Self-Exclusion:

What is the purpose of the self-exclusion program?

To establish a centralized, statewide self-exclusion program allowing a person with a gambling problem or gambling disorder to voluntarily exclude themselves from licensed house-banked card rooms and participating tribal gaming facilities.

What does it mean to be self-excluded?

A person who has self-excluded themself cannot participate in gambling or claim any prizes at house-banked cardrooms and participating Tribal Casinos. In addition, a self-excluded person cannot be on the premises of a house-banked cardroom or participating Tribal Casino and is subject to removal and having chips/cash confiscated.

Where can I find the laws and rules about the self-exclusion program?

RCW 9.46.071 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.071 ) and

WAC 230-23 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=230-23 )

Can I still gamble while I am self-excluded?

The self-exclusion program prohibits you from gambling in licensed house-banked card rooms and participating tribal gaming facilities in Washington State. The ultimate responsibility to limit access to house-banked cardroom and participating Tribal Casinos remains with the participants.

Can I exclude myself from select house-banked cardrooms and/or participating Tribal Casinos?

No. The self-exclusion program is a state-wide program and applies to all Washington State house-banked cardrooms and participating tribal gaming facilities.

If I participate in the self-exclusion program, can I still visit the restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, or other amenities of a house-banked cardroom or participating tribal gaming facilities?

No. The exclusion is applicable to the entire facility and all services they provide.

What happens to my chips or money if I am caught gambling and I am self-excluded?

All money and things of value (such as gaming chips) obtained or owed to you will be confiscated. The confiscated money will then be forwarded to the Health Care authority's Problem Gambling account or a combination of the Problem Gambling Account and a charitable or nonprofit organization that provides problem gambling services or increases awareness about problem gambling, in accordance with WAC 230-23-030.

What happens to my winnings if I am self-excluded?

The winnings will be confiscated. The confiscated money will then be forwarded to the Health Care Authority’s Problem Gambling account or a combination of the Problem Gambling Account and a charitable or nonprofit organization that provides problem gambling services or increases awareness about problem gambling, in accordance with WAC 230-23-030.

What happens to my player club membership and account if I am self-excluded?

Players club memberships and accounts will be closed. All accumulated points may be immediately redeemed for non-gaming items as the licensee's policy allows at the licensed location the participant initially enrolls for self-exclusion before they are zeroed out. All players club memberships and accounts held at other licensees and participating gaming facilities will be closed and zeroed out.           

Where can I get more information about problem gambling?

• Washington State Problem Gambling Hotline | 1-800-547-6133
• Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – www.evergreencpg.org | 360-351-6133
• Washington State Health Care Authority – www.hca.wa.gov | 360-725-1456
• Gamblers Anonymous – www.gamblersanonymous.org
• Gam Anon – www.gamanon.org

Enrolling in the Program:

How do I enroll in the program?

You can enroll in person or via mail. Click here to download the Self-Exclusion Enrollment Form

To enroll in person, visit any licensed house-banked card room or participating tribal gaming facility in Washington State and request the enrollment form from staff. You may also visit the Washington State Gambling Commission’s main office located at 4565 7^th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503.

To enroll by mail, complete the required enrollment form and mail it to Washington State Gambling Commission, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504.

Does the form have to be notarized or signed by a certified problem gambling counselor?

If you are enrolling by mail, then the enrollment form needs to be notarized or signed by a certified problem gambling counselor.

Can I sign up online?

No. Currently, there is no online enrollment option.

When will my enrollment begin?

Your enrollment period begins upon receipt of the enrollment form by mail or the date the completed form was accepted by the licensee or by us when submitted in person.

How long will I be self-excluded?

At the time of enrollment, you must select a period of enrollment for self-exclusion. Your options are one year, three years, five years, or ten years. Once enrolled you cannot be removed from the program prior to your selected period of enrollment.

Can I sign up another person (friend, family member, etc.)?

No. You may only enroll yourself into the program and no one else.

Is my name/information confidential?

Personal information submitted by the participant under the Self-Exclusion Program is exempt from public disclosure. House-banked cardrooms shall not disclose the name or any information about participants in the Self-Exclusion Program. House-banked cardrooms will release names and identifying information to employees and agents of the cardroom whose duties and functions require access to such information to honor the excluded person’s request. For more information see WAC 230-23-025.

Exiting the Program:

Can I remove myself from the self-exclusion program at any time?

No. A participant of the self-exclusion program can only remove themself from the self-exclusion list after the initial enrollment period they selected has expired. The participant will need to submit the applicable form to remove themself from the list once the enrollment period selected has expired.

Will the Gambling Commission remind me when my enrollment is over?

Yes. The Gambling Commission will notify the participant 45 days prior to the end of their initial enrollment period. The participant will be notified via the information they provided on their initial enrollment form.

How can I extend my enrollment?

A participant will remain on the self-exclusion list until they submit the applicable form to us to remove themselves from the list. If a participant has removed themself from the list and wants to re-enroll, they will need to submit a new enrollment form.