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| Statewide Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program |
For several years the members of the Iowa Gaming Association (IGA) have offered a program to allow a person to ban him/herself from each particular casino. In 2004, a new statewide voluntary self-exclusion program was offered so a person can sign one form and not be allowed at any Iowa licensed casino. Passed by the Iowa legislature, this added deterrent is part of the industry’s comprehensive responsible gaming initiatives.
How does the program work?
If a person so chooses, he/she can request to be banned from all casinos in Iowa by signing a new uniform form. This will then be disseminated to the IGA member casinos (not the three tribal, who are exempt from participation). By signing this form, a person agrees it is a lifetime ban, and that, if discovered, he/she forfeits any jackpot, slot credit or chips to the Iowa Gambling Treatment program.
Do casino “in-house” forms automatically transfer to the statewide exclusion program?
No. If a person had signed a casino’s “in-house” voluntary self-exclusion form, he/she does not automatically become eligible for the statewide exclusion program. A new form must be completed.
How do I get a self-exclusion form?
Click here to download the most current version of the statewide self-exclusion form, which can be printed out. While this form has recently been updated, if a person has registered previously there is no need to submit the form again. The IGA suggests that it be taken to the closest gambling counseling treatment center to be notarized and sent in on the person’s behalf. It can also be taken to the nearest casino to have the form signed in person before the security personnel. Either way, it will be then distributed to all properties, which automatically will be notified of the individual's request.
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| Other Responsible Gaming Resources |
| 1-800-BETS OFF |
 The 1-800-BETS OFF helpline is sponsored by the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program and funded by gaming tax dollars. This helpline is a resource for problem gamblers and their loved ones in Iowa. The 1-800-BETS OFF Web site offers valuable information, such as how to spot the warning signs of compulsive gambling and where to turn for help.
The site also offers pertinent and up-to-date statistics as they relate to the helpline, the treatment agencies, the gamblers themselves and the results of the Iowa Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (IBRFSS). The IBRFSS is an ongoing monthly telephone survey of Iowans statewide, conducted by the University of Northern Iowa. Once on the site, click the Reports and Studies button to view the most recent comprehensive information. |
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| Your First Step to Change |
“Your First Step to Change” is an online guide for individuals thinking about changing their gambling behavior. Developed by Harvard Medical School’s Division on Addictions and the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling with support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the National Center for Responsible Gaming, this interactive self-guided program was originally developed as a booklet in 2002 for callers to the Massachusetts Council’s helpline. The gambling version of “Your First Step to Change” is the first of several self-guided programs that will be available on the new BASIS website.
Permission has been granted for the Iowa Treatment Gambling Program to reprint and tailor to each Iowa location. If you wish to receive a hard copy, versus the online version, please contact one of the casino properties or treatment program locations. |
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| National Center For Responsible Gaming |
| The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) was the first national organization exclusively devoted to funding independent, peer-reviewed scientific research on pathological and youth gambling. The NCRG was founded in 1996 to improve prevention and treatment of gambling disorders through research and public education. With its grant-making functions conducted by Harvard's Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders, the NCRG now focuses on its public education mission with an annual conference that brings together the leading research scientists at top universities to report their findings. |
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| "Who’s 21?" |
The gaming industry encourages responsible gaming through its enforcement of age restrictions. All Iowa gaming customers must be at least 21 years of age and carry a valid photo ID.
Because it's often difficult to determine a person's age by sight, the properties card everyone who appears to be under the age of 30. How well can you spot an underage person? Take the American Gaming Association "Who's 21" age quiz and see. |
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| Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions |
| The mission of the Division on Addictions at Harvard Medical School is to strengthen worldwide understanding of addiction through innovative research, education and the global exchange of information. The Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders was established in 2000 as a program of the Division on Addictions at Harvard Medical School with support from the National Center for Responsible Gaming. |
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| National Council on Problem Gambling |
| The mission of the National Council on Problem Gambling is to increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education. |
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| Project 21 |
Originated by Harrah's Atlantic City in 1989, Project 21 educates employees and minors on the consequences of underage gambling. The project has now been adopted by IGA members.
An important part of Project 21 is training all casino employees, not just security personnel, to identify minors in the casino. It is everyone's responsibility to watch for minors and to request identification from anyone suspected of being under the legal age to gamble. Signs are placed externally at casino entrances warning minors that they are subject to prosecution if caught gambling in a casino. |
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