As the slogan goes, ‘When the fun stops, stop.’
It’s all well and good going on a winning streak, but when times hit hard and the losses rack up, it’s almost always a good idea to step back and take part in a little self-exclusion from gambling.
It doesn’t matter if you’re participating in brick-and-mortar gambling or if you’re using an application as a gateway to a social casino, edging into a sense of addiction is possible anywhere.
With that in mind, I’ve assembled a guide to help you understand self-exclusion from land-based and online gambling in Indiana.
If you want to take a step in the sensible direction and ban yourself from a casino, this is how you can accomplish that goal and gain a little head space.
What is Self-Exclusion at a Casino?
Self-exclusion is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a function or mechanic that locks you out of a specific casino, application, or website, blocking you from gambling.
If you’re pushing into a realm that sees you struggling with gambling, it’s often the most surefire way to regain a sense of control.
Almost every one of the best gambling sites in Indiana offers a self-exclusion mechanic, but in some cases, you’ll need to source an alternate solution.
Self-exclusion often goes beyond simply blocking you from gaming, though.
It should restrict a casino from issuing you any offers or marketing material, and in the toughest of cases, self-exclusion from gambling will prevent you from downloading apps in the first place.
If you gamble in person at casinos, self-exclusion will voluntarily bar you from accessing these establishments.
In Indiana, self-exclusion will help you with both online and in-person gambling issues.
For many, it’s the first step on the road to recovery, and it has been proven to be an effective one.
Responsible Gambling Steps to Take Before Self-Exclusion
If you’re gambling in Indiana and find yourself becoming addicted or gaming irresponsibly, there are a few things you can do before you lock yourself out with self-exclusion tactics.
Let’s say you’re finding yourself struggling with gambling apps.
Most applications will offer daily, weekly, or monthly betting caps that you can set up in a matter of seconds. There will also be limits that you can impose on deposits and withdrawals.
If you’re finding that you’re pulling too many funds from your debit or credit card into a gambling app, you can set limits there, too.
Alternatively, you can apply for a reloadable debit card that only has a certain amount of money on it at one time.
Mobile providers, app developers, and network operators should all have a function somewhere that allows you to set a limit on how long you can spend in a particular application – and that includes gambling apps.
If you’re spending hours a day on gambling apps, setting a restriction that shuts off access after a certain amount of time is a great and simple step towards self-exclusion.
Indiana’s Gaming Commission takes self-exclusion seriously and has guides on how to deal with gambling addiction in the state.
Who Controls The Indiana Self-Exclusion List?
In Indiana, the voluntary exclusion program, which is the name for the self-exclusion list, is controlled by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC).
This is the centralised governing body for gaming in the state, and since 2003, it has maintained and managed the self-exclusion processes and procedures in the region.
It offers the Internet Self Restriction Program and the Voluntary Exclusion Program, which is for brick-and-mortar casinos.
How to Ban Yourself From Gambling in Indiana
If you want to take part in self-exclusion practices in Indiana, you can start by following any voluntary exclusion procedures on the applications or platforms that you’re addicted to or struggling with.
These instructions will differ from site to site.
If you’d rather go the central route and issue yourself a blanket gambling ban in Indiana, you can lean on the Indiana Gaming Commission.
For the Voluntary Exclusion Program and the Internet Self-Restriction Program, you’ll need to start by accessing the IGC Exclusions site:
- Select from the two options: Internet or In-Person
- Complete the ISRP or VRP form, selecting a period you want to be excluded from gambling (the minimum is one year)
- Verify your identity and complete the survey-style questions
Online Casinos vs. Physical Casinos
If you’re trying to self-exclude from online casinos in Indiana, you’ll either rely on the functions built into the applications themselves or you’ll want to complete the Internet Self-Restriction Program application process.
It’s harder to self-exclude from online casinos as they’re so accessible, so filling out the form is only the start. From there, you’ll need to use your device’s functions to restrict access to apps, apply limits, and block spending.
The ‘ISRP’ will let operators know that you’re self-excluding, preventing them from marketing any gambling practices to you and cancelling any open wagers you might hold.
But what about physical casinos?
It’s somewhat simpler to self-exclude from physical casinos in Indiana.
The Voluntary Exclusion Program that the Indiana Gaming Commission has run since 2003 allows users to lock themselves out of brick-and-mortar casinos across the state.
It’s a single form, and once completed, you’ll be barred from entering casinos in Indiana.
In the most extreme cases, you could be arrested for trespassing if you enter an Indiana casino while under the VRP.
Like with the ISRP, you’ll also be blocked from marketing lists and promotions.
Who to Contact in Indiana if You Have a Gambling Problem
Admitting that you have a problem is the first step.
If you’re suffering from a gambling addiction in Indiana, there are plenty of support functions available to you.
It all starts with the Indiana Gaming Commission, the regulatory body that issues and manages the state-wide self-exclusion programs.
The ‘Indiana Gaming Hotline’ has resources that you can use to self-serve and help yourself before things go any further.
Otherwise, those struggling with gambling in Indiana can use various centres and agencies to seek help.
For instance, the ‘Counseling for Change’ body in Evansville is highly reviewed by visitors, as is the Radiant Health facility in Marion.
If you’re struggling to find a self-exclusion solution in Indiana to suit you, then you can try calling 1-800-9-WITH-IT to find a provider that can work with your budget and your schedule.
One of the most popular solutions across the country, and indeed in Indiana, is Gamblers Anonymous.
This organisation relies on the traditional 12-step recovery program that has proved successful in treating all kinds of addictions.