Gambling addictions and issues can affect anyone, and self-exclusion can be a useful tool for people seeking a legal recourse to help them get their gambling under control.
As more forms of betting have been legalized in the state and online gambling has become more ubiquitous, gambling issues are now more common than ever in Ohio.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, the information on this page regarding self-exclusion may be helpful.
Keep reading to learn more about what self-exclusion from casinos means, how you can get yourself excluded from casinos and betting facilities in Ohio, and how you can remove yourself from the program.
The process for self-exclusion isn’t the same for land-based and online casinos, so we’ll go over the differences below.
We will also provide a list of resources available in Ohio for anyone seeking help and advice to control their gambling.
What Is Self-Exclusion At A Casino?
If gambling has stopped being a fun activity and turned into a way to chase a rush, to make money, or to escape your problems, you may be dealing with a gambling addiction.
Self-exclusion is a tool for individuals dealing with problem gambling to restrict their own ability to engage in any gambling activity. In Ohio, it’s known as the Time Out program.
If you opt for self-exclusion, you are essentially banning yourself from entering or using the services of any casino, racino, or sports gaming provider in Ohio.
When you sign up for self-exclusion, you can choose to ban yourself for 1 year, 5 years, or a lifetime.
If you’re discovered at a banned facility while on the self-exclusion list, you’ll be required to surrender any winnings, be removed from the property, and may be charged with criminal trespassing.
Keep in mind that the ban may also affect your ability to gamble outside the state and even in other countries.
Responsible Gambling Steps To Take Before Self-Exclusion
Because self-exclusion is a legally binding agreement, it’s not a step you should take lightly.
If you’re worried that your gambling habits are having a negative impact on your life, work, personal relationships, or finances, but you aren’t ready to ban yourself from the state’s casinos, there are other steps you can take first.
One of the most important things you can do is to set limits for yourself and stick to them.
Whether you limit the amount of time or money you can spend on gambling, or control when and where you allow yourself to place a few bets, setting limits is essential.
If you feel like you need external help in controlling your impulses, you can install software like Gamban on your devices to block access to gambling apps and websites worldwide.
In a partnership with Time Out, you can currently get a 1-year subscription of Gamban for free.
You can also set limits on specific apps and websites to control the time and money you spend on them.
Who Controls The Ohio Self-Exclusion List
The self-exclusion list in Ohio is administered by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery Commission.
The Casino Control is a government entity tasked with licensing and regulating all gambling activities and providers in the state, and enforcing state laws.
Public service campaigns and programs to curtail problem gambling have also received public support from government officials.
How Do You Ban Yourself From Gambling In Ohio
The first step you should take to ban yourself from gambling is visit the TimeOutOhio.com website.
The site has multiple resources and detailed information about adding your name to the state’s self-exclusion list.
You can also visit the Casino Control Commission offices in downtown Columbus or at any land-based casino to enroll in person.
You must then fill out and submit your application for self-exclusion, and verify your identity by showing government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and taking a photograph of yourself.
You may also have to answer a few questions to ensure you’re entering the program voluntarily.
It’s important to clarify that you can’t put anyone else’s name on Ohio’s self-exclusion list but your own.
So if you’re worried about someone you know, you can provide them with resources and information but you cannot enroll them in the program on their behalf.
Opting into the Time Out Ohio Program is a very personal choice and must be made by the individual choosing to exclude themselves from gambling.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
To restrict land-based casinos and providers from sending you any marketing material or facilitating credits for gambling, you will need to contact the specific operators directly.
To ban yourself from any online providers, including sportsbooks and social and sweepstakes casinos, you will need to set these limits directly with each provider.
Whether you’re using an app or a website, you can go into your settings to limit the amount of time or money you can spend, or to ban yourself completely from the service.
How To Remove Yourself From The Self-Exclusion List In Ohio
If you chose a 1 year or 5 year ban with the Time Out Ohio program, you must request removal from the list in order for your ban to end.
Otherwise, your name will remain on the list even after the selected period of time is over.
You cannot remove yourself from the list before the chosen time period has elapsed.
If you chose a lifetime ban, you must wait at least 5 years before requesting removal.
After submitting your application for removal, you must wait to be notified of its approval before you can legally enter a facility without violating the terms of the self-exclusion program.
You can submit your application for withdrawal from the program online, in person at a casino or racino, or directly with the Casino Control Commission.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
If you asked a casino or racino to exclude you from their mailing lists or other services and want to be put back on their list, you will have to ask them directly to reinstate you.
If you limited or restricted yourself from specific apps or websites, you will also have to change the settings yourself directly through their portals.
Keep in mind that every online provider will have its own rules and conditions for removing said limits, and removing them might not be instantaneous.
Before you remove yourself from any of these lists, or lift any of these self-imposed bans, make sure it’s the right decision for you and that you’re ready to have access to these services again.
Removing yourself from the self-exclusion program is as big a decision as getting on it, so make sure you think it through and discuss it with your loved ones.
If you change your mind afterwards, you can always re-enroll in the self-exclusion program.
Who To Contact In Ohio If You Have A Gambling Problem
For help and resources with problem gambling and gambling addictions, visit Time Out Ohio, where you can find a list of treatment agencies throughout the state.
To speak with a specialist, call or start a live chat with the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.
You can also visit sites like Change the Game and Keep It Fun Ohio, which have multiple resources to help individuals self-diagnose and treat gambling issues.
There are also several peer-support groups available in the state, like Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, GamTalk, and others.
Peer-support groups work like 12-step programs with counseling and accountability at the center of the road to recovery.
Please check what meetings are happening in your area directly through their websites.