Responsible Gambling

For countless players, engaging with online casinos can provide entertainment as long as it's managed wisely. However, a small fraction may find themselves struggling with addiction. At The Game Day Casino, we aim for our audience to have a joyful and secure online gambling experience.

While there are millions in the U.S. who wrestle with what experts identify as gambling addiction, the overwhelming majority enjoy gaming without issues. At The Game Day Casino, we prioritize the welfare of our readers, offering insight into responsible gaming—an important topic for all involved in the online gambling industry.

What Is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling typically refers to ensuring that your gaming practices do not interfere with your quality of life outside the realm of online casinos. Striving for a balanced lifestyle filled with happiness is vital; if gaming starts to affect your mental well-being or personal relationships negatively, it's wise to evaluate and adjust your gambling habits.

If gamblers can recognize the early indicators of gambling-related issues, they can make necessary changes to maintain the fun and excitement of gaming. Regrettably, some individuals may ignore these signs for too long, making it imperative to stop playing altogether eventually.

Establishing a Gambling Budget or Understanding When to Walk Away

Engaging in online casino games involves real money transactions, although some platforms offer free gameplay. It's crucial to set limits on what you can afford to lose, whether it’s weekly or monthly. Since many Americans receive bi-weekly paychecks, determining how much to allocate for gaming from each paycheck is similarly important.

As individuals have varying financial responsibilities, it’s critical to consider your essential expenses before spending on online gaming activities.

Keeping Online Casino Fun

Online casinos are often accessible from the comfort of your home, but you can enhance your experience by making it more social. Share your online gaming experiences with friends and family, and if you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to be open about them with those you trust.

Practicing responsible gambling involves being transparent about your engagement with this activity. Typically, individuals who develop gambling problems tend to hide their actions from close friends or family. Recognizing this tendency can help players stay mindful of their gaming habits.

Call If You Need Help

Reaching out for support from professionals is completely acceptable if you feel the need to discuss your online gambling habits. One of the most valuable resources is the National Council on Problem Gambling, which operates out of Washington, D.C.

The organization's website offers extensive resources and features a confidential 24/7 hotline at 1-800-522-4700, where you can also communicate via text. This level of confidentiality allows you to speak freely about your concerns.

State Self-Exclusion

Regulations regarding online gambling are established at the state level, meaning that state authorities and licensed casinos are responsible for providing assistance to those struggling with gambling issues.

States such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and West Virginia each offer their own self-exclusion programs to help those affected.

Let’s dive into them.

New Jersey's Self-Exclusion for Online Gambling

In 2001, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement initiated a self-exclusion program for individuals wishing to voluntarily abstain from gambling at Atlantic City casinos. This program expanded in 2013 to encompass online gambling activities as well.

How the New Jersey Self-Exclusion Program Functions?

The Self-Exclusion Program enables individuals to voluntarily remove themselves from both land-based Atlantic City casinos as well as online gambling websites.

Once registered, participants are prohibited from:

• Gambling at any physical casinos in New Jersey or any online casinos within its jurisdiction.
• Receiving or utilizing any complimentary services or goods from casinos.
• Be a member of gambling clubs.
• Accessing credit, cashing checks, claiming winnings, or recovering losses associated with casinos.

Participants can choose if they want to exclude themselves from:

• All Atlantic City Casino Facilities and online gaming websites.
• Online casinos only.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) provides four methods for registering for the Self-Exclusion Program:

• Option 1 - In Person: Exclusion from all gambling activities at Atlantic City and online gaming platforms.
• Option 2 - In Person: Exclusion solely from online gambling activities.
• Option 3 - Online Through Player Account: Exclusion from all online gambling through your player account registration.
• Option 4 - Online at DGE’s website: Exclusion from all online gambling by registering on the DGE website.

The periods of self-exclusion vary based on the option chosen:

• Options 1 and 2 - available for one year, five years, or lifetime.
• Option 3 / Option 4 - one year or five years.

How to Enroll in the New Jersey Self-Exclusion Program?

As noted earlier, there are four choices for self-exclusion in New Jersey. If your focus is exclusively on online casinos, the most straightforward method is to sign up online through the DGE’s website by:

1. Accessing the website through the link provided above.
2. Clicking on the option “Register for NJ Self-Exclusion Program.”
3. Read the Instructions
4. Confirming your request for voluntary self-exclusion from online gambling in New Jersey.
5. Choosing the duration of your self-exclusion (1 year or 5 years).
6. Entering your personal and contact information.
7. Reviewing and acknowledging the Waiver and Release.
8. Providing a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license).

Once you complete the registration for the Self-Exclusion Program, you will be restricted from all online gambling activities until the conclusion of your selected exclusion period.

