Every one must find their own path.
Many of us do not want to give up the idea that we can be social gamblers again. It took me a long time. For me, my gambling issues were in 100's even 1000's of bars and delicatessens all over my state that run state sanctioned video poker/slot machines. (There are a few Indian Casino too but I generally did not frequent them.) The task of self-banning would be monumental.

Once I truly became determined to stop gambling and accepted that I am a compulsive gambler then I was able to make lifestyle changes that did not include gambling and included many other positive things and people. I have rebuilt some self esteem, and I would loose that if I were to go back to gamble again.

I try to recall, on a daily basis, the hell I was in just before I quit. That helps keep me abstinent.
Everyone I know, knows about my problem gambling and if they are not kind, loving and supportive, I remove them from my inner social circle.

I have been gambling free for 5 months. The reason I chose not to exclude myself was simple. I never committed a crime or resorted to illegal means to finance my addiction. I was hesitant to put myself in a situation where I would essentially become a criminal should I relapse. Self exclusion is a viable tool for those battling this addiction. It is definitely one I would recommend exercising If someone's addiction is fueled through criminal activity. But for me, I didn't want to add to the problems gambling has brought into my life by facing arrest should I fall back into old habits.When I was at my worst I do not believe the risk of getting caught would have effectively deterred me anyhow. I would have went regardless. I had to get to the point where I truly wanted this before I would have had any chance at progress.

I think self banning is a great tool. Unfortunately it is not an option in my state, but I would definitely use it if it was.

Hi: I would encourage anyone to do whatever it takes to stop, If you feel self-exclusion would help: do it.

But, it is not a silver bullet. Not at all. I have banned myself from every casino within a 100 mile range of my home. Then, one day, I thought: jeez, the place is so big .. how are they going to see me? So I went back to the very place I banned myself from. And have been going there nearly daily ever since.

I go there with 2 thoughts in mind: 1) Let me win and 2) don't let me win TOO MUCH I.E. Hand Pay. {How Ridiculous !}

One night, I hit for a couple grand and I knew I wouldn't be able to claim it because i would have had to show ID. So, I turned to the person next to me and told him that I was banned and would not be able to collect the jackpot. Told him if he changed seats with me and made it look like it was his that I would split it with him. After having to talk him into it: he did it. The slot attendant came over. Paid this stranger my jackpot.

Then, the two of us met in the bathroom - where he gave me half of what I had won. Over 1K.

As lucky as I was to 1) win 2) not get arrested and 3) have this guy come and give me 1/2 {he really didn't have to - what could I have done about it?} .... take a wild guess what I left the casino with that night?

Yep: ZERO.

Just sharing this for anyone who would believe or hope that self exclusion will be THEE THING to make them stop. Do it, if you like. But ... DO MORE THAN THAT too....

This sounds easy enough and early in my disease that is exactly what I did. I banned myself from every casino that I frequented. Come to find out, they don't really follow through in my state. I started testing the waters and went back to the casinos but I didn't play with a Player's Club card. Not once did anyone kick me out or call the cops. These casinos depend on us for their income. They are happy that we are there. Nope, banning was not the solution for me. But, hey, if it works for even one person then cool.

I live within a 40 mile radius of half a dozen casinos, at least.

Why did I choose not to ban myself? Because that wasn't the answer *for me*.

I knew that I had to learn to live with this temptation all over the place. The best way for me to quit was to learn how to deal with it.

I applaud those who ban themselves as part of *their* recovery, but it's not the "best way". It's just one tool.