Gamblers with self-control issues now have an option. State regulators are reviewing a proposal that would allow addicted gamblers to self-impose one-year, five-year or lifetime bans, the Associated Press reported Sunday.
The bans come with a difficult escape clause.
Gamblers who want to remove the ban from themselves must have written documentation from a mental health professional certifying that they are not suffering from an addiction to gambling, according to the report.
Under the rules, a lifetime ban cannot be lifted.
A law approved earlier this year by the Indiana General Assembly allowed for a statewide self-exclusion program. These rules are expected to take six months to approve.
Casinos would be prohibited from sending coupons, advertising or other mailings to those on the self-banned list, and would not be allowed to cash checks or extend them credit. However, the proposal does not cover how casinos could be punished if they do so, according to the report.
Currently, casinos are allowed to establish their own rules for self-exclusion. A customer must ask to be banned, but that information is not shared with other casinos. Under this proposal, customers could ban themselves from all casinos in one step, according to the report.
By and large, addicted gamblers are not likely to ban themselves from casinos until a great deal of damage has been done.
This legislation works because it admits there is a business that potentially facilitates a problem, but places the responsibility on the gambler. But the proposal should also contain details on how casinos should be punished.
Not every gambler knows when to hold them and when to fold them. It is for this reason that casinos need stronger regulation.
The proposal apparently fails to consider that the key to its success rests in the gambler admitting it's time to walk away.
Casinos are in business to make money, but they must also play a role in helping gamblers with problems, rather than taking advantage of them.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
