Voluntary Self-Exclusion
Individuals who recognize they may have a gambling problem may self-exclude from all gaming opportunities available in New York State.
New York State’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion regulation applies to all legal gaming in New York State, including sports wagering, commercial casinos, video lottery games, traditional lottery draw and instant games, QuickDraw, interactive fantasy sports, horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, and charitable gaming. § 5402.1
The Commission’s voluntary self-exclusion form is available at every licensed gaming facility. Anyone who wishes to self-exclude must complete the form and submit a recent photograph via one of the following methods:
- At any licensed gaming facility’s designated problem gambling intake area
- Via U.S. mail to the Commission’s headquarters in Schenectady – Form must be notarized.
- At the Commission’s headquarters in Schenectady during normal business hours
Individuals seeking to self-exclude may select from the following durations:
- One year
- Three year
- Five years
- Lifetime
Individuals may renew their self-exclusion at the conclusion of a duration.
Self-excluded individuals are advised that they could be subject to arrest for trespassing if they are found on the grounds of a licensed facility during their selected duration.
Any winnings obtained via any type of gaming made by a self-excluded individual during the selected duration will be forfeited to the Commission. § 5402.2
The Commission maintains the self-exclusion database and ensures it is updated and sent to all regulated entities within five days of a new submission. Gaming operators and their employees treat such information as confidential. § 5402.3
Finding a Notary Public
The New York Council on Problem Gambling offers complimentary electronic notary services: Email [email protected] or call 518-903-0217 to learn more.
Most banks and other financial institutions offer free Notary services.
Gaming Operators
- Gaming operators must have procedures on how to identify and interact with a self-excluded individual, including denying wagers, entry fees, credit and check-cashing privileges, players club memberships, “comps,” etc.
- Each operator must also ensure that self-excluded individuals do not receive marketing or targeted advertising materials.
- Interactive gaming operators must not accept any new deposits from self-excluded individuals.
- Each operator must designate staff to act as responsible gaming ambassadors to assist in the development and maintenance of the self-exclusion list. § 5402.4.
Removal from Self-Exclusion List
When a one-, three-, or five-year self-exclusion term ends, the impacted individual will be removed from the list unless they request in writing to extend their term within 30 days. § 5402.5.