tribal American casino has its own forms and policies. You must contact them individually about their program. 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 information about most casinos’ self-exclusion programs.

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 “third-party exclusion” to 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.
 

Self-Restriction

Self-restriction works the same as self-exclusion, but is only for California Card Rooms, and only applies to a single card room or even just specific games (such as blackjack or poker) or casino services (such as check cashing, marker issuance or marketing).

• Self-Restriction Form – note that the terms of the restriction may vary by the individual card room’s policy.

Access to Cash

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.

Internet Gambling

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. CCPG 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.