If you prefer to register in person, you will need to complete the application at one of the following locations:

• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
  Arcade Building
  Tennessee Avenue and the Boardwalk
  Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  Phone: (609) 441-3846
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
  140 E. Front Street
  Trenton, NJ 08625
  Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Meadowlands Racetrack
  50 Route 120
  East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073
  (201) 460-4065
  Please call to verify when open
• Monmouth Park
  175 Oceanport Avenue
  Oceanport, New Jersey 07757
  (732) 222-7700
  Please call to verify when open
• Freehold Raceway
  Route 9 & Business Route 33
  Freehold, New Jersey 07728

You can also view a sample of the form required for in-person registration. here .

Pennsylvania's Online Gambling Self-Exclusion

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board provides various programs for individuals looking to self-exclude from online gambling. These programs aim to support those who want to be barred from online casinos, video gaming terminals, and fantasy sports betting.

What Programs Are Available for Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania?

As a player, you have options to impose your own limits on gambling behavior or completely opt-out of all online casino engagements.

The available limits in this program include:

• Capping your deposits on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Specifying the maximum amount of money you can spend at different intervals.
• Setting a limit on the maximum value of any single bet.
• Determining the total number of hours you can spend on gambling activities each day.

You can also request a complete suspension of your online gambling participation for any specified hours or days.

If you wish to completely withdraw from all online casino operations, you can join the iGaming Self-Exclusion list.

How the PA iGaming Self-Exclusion Works?

The process to join the iGaming Self-Exclusion list is straightforward and allows individuals to effectively bar themselves from online casinos.

This initiative was created by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to assist those who find their gambling behavior problematic.

Once enrolled in self-exclusion, iGaming sites must:

• Refuse wagers from you.
• Deny your gaming privileges.
• Not allow check cashing, club memberships, complimentary goods, or similar services.
• Refuse all participation in online casino gambling.
• Ensure that you do not receive catalogs, telemarketing offers, or promotional content linked to online gambling.

While you won’t be able to engage in gaming on these platforms, you are still permitted to withdraw any funds from the online casinos where you are registered in Pennsylvania.

If you gamble during your self-exclusion period, any winnings from those activities will be deducted from your balance and redirected to the PGCB for responsible gaming initiatives.

Applicants should also be mindful that breaches of self-exclusion terms may result in legal consequences.

What is the Procedure for Signing Up for Self-Exclusion at PA Online Casinos?

The process for registration is quite straightforward. You just need to complete the following actions:

1. Visit the PGCB’s website and press the link that says \"Sign Up for Self-Exclusion Enrollment.\"
2. At this point, you will need to log in with your Keystone account. If you haven’t set one up yet, simply click on the \"Register\" option. After that, you can navigate back to the self-exclusion page to proceed.
3. Once you log in using your Keystone account, you will need to confirm your identity through the \"Existing User Verification\" form.

After your identity has been successfully verified, you will receive guidance on how to enroll for self-exclusion.

During the enrollment process, you will be required to provide the following details:

• Name
• iGaming account information
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Telephone number
• Social Security number
• Email address
• A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
• A recent photo of yourself taken with a live camera, like a webcam or your smartphone camera.

The last step is to choose the duration for your self-exclusion, which can be set for one year, five years, or potentially for a lifetime.

Your inclusion on the self-exclusion list will remain in effect for the chosen period. Once that time has elapsed, you can submit a request to have your name removed from the list.

Self-Exclusion for Online Gambling in Michigan

In early 2021, Michigan legalized online gambling, and measures have already been implemented to ensure player safety.

Residents of Michigan can access the Responsible Gambling Database, allowing them to self-exclude from online gambling venues.

How Does the Responsible Gambling Database Function?

The application procedure to join the self-exclusion list is relatively simple, though there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Residents can opt to join the list either before or after they set up an online casino account.
• The duration of self-exclusion can be either one year or five years.
• Once the designated self-exclusion time lapsed, individuals are automatically removed from the list and must reapply if they wish to exclude themselves again.
• The processing of applications for the self-exclusion list may take up to 45 days after submission.
• After your application is processed, you will receive notification of your exclusion via either email or traditional mail.
• Individuals already listed with the Exclusion of Persons will be automatically integrated into the Responsible Gambling Database.
• The Responsible Gambling Database operates independently of the Disassociated Persons List, which applies solely to three casinos located in Detroit.

What is the Process for Applying to Michigan’s Responsible Gambling Database?

If you wish to self-exclude from online gambling in Michigan, you should visit the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s website. There, you’ll find a link directing you to the application form titled \"Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database Application.\"

This link will lead you to the application form, which you can fill out in one of the following ways:

• In person at a Michigan Gaming Control Board Office.
• Online, with the completed form submitted via email to [email protected].
• By mail, directing your written request to the Responsible Gaming Section at the Michigan Gaming Control Board, 3062 W Grand Blvd, Suite L-700, MI, 48202.

The form requires you to provide personal information and to specify whether you want to exclude yourself from internet gambling, sports betting, or both, along with the chosen duration (1 or 5 years).

It's important to include a copy of your driver’s license or another form of government-issued photo ID when submitting your application.

