When gamblers and punters based in New York feel like they’ve lost control over their spending, they can turn to self-exclusion.
Self-exclusion refers to the process of restricting your access to any gambling-related services and materials.
This step can be temporary or permanent. It’s also among the methods for dealing with your gambling problem.
New York residents don’t have access to online gambling for real money. Yet, they have land-based casinos and Sweepstakes Casinos where they can spend money on the activity.
That’s why our team has created this guide to self-exclusion from gambling and betting facilities in New York.
This page is the place to be when you feel like you want to use this or another responsible gambling tool.
We cover the self-exclusion process in detail and provide information on where to get more support if you need it.
Let’s start!
What Is Self-Exclusion At A Casino?
Self-exclusion is a step you can take to ban yourself from gambling for real money. In New York, self-exclusion can last one, three, or five years or for a lifetime.
When you add your name to the New York self-exclusion list, your access to all regulated gaming within the state ends.
Once self-excluded, you won’t be able to participate in sports betting, casino action, video lottery, lottery draws, and even instant win games.
Fantasy sports, QuickDraws, horse racing, pari-mutuel wagering and even charitable gaming will all become out of reach.
You won’t be able to download any New York gambling and betting mobile apps, and operators will stop sending you promotional materials.
When you self-exclude, you break up with gambling and cut all ties with it.
Please note that the New York state list doesn’t cover Sweepstakes Casinos accepting New Yorkers.
If you want to self-restrict from such operators, you must contact them separately one by one.
Responsible Gambling Steps To Take Before Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is the most serious action you can take when it comes to gambling.
If you want to feel more in control but don’t believe you have a serious problem, there are alternatives to consider.
These steps and tools exist to keep you in check without taking away your hobby from you.
Check them out below.
Reality Check and Self-Assessment
These two represent the same thing and often come in the form of a list of questions.
You should respond to the questions honestly and then calculate your score to see if you’re having a gambling problem.
Based on your score, you will also receive recommendations for your next steps, such as going to therapy or self-excluding.
Limits
Limits are responsible gambling tools that give you the freedom to prevent your future self from losing control. You can expect the following limit types:
- Deposit Limit – Set an amount of money you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Time Limit – Set a limit of time you can spend playing daily, weekly or monthly.
- Other Limits – Set bet limits or loss limits to avoid going overboard.
Cool-Off
Coll-off is the last step you can take before self-excluding. This tool gives you the chance to take a break from gambling and betting for a few months only.
Who Controls The New York Self-Exclusion List
The New York State Gaming Commission controls the state’s self-exclusion list.
This regulatory body started operating in February 2013. It oversees all legal gambling, betting, and racing activities in the Empire State.
Seven members comprise The New York State Gaming Commission, with Brian O’Dwyer acting as the Chair.
The Commission gives New Yorkers the chance to self-exclude for one, three, or five years. The final option is to request a lifetime ban that can’t be removed.
It’s useful to note that New York’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion form is available in several other languages besides English, including Spanish and Chinese.
How To Ban Yourself From Gambling In New York
To ban yourself from gambling in New York, you must follow the steps required by the state’s Gaming Commission.
Remember, all legal gaming activities fall under the self-exclusion. You won’t be able to play casino games, bet on sports, bet on racing, participate in the lottery, and do a few other activities.
However, the ban doesn’t cover Sweepstakes Casinos, which we will cover in the last subsection.
Prepare the Documentation
The first step to self-exclusion in New York is preparing the necessary documentation.
You need a notarized self-exclusion form filled out with accurate information. Remember to include a recent photograph.
Submit the Form
Once you have the two items, you can submit them at any licensed gaming facility in New York. Each has a designated problem gambling area.
Your other option is to submit them via US mail to the Gaming Commission’s headquarters.
Finally, you can drop them off in person at the same Commission’s headquarters in Schenectady.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
Brick-and-mortar casinos follow the self-exclusion procedure explained above.
Those of you who play casino-style games on New York Sweepstakes Casinos have a different road to follow.
These independent operators don’t hold licenses from state authorities, so they don’t have access to New York’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion List.
Instead, every Social Casino has an individual list, and you need to contact the support team to appear on it.
From what we’ve seen, sending an email is enough. There’s no automatic self-exclusion you can complete from your profile.
How To Remove Yourself From The Self-Exclusion List In New York
New York is one of the states with relaxed self-exclusion rules regarding what happens after the period expires.
In other states, you must reach out to the regulatory body and prove to them that you’re in control of your gambling habits.
In New York, you must submit another notarized Voluntary Self-Exclusion form within 30 days to stay on the list.
If you don’t do that, your name will automatically be removed from it. You can freely visit land-based casinos or create online sports betting accounts once that happens.
In conclusion, you don’t need to take any action other than wait for the self-exclusion period to expire.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
Just like in the situation with self-exclusion, you must remove yourself from every Sweepstakes Casino self-exclusion list individually.
The first step is to wait for your restricted period to expire and then to contact support.
In most cases, your account should be unblocked right after a quick chat with the Responsible Gambling agent on the platform.
Who To Contact In New York If You Have A Gambling Problem
New Yorkers aren’t alone in their gambling-related struggles!
Our Insider Gaming team has created a useful list of all the organizations and authorities that give you fast access to support.
Be it 24/7 hotlines, educational materials, or free counseling; these options are experts in dealing with gambling harm.
- New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports
The New York OASAS runs the OASAS HOPEline 24/7 and helps people understand problem gambling. It also offers insights into recognizing problem gambling and steps one can take to reduce risks. We want to highlight that OASAS has real-time interpreter services, so it can help New Yorkers in 170+ languages.
- New York Council on Problem Gambling
Those looking for independent support can contact the New York Council on Problem Gambling. The organization works to raise public awareness of problem gambling and educate everyone on how to play safely. The site offers guidance to parents and information about Problem Gambling Resource Centers. It also refers problem gamblers to the state’s dedicated hotline.
- National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling offers New Yorkers various resources, including clear instructions on where to get help within the state. It is also responsible for the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which operates 24/7 and can be reached via phone, SMS, or live chat.