Problem gambling is a real and very serious thing. So, in this guide, we’ll discuss the self-exclusion solutions available in the Hawkeye State.
With our help, you will learn how to enroll in a specialized program that lets you ban yourself from casinos and gambling facilities in Iowa.
Additionally, we will introduce you to some other responsible gambling tools and features that you may consider before self-excluding.
It’s always better to learn how to identify a problem than wait for it to develop and look for remedies afterwards.
We wrote this detailed guide to help you avoid any possible problem gambling issues.
We promise you that it’s easy to understand even if you’re a beginner in this field.
Our Insider Gaming team helps you develop a system for safe gambling and handling bad habits.
Stay with us to discover the best problem gambling resources and tools for Iowa players.
Let’s do this together!
What Is Self-Exclusion At A Casino?
Thanks to self-exclusion, every player can ban themselves from visiting casinos and getting involved in gambling activities in Iowa.
Adding yourself to the state’s self-exclusion list will prevent you from further registrations, signing in to your existing accounts, and/or playing any casino games.
You won’t be able to download a mobile casino app either.
Being on a self-exclusion list also means that casinos won’t send promos, deals, newsletters, or other marketing materials to your mail, phone, or anywhere else.
You’ll discover that self-exclusion is a way to end or pause your gambling activities whenever you realize they cause problems in your everyday life.
Let’s not forget that the primary objective of gambling is to provide entertainment.
You should not look at this activity as a means of making money or escaping your life issues.
If playing casino games starts feeling like anything other than entertainment, that’s a red flag for you!
Responsible Gambling Steps To Take Before Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is the ultimate option you have whenever you notice that you are struggling with your gambling habits.
We remind you that you can consider a few other tools before utilizing this one.
Reality Checks
The reality checks will remind you how much time you’ve spent on the casino site. You must choose a specific period (30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) for the reminder.
Time Limits
Another option is to set time limits (daily, weekly, or monthly). With their help, you’ll prevent yourself from spending too much time playing online casino games.
Bet Limits
One of the best ways to manage your budget is to set a bet limit. If you suspect you’re spending too much money on this activity, this tool is a great solution.
Deposit Limits
Take time to set a proper budget and choose an amount of money to top up your casino account daily, weekly, or monthly.
This way, you won’t be able to deposit more than you have initially intended, no matter how tempted you feel.
Loss Limits
One way to prevent chasing losses is to set loss limits. Simply determine how much money you can lose in a single session. The loss limit will stop you from spending more money.
Cool-Off Periods
Taking a short break from gambling is a good idea when you notice that something with your behavior is not right.
This moment is where activating a cool-off period comes into play. Enabling the tool will make it impossible for you to visit the online casino (or all Iowa online casinos) for the specified period.
Who Controls The Iowa Self-Exclusion List
The self-exclusion list in the Hawkeye State is under the direct control of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
This commission was established in 1983 and, back then, was focused on land-based gambling activities.
These days, it also monitors and regulates online gambling and betting activities.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission includes five members appointed by the governor.
This authority is on a mission to enforce laws and rules promoting responsible gambling practices. The Iowa self-exclusion list is part of this mission.
How To Ban Yourself From Gambling In Iowa
Making a few simple steps is all you need to ban yourself from gambling in Iowa. Here’s what the self-exclusion process looks like:
Visit the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Website
Go to the official Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission website and visit the section dedicated to self-exclusion.
Download and Fill Out Self-Exclusion Enrollment Form
You can download the form on the website. Print the form and type in the requested information, including your personal information and the term you’re enrolling (5 years or lifetime).
Additionally, you’ll need a copy of your state ID, driver’s license, or passport.
Remember NOT to sign the form because you must do that in front of the Notary.
Take the Form to a Notary Public and Submit It by Mail
Once you finish the enrollment form, take it to a notary public, sign it in the Notary’s presence, and mail it to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Remember that you can enroll in person at the IRGC by appointment, at a licensed gambling facility, or at an Iowa Gambling Treatment Provider Agency.
Processing and Confirmation
Once you complete the steps, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will process the form.
You’ll receive a confirmation when the process is finished, and your name is added to the list.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
The self-exclusion program in Iowa lets you ban yourself from all casino, sports wagering, racetrack, and fantasy sports operators licensed by the state.
It covers both land-based and Internet-based destinations.
No licensed casino will accept you as a player or a visitor once your name appears on the list.
Specific facilities may exclude you from all their locations, even those outside Iowa.
We must highlight that Iowa Sweepstakes Casinos have individual self-restriction forms, so you need to follow their procedures to self-exclude there.
How To Remove Yourself From The Self-Exclusion List In Iowa
It’s possible to remove yourself from the self-exclusion list in Iowa. To do that, you must complete the following steps:
Check Eligibility
This option is available only to players who have chosen a 5-year self-exclusion period and only after this period has passed.
Visit the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Website
Go to the official site of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to download the voluntary self-exclusion revocation form.
Removal Request Form
Complete all required fields in sections two and three and sign the form.
Submit Form
If you’re using an online submission, click the “Submit and sign” on the form, create your signature page, and apply your signature. Finally, click “Finalize and submit.”
The other option is a mail-in submission, which requires printing the form, signing it, and mailing it to IRGC’s address.
Processing and Confirmation
The IRGC may take up to ten business days to process your request and approve your removal. You’ll be notified about this via mail or email.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission doesn’t distinguish between self-excluded online casino players and land-based casino players.
You’ll go through the same process regardless of your gambling preferences.
When the commission removes your name from the list, you’ll get instant access to all licensed gambling facilities in the state.
Once again, Sweepstakes Casinos are a different story.
To end your self-exclusion, you must contact each operator individually and follow the process imposed by the casino.
Who To Contact In Iowa If You Have A Gambling Problem
If you’re struggling with your online gambling habits, you can get in touch with several organizations and agencies in Iowa focused on helping people with gambling problems.
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
The IRGC manages the self-exclusion list. This commission shares information and provides help during the self-exclusion process, including the revocation process.
Phone: (515) 281-7352
Email: [email protected]
- Your Life Iowa
Funded by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Your Life Iowa is here to help you get information about problem gambling, connect to a treatment professional, or talk to someone who cares.
Phone: (855) 581-8111
- National Council on Problem Gambling
With the help of the National Council on Problem Gambling, you get access to a wide range of resources, including a National Problem Gambling Helpline and a gambling behavior self-assessment.
Phone: (800) 522-4700
- Gambler’s Anonymous
Gambler’s Anonymous is another organization that organizes in-person, phone, and virtual support meetings and provides other services to compulsive gamblers.
Phone: (213) 386-8789
- GamTalk
GamTalk is a supportive community that provides online chat support, treatments, and other tools that can help people deal with problem gambling.