Additionally, the document should bear the signature and seal of a Notary Public from your county of residence. This step ensures the form's authenticity and that it was completed of your own volition.

The self-exclusion form is available in English, but there is also an additional page for interpreters to aid non-English speaking applicants in filling out the form.

After submitting your application, the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board will personally review and process it.

Self-Exclusion for Online Gambling in Connecticut

Individuals looking to exclude themselves from online gambling in Connecticut can enroll in a Self-Exclusion List established by the Gaming Commission.

This self-exclusion option is available to both residents and visitors who wish to bar themselves from all forms of gambling within the state.

How Does the Connecticut Self-Exclusion List Operate?

Once someone registers for the Self-Exclusion List, it takes effect immediately. During the registration, individuals must choose a ban duration of either one year, five years, or a lifetime.

After the self-exclusion timeframe concludes, participants are eligible to apply for their removal from the list. However, once you have signed up, you cannot remove your name from the list until the designated time has elapsed.

Once you are on the self-exclusion list, the Gaming Commission will share your details with all licensed online casino operators and their affiliates.

From that point on, you will be unable to:

• Enter any gaming floors at Connecticut's tribal casinos.
• Open an account with any online casino or sports betting website.
• Join any fantasy sports platform in CT
• Place bets at any of the retail sports betting locations for the Connecticut Lottery.
• Receive any promotional materials related to gambling.
• Collect any winnings from gambling
• Recoup any losses from gambling
• Earn any reward points connected to gambling activities.

How Can You Sign Up for the Self-Exclusion List in Connecticut?

You can complete the registration for the Self-Exclusion List by visiting the Connecticut Gaming Division’s official website. The steps are quite simple; still, it's essential to read through the directions carefully before starting your registration.

It’s advisable to look over the Terms and Conditions associated with Connecticut Gaming Self-Exclusion.

To voluntarily enroll in the self-exclusion list, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Self-Exclusion Registration page.
2. Read the instructions on the page
3. Click “Get Started'
4. Fill in your personal information
5. Select the duration for self-exclusion (1 year, 5 years, or lifetime).
6. Choose your preferred language for communication (either English or Spanish).
7. Fill in your contact details
8. Provide a government-issued photo identification document to verify your identity (for instance, a driver’s license).
9. Consent and affirm your intention to voluntarily exclude yourself.

Your application for the Self-Exclusion List will become effective immediately upon submission. Be aware that if you choose \"lifetime\" as your exclusion period, you will permanently remain on the list without the possibility of removal.

Once the self-exclusion term concludes, you can request that your name be taken off the list. However, unlike the initial registration, this process does not occur instantly and involves an evaluation period by the Gaming Commission.

Self-Exclusion for Online Gambling in West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery oversees all gambling activities in the state, including issues related to responsible gambling. Individuals residing in or visiting West Virginia can choose to be included in a self-exclusion list to avoid any gambling involvement.

What is the Function of the Voluntary Exclusion Program?

If you have any concerns regarding your gambling habits, you can apply for a voluntary exclusion from the West Virginia Lottery. This exclusion applies to all forms of gambling, whether brick-and-mortar or online.

To register for the self-exclusion list, participants must submit a written request sent via US mail to the West Virginia Lottery director.

Unlike other states, individuals registering for self-exclusion are not required to specify how long they wish to refrain from gambling. Instead, this decision is made at the discretion of the Lottery Commission’s director, determining whether the exclusion will be permanent.

After being on the self-exclusion list for one year, individuals can request their removal by sending a form via post.

After joining the self-exclusion list, individuals will not be able to:

• Enter any land-based casinos or sports betting establishments.
• Open an account with any online gambling or sports betting platforms.
• Cash checks at casinos
• Receive winnings from gambling
• Recoup any losses from gambling
• Engage in any form of gambling activity.
• Receive email promotions related to gambling.

What is the process for enrolling in the WV Voluntary Exclusion Program?

Currently, the sole method for enrolling in the voluntary exclusion program in West Virginia is by completing a specific form and mailing it through standard US postal service.

The enrollment procedure is quite simple, and can be completed by following these outlined steps:

• Navigate to the West Virginia Lottery's official website, and locate the section on the right labeled \"Self Exclusion Form\" under the \"Forms\" heading.
• Fill in your details and address
• Insert your phone number
• You will need to provide your driver's license number.
• Fill in any other required details as specified on the form.
• Choose the appropriate responses to the subsequent questions.
• Ensure that you confirm your understanding and acceptance of the conditions attached to this self-exclusion program.
• Don't forget to create a copy of your driver's license and attach it to the completed form.
• Get the form legally notarized by a public notary who operates in your residential county.

Once the self-exclusion form is complete, you may send it via regular US mail to the designated address:

• Attn: David Bradley
  West Virginia Lottery
  900 Pennsylvania Avenue
  Charleston, WV 25302