The reader understands that the information here is subject to changes and this program's effectiveness has not been demonstrated
Gambling addiction is a complex psychological, behavior, neurological, emotional, and maybe spiritual problem. When conceptualizing treatment I think that there are internal changes and external changes. Often the external changes are necessary but insufficient. What I mean by this is that external changes are only part of this solution, they are important and helpful but the change must be deeper as well. Often patient's focus on these kinds of solutions and do not make the needed internal or deeper changes until they later realize that external changes are helpful but not enough. I like to think of a person dieting.. not bringing the pint of ice cream home will be helpful, but its not going to stop them from overeating, it often just means a change to work around the restriction.
Examples of external controls include strict money management by another person, often this 'turning over your finances' to a spouse or partner can be helpful but sometimes it causes additional problems. I hope in the near future to add in more details about external controls such as money management. But at this time I would like to discuss the State of California Self Exclusion program.
The first thing you have to know is that this program is growing and developing. It is still limited, it can not possibly stop someone from entering the card club and gambling because there are too many people in there and it would be too difficult for the security to memorize every person on the list and spot them immediately.
Next you need to know that the State of California program is only for the California Card Clubs and not the Tribal Casinos. I will be adding in a separate section on this soon.
I also want you to know that if you tried this program in the past and did not find it to be effective you might want to re-enroll in it as it has been upgraded somewhat recently.
Next, you should know that the big issue is that you forfeit your right to cash in wins. This is a rather big deterrent for many people, knowing that if they win they will potentially have their winnings revoked.
The issue of duration is a very difficult one and complex, but for my patients who are seriously gambling addicted, I feel that lifetime is the only option. This disorder typically does not go away or improve with time passing or staying away from gambling for a while; in fact the opposite is true: it usually gets worse over time. Thinking that in a year or two you will be able to gamble safely is often wishful thinking!!!
Have you used this program? Has it worked or failed for you? I would like to hear from you on this issue, please email me your experience.
updated May 3, 2016 new link has been added
Click HERE for the State of California Online Self Exclusion Site ONLINE FORM
The program has undergone a major upgrade in 2016 and up to date information is available from the above link, please contact me immediately if this link is not working, thank you!
Self-Exclusion Program
In accordance with State of California regulations, the Bureau administers a confidential list of Self-Excluded patrons. Self-Excluded patrons are banned from all licensed gambling establishments in the State of California. A licensed gambling establishment does not include Tribal Casino’s. Self-Excluded patrons are prohibited from collecting any winnings or recovering any losses for the term specified on their form, which can be 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime.
Please be advised that all Self-Exclusion terms are irrevocable.
What happens after the form is completed and processed? The Bureau will send a confirmation letter to the patron notifying them that their form has been accepted and that they have been added to the Self-Exclusion list. If a patron chooses the 1 or 5 year term, the Bureau will also notify the patron of the term expiration prior to the expiration date.
If an active Self-Exclusion patron enters a gambling establishment for any reason, the establishment is required to remove the patron from the premises and notify the Bureau of the incident. If a patron is playing in a gambling establishment, their winning or losses are confiscated and sent to the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Office of Problem Gambling.
The Bureau also notifies gambling establishments each time a patron is added to the Self-Exclusion list. The notification includes the patrons name, photo, date of birth, exclusion term, and any other personal descriptor information submitted on the Self-Exclusion form.
Also in accordance with regulations, Licensees are required to administer a Self-Restriction Program. Self-Restriction is an irrevocable, voluntary agreement to have restricted access to specific gambling establishments, or to the issuance of credit, check cashing, or marketing, from a particular licensed cardroom. The cardroom may voluntarily use the California Gambling Control Commission’s form or they may create their own. Self-Restriction periods are dictated by individual cardrooms and can vary from 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, or lifetime. All Self-Restriction forms are kept and maintained within individual cardrooms.
