Gambling should be all about entertainment.
Sometimes, things get out of control. What was once considered having a good time can become a problem.
This point is when self-exclusion becomes relevant, and we’ll use this guide to analyze your self-exclusion options at Pelican State.
You’ll learn how to join a specially designed program that allows you to ban your activities in land-based casinos and online sportsbooks.
Online casinos are illegal in Louisiana, so there’s no program covering internet gambling yet.
You’ll discover the available responsible gambling tools and features typically used before opting for self-exclusion.
It’s best to act fast before things escalate and start developing healthy practices that prevent problem gambling.
Our guide is written suitably for all categories of players – from newbies to seasoned ones.
We invite you to learn more about Louisiana’s best problem gambling resources, features, and tools.
You can do it!
What Is Self-Exclusion At A Casino?
Self-exclusion at sweepstakes casinos, casinos, and sportsbooks is a tool to fight problem gambling. Remember that this is the ultimate tool you have when things go south.
Thanks to self-exclusion, players can ban themselves from any form of betting and gambling in Louisiana.
Once your name appears in the self-exclusion register, you won’t be able to sign up at these sites, log in to your accounts, and wager money.
You’ll also be banned from downloading mobile apps, but that’s not all.
Self-excluded players don’t get any marketing materials on their emails, phones, or physical addresses. You’ll instantly get rid of any bonus offers, promotions, deals, and newsletters.
Experts agree that this is the most efficient tool to stop gambling temporarily or forever.
If your gambling harms your daily life and other tools fail, consider self-exclusion.
Responsible Gambling Steps To Take Before Self-Exclusion
Louisiana players have many ways to control their gambling before self-excluding.
That’s why we recommend checking these features before banning yourself from gambling activities altogether.
You can learn about the most common responsible gambling tools and features below.
Reality Checks
Spending too much time on these activities can create a psychological addiction.
Thanks to reality checks, you can test yourself and your habits to discover if you have a problem that needs your attention.
Time Limits
You can also use time limits to prevent you from playing more than you’ve planned daily, weekly, or monthly.
Deposit Limits
With the help of deposit limits, you can choose how much money you want to deposit in your online betting account over a certain period (day, week, or month).
Loss Limits
Loss limits are here to prevent chasing losses. This tool lets you set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit you can afford to lose.
Once you reach it, you won’t be able to play anymore.
Cool-Off Periods
Cool-off periods work like self-exclusion, but they’re usually tied to a single sweepstakes casino or betting site.
They last no more than six months, and you can set a period during which you won’t be able to use the site.
Who Controls The Louisiana Self-Exclusion List
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is in charge of the self-exclusion list.
Founded in 1996, this control board works with the Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division to ensure the self-exclusion list is respected.
The LGCB controls online betting sites, land-based betting shops, and casinos. Online gambling is illegal in the Pelican State.
There are nine board members involved in these activities.
One of LGCB’s main objectives is to ensure the integrity of individual gaming activities. Getting the opportunity for self-exclusion is definitely part of this goal.
How To Ban Yourself From Gambling In Louisiana
The authorities have made it easy to exclude yourself from gambling activities in Louisiana.
Still, there’s a procedure that you must follow to achieve this goal.
Here are the steps you must take to ban yourself from gambling in this state.
Visit the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Website
Open the official Louisiana Gaming Control Board site. Then, go to the Problem Gambling and Voluntary Exclusion sections.
Download and Fill Out the Self-Exclusion Request Form
There are two PDF files on the page.
One contains self-exclusion instructions, while the other is a self-exclusion form. Download, print, and fill out the form.
You’ll be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, and other personal information.
Visit a Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division location
You must appear in person at a Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division location.
There, you will sign the forms in the presence of a Division Agent.
Processing and Confirmation
You will be placed on the self-exclusion list upon receipt and acceptance of the request and submission of all required information and documentation.
You’ll be informed of the change on time.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
The self-exclusion program in Louisiana can help you with all operators within the state borders.
You can stop yourself from using all casinos, online sportsbooks, and licensed betting shops with a single action.
Once you are added to the self-exclusion list, licensed facilities of this kind will prevent you from using their services.
Please note that Louisiana Sweepstakes Casinos tend to have individual self-exclusion tools and lists.
If you want to ban yourself from them, you’ll have to send requests to customer care or any provided email address.
How To Remove Yourself From The Self-Exclusion List In Louisiana
Just because you are added to the self-exclusion list in Louisiana doesn’t mean you won’t be able to wager real money again.
There are some steps you must take to remove yourself from the list.
Check Eligibility
Self-exclusion in Louisiana lasts for five years. However, you will remain on this list unless you specifically request to be removed after this period.
Submit a Written Request to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board
Once five years have passed, you should submit a written request to the LGCB to have your name removed.
The request should be in writing, and the reason for the request should be stated.
Also, obtain a written recommendation from a qualified mental health professional before submitting the form to a hearing officer.
Processing and Confirmation
The hearing officer should determine that there is no longer a reason to keep you on the list.
If the hearing officer approves your request, you will be removed, and the board will notify the casino and betting operators of the change.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
The LGCB regulates all gaming activities in Louisiana. Everything we discussed in this guide about physical casinos can be applied to online casinos.
Still, it’s worth noting that online casinos are illegal in this state.
Sweepstakes Casinos are available. Even though they don’t use real money or offer real money gambling, they can cause issues like problem gambling.
Since we mentioned that they have individual self-exclusion lists, you should contact them to be removed from there.
The exact process differs. In most cases, contacting support after your self-exclusion period expires is enough.
Who To Contact In Louisiana If You Have A Gambling Problem
It’s important to remember that whenever you are facing gambling problems, you are not alone.
Many organizations operating in Louisiana can help you with this serious issue.
Louisiana Gaming Control Board
The LGCB takes care of the self-exclusion list. This board provides information about self-exclusion and responsible gambling practices.
Phone: 225-925-1846 or 10888-295-8450
Email: [email protected]
The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline
The Louisiana Department of Health manages the helpline and is available 24/7. Its services are provided to LA residents for free.
Phone (Call or Text): 1(877)770-STOP(7867)
Center of Recovery (CORE)
Founded in 1999, The Center of Recovery CORE treats Louisiana residents with gambling issues.
Phone: +13184244357
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a national group. It arranges in-person, phone, and online support meetings for compulsive gamblers.
Phone: (213) 386-8789.