Illinois regulators are proposing changes that would make it easier for people to keep themselves away from casinos, sports betting and other legal gambling in the state. The Illinois Gaming Board approved the proposal on Sept. 3 as part of an effort to modernize the state's self-exclusion