Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others rather...

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reemo34 04/08/2015

So I see a lot of people proposing others to self ban themselves from the casino. And I know you mean well. I can't speak on any casino eexcept for the one I frequent, but from my experience self banning is a joke. I self banned myself about 2 years ago. For about 6 months I didn't go because I truly thought that it would be enforced, and I did not want to risk jail, or having my money taken while playing. After that period, I thought hey ley me take a chance. I went once. I won a nice bit of money I thought. I then decided to go again a few days later. Long story short, I have probably been to the casino 100 times since I self banned myself, and not ONE SINGLE TIME has anyone as much as looked at me sideways. I have won enough that i was required to show id. Even after putting my id through the system no one ever said anything. And you know they didn't care when I lost. I actually wondered did I have a case if I tried to sue them. I mean they advertise the self ban and give you all these warnings, yet they do nothing to enforce it. So my experience with it has been horrible. Not trying to discourage anyone from doing it, but you must realize that it takes more than that to quit! My prayers are with everyone fighting this addiction! It's a horrible thing!

highlimit 04/08/2015

This doesn't surprise me. The casino doesn't care where the money comes from as long as it ends up in their pocket. There are many barriers a casino could put in place to force their patrons to gamble responsibly. If they ever took that step, they'd go out of business. Just as a bar is obligated to cut off a customer who is dangerously drunk, a casino should share the same obligation to a customer who has asked to be excluded from the facility or is exhibiting signs of gambling beyond their means.

I can't tell you how many times I took cash advances on my ATM card until I had nothing left in my account then returned 2 or 3 times to take cash advances on a credit card. I know and accept we are all responsible for our own actions but you'd think the casino would be held accountable for not only allowing, but encouraging such irresponsible behavior. Since a portion of that money lines the pockets of the state I doubt we'll ever see that happen.

dardi 04/08/2015

I agree!

Qwit4Good 04/09/2015

Somehow, that does not surprise me either. For me, most of the video poker and slots I played were in bars and delicatessens with machines all over town and all over the state. All sanctioned by the state. Self banning would be a monumental task. Since there are literally 100s if not thousands of machines in a ten mile radius for me, I had to use a different strategy.
Having a loving nonjudgmental support group, having a list of folks to call when I have an urge, having other hobbies, making play dates with friends, volunteering, exercising, drawing, artwork, and counseling have all helped give me the strength to quit. It was not easy, especially the first 90 days, but life is so much better than the hell I was living while in the throes of gambling.

reemo34 04/09/2015

Thanks for your feedback everyone! It is definitely sad that self banning isn't taken seriously by casinos, but like you said they only want your money. The foulness of that is just more reason that we must try our damnest to quit supporting the casino business. Today is Day 8 GF for me, and I hope to have many more!

JohnnyZ36 04/09/2015

agree with you 100% friend . does seem like the self bans are abitof a joke at probably most casinos. i know the indian casino near me dont seem to care much ... unless you win a jackpot... then they will refuse to pay you! happened to someone i know . i also believe you can just go and unban yourself anyway. in my 1000s of hrs of casino play i have never once seen security make someone leave cause they banned themselves. the majority of the casino' s money comes from addicted gamblers.. so im sure enforcing the self ban is not a high priority .. if a priority at all. i would not discourage someone from self ban if they believe it will help them. you will definitelly need to have a few other pre cautions in place though . no access to money is probably most important. lets stay strong and not donate anymore to these manipulative evil establisments. best wishes everyone. sincerely. johnny.

jayd03 04/09/2015

For what it's worth, I believe that every casino and every jurisdiction is a bit different, so the experience you had sucks, but others may find it to be a different one.
Also, when trying to arrest gambling, it helps to use any and all tools that are available. For some, the process of self banning may offer another level of self awareness that helps people get past the initial tough days and weeks.
So, if you think this will help, I'd say it can't hurt.
Jay

Bernie23 04/10/2015

My experience: I self-banned from all casinos in my state. Then I read somewhere that if you keep a low profile you won't get caught. I started going to the local casino and didn't get caught. I sent an email to the Gaming Control Board telling them that self-exclusion was a joke. They replied saying the casinos do the best they can, and eventually I would be caught and arrested.

A week later I was at the casino, and an attendant came over and asked me for my players card - I didn't have one. Then she asked me for my license. I said it was in the car. Then she asked my name. I gave my sister's name. No doubt in my mind she knew who I was. I left and never went back.

Just don't want to take the chance!!

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