What is Self-Exclusion?

Voluntary Self-Exclusion is a self-help tool offered by OLG to people who wish to limit or stop their gambling. Participants make a written commitment to stay away from all slots and casino gaming facilities in Ontario for the term of their Self-Exclusion. Additionally, Self-Exclusion participants will stop receiving OLG marketing and promotional materials, and they have access to dedicated information services at Responsible Gaming Resource Centres (RGRCs) that link people to professional counselling and specialized services.

“When I decided to self-exclude, I was really making a contract with myself to stop gambling. Entering into the program brought real significance to that decision. Self-Exclusion was central to my recovery from problem gambling.”Terry Finn, enrolled in Self-Exclusion program

How do I register for Self-Exclusion?

Registering is simple and confidential. If you choose to register for Self-Exclusion,you will have a private meeting with trained staff who will help you through the process. You can set up the meeting by talking to a gaming employee or by calling or visiting a Responsible Gaming Resource Centre. You can also contact security at any slots and casino facility in Ontario to arrange registration at a gambling or credit counselling office in your area. You can attend the meeting on your own or you can bring someone with you - like a family member or friend. At the meeting, your personal information will be recorded and your picture will be taken.

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Is Self-Exclusion right for me?

Self-Exclusion is a significant step. It’s important to ask as many questions as you want before deciding if Self-Exclusion is right for you. Generally, people who self-exclude feel that it is no longer in their best interest to keep gambling. To find out if this is the right option for you, you may want to consider:

• Is gambling causing problems with your finances, health, or relationships?

• Will stopping or taking a break from gambling help you feel more in control of your life?

• Are you willing to make a commitment to yourself to change your gambling habits?

The decision to self-exclude should be carefully considered. Some people find it useful to combine Self-Exclusion with other support tools, like gambling treatment programs, financial counselling and relationship counselling. Because the program is voluntary, the decision to enter is entirely up to you.

Where can I register for Self-Exclusion? If you choose to enter into the Self-Exclusion program, you can register at a location that you feel most comfortable with. You can register: • At any Ontario gaming facility with trained

personnel to guide you through the registration process

• At local community support centres with counsellors who can provide specialized information and support for debt management and problem gambling.

To find community support centres in your area, visit www.knowyourlimit.ca in the Self-Exclusion section found under “Getting Help” or call the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (OPGH) at 1-888-230-3505.

Can I register someone else for Self-Exclusion?No. As the name suggests, Self-Exclusion is voluntary and entry into the program can only come from the person who wants to register. If you have concerns about a loved one’s gambling, information and support are available through a few different options: Responsible Gaming Resource Centres (RGRCs) at gaming sites in Ontario, local gambling orfinancial counsellors, or through the Ontario ProblemGambling Helpline (1-888-230-3505 or email or online chat at www.problemgamblinghelpline.ca). A directory of service providers’ locations and programs and contact information across Ontario are available on the helpline’s website by clicking on the Directory button.

Who will know about my Self-Exclusion?Your personal information is confidential and will only be used by the staff involved in administering the program. The only additional people who will know about your Self-Exclusion are those you choose to tell.

Will I still receive marketing materials?No. Once an individual enrolls in the Self-Exclusion program their name is flagged on the gaming marketing databases and they will not receive direct marketing materials. “Do Not Contact” flags will also be put on their names across Lottery, Bingo, and Corporate Marketing databases that manage direct marketing communications to players.

How long does Self-Exclusion last?OLG offers a choice of terms for the Self-Exclusion program: six months, one year, or indefinite.When you register, you will choose the term that seems right for you. Unless you choose to re-enter casino gaming by applying to reinstate, you will remain registered in the Self-Exclusion program.

Can I leave the Self-Exclusion program?Once you register for Self-Exclusion, you must finish the term you have chosen. Some Self-Exclusion participants decide to remain in the program indefinitely. Others decide that they have reached a point where they are ready to return to the gaming facility. If you have selected “indefinite” as your term of Self-Exclusion, you must be self-excluded for a minimum of six months.

If you would like to come back to the gaming site after your Self-Exclusion term is up, you must contact OLG and apply to reinstate.

Which facilities are off limits if I self-exclude?Your Self-Exclusion will apply to all gaming sites in Ontario. Self-Exclusion applies to all facilities including restaurants and entertainment venues within the site.

What happens if I enter the gaming site while self-excluded?The choice to self-exclude is serious. Gaming sites have implemented facial recognition technology. This technology helps to identify anyone enrolled in the Self-Exclusion program who attempts to re-enter an OLG gaming facility by comparing their facial image with images from casino security cameras. Should you return and be detected, staff will assist you off-site, time will be added to the term of your Self-Exclusion and you may be charged with trespassing. If it happens again, you may be fined, and will have time added to your term of Self-Exclusion.

I still have questions. How can I find out more?The Responsible Gaming Resource Centre at slots and casino facilities in Ontario is a good place to find out about Self-Exclusion, responsible gambling and support programs in your area. The RGRCs are independently operated by the Responsible Gambling Council.

ChanceforChange_brochure_ENG.indd 2 April-15-2014 8:13 AM