|
|
|
|
"When we put 50 machines in, I consider them 50 more mousetraps. You have to have a mousetrap to catch a mouse."
Self Exclusion Most casinos have some sort of self-exclusion program where the gambler can be added to a list to be banned from the casino. The effectiveness of these programs is debatable, but at the very least, it is a symbolic gesture for the pathological gambler to make to himself and his family that he is serious about his need to deal with his gambling addiction. In Oklahoma, each tribe has established policies regarding their self-banning programs. The tribes do not share their ban lists, this causes the gambler to have to go to each casino and be added to that casino’s list. Self-banning is a very difficult step for the gambler. Many gamblers are unable to enter the casino to make this gesture because the temptation to gamble is just too strong. In Missouri, 9,000 people have added themselves to the ban list. Approximately, 1,200 new gamblers are adding themselves to this list each year. Missouri only has 12 casinos and Oklahoma has more than 80. Missouri’s self-ban list is shared between the casinos and the gambler can add himself to this list without going to the casino. Adding oneself to the list does not keep the determined gambler from gambling at the casino. The casino staff does not actively search out banned gamblers and the reality is that if a gambler in Oklahoma wants to gamble, he can just bypass the casino that he has banned himself from and drive a short distance to the next casino. The casinos assume no legal liability for allowing a banned gambler to gamble or claim any obligation to keep the banned gambler from gambling while in the casino and the amount of time the ban in force also varies from casino to casino. Generally, the only time that a banned gambler is identified is if the gambler happens to win a large pot and tries to collect it. At that time the gambler’s name may be checked to see if he is on the banned list, if so the gambler will not be paid and may be arrested for trespassing. Relying on the self-exclusion process as it currently is implemented in Oklahoma to keep a gambling addict from gambling is probably giving yourself a false sense of security..
Other Self-Exclusion Programs Global Cash Access is a provider of cash access products, (i.e. ATM machines, credit advance systems), to the gaming industry in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. GCA has implemented a program called STEP (Self Transaction Exclusion Program). STEP provides a method for gaming patrons to exclude themselves from obtaining funds from any Global Cash Access ATM or Cash Advance terminal. GCA also provides a program that allows the participant to set "daily limits" that will allow GCA to disallow requests for funds over the preset daily limit stated by the participant. These programs require that forms be filled out and mailed to their offices. Details regarding these programs can be found by following the links below: GCA's STEP program www.globalcashaccess.com/flashsite/home.html GCA's Daily Limit program:www.globalcashaccess.com/daily_limit.html
Copyright 2007 All material remains the property of the author |