The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has decided to maintain its current casino self-exclusion reinstatement process, rejecting a proposed change that would have made reinstatement automatic after the exclusion period ends.

The decision comes after receiving significant public feedback, with most respondents opposing the suggested amendment. Under the existing system, individuals who self-exclude from casinos for one or five years must actively apply for reinstatement once their ban period expires.

The PGCB had initially proposed the change to:

• Reduce administrative paperwork
• Prevent accidental trespassing by excluded individuals
• Align casino self-exclusion with other gaming programs (iGaming, VGTs, fantasy sports) that use automatic reinstatement

Gambling addiction experts praised the decision to maintain the current system. Jody Bechtold, CEO of The Better Institute, noted that requiring active reinstatement helps prevent impulsive decisions and gives individuals time to carefully consider their choice.

Current Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Statistics:

• Total enrollees across all programs: 33,950
• Casino self-exclusion participants: 23,238
• Male enrollees: 15,045
• iGaming self-exclusions: 7,200+
• VGT self-exclusions: ~2,000
• Attempted violations since 2006: ~9,200

The PGCB oversees one of America's largest commercial gaming markets, with 17 brick-and-mortar casinos and various online gaming options. The state's comprehensive self-exclusion program continues to be a crucial tool in promoting responsible gambling.

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