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Let's Talk About Self-Exclusion: A Tool for Responsible Gambling
If you're wrestling with gambling issues, fear not! The gambling world has your back. A clever feature called Self-Exclusion Program, or SEP, is here to help you regain control. This bad-boy lets you voluntarily ban yourself from participating in gambling activities, be it online or in-person.
Now, you might be thinking, what's in it for me? Well, apart from the obvious - gaining control over your gambling habits - SEP offers temporary or permanent exclusion based on your unique needs and circumstances. But don't worry, even during your break, you can still access your account and withdraw any funds you've got squirreled away.
Currently, SEP is only accessible to clients of online betting providers. However, the geniuses behind the program have ambitious plans for expansion.
Wondering how SEP operates? Once you sign up, gambling operators are legally bound to block your access to their services during the self-exclusion period. No bets, no entry to gambling sites that are part of the program. Simple as that!
So, why would someone choose SEP? It's all about reducing temptation, reclaiming control over gambling behavior, and preventing the financial and emotional turmoil that can come with addiction.
SEP might be offered by regulatory bodies like the Illinois Gaming Board, or it could be a feature provided by gambling operators themselves. You'll have the freedom to choose the length of your exclusion, which can range from six months, a year, or a permanent ban.
But that's not all! Many online gambling operators also offer self-imposed limits such as spending caps, time trackers, and reality check alerts to help you play responsibly. And if you're really serious about curbing your gambling, banks in some regions can block gambling transactions on your debit or credit cards. Additionally, software tools and device settings can be used to block access to online gambling sites directly, giving you extra power to manage your gambling habits.
In a nutshell, SEP is an invaluable tool for promoting responsible gambling and helping people recover from gambling addiction. So, if you feel like you need a break, don't hesitate to take advantage of this fantastic feature!
Sources:
- Alina Shvets, (2021) Gambling Insider, [link]
- National Council on Problem Gambling, Self Exclusion, [link]
- Illinois Gaming Board, Illinois Self-Exclusion Program, [link]
- GamCare, Internet Blocking Software, [link]
- Gambling Commission, Deposit Limit, [link]
- Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) is a vital tool in the gambling world, serving as a solution for individuals facing gambling issues.
- With SEP, you can voluntarily prohibit yourself from participating in both online and in-person gambling activities.
- This program provides temporary or permanent exclusion based on your personal circumstances and needs.
- Even during self-exclusion, you can still access your account and withdraw any accumulated funds.
- While currently only accessible to online betting clients, SEP is planning to expand its services.
- Beyond SEP, other responsible-gambling measures available in the finance, fintech, casino-and-gambling, and casino-games industries include self-imposed limits, bank transaction blocks, and software tools to restrict access to online gambling sites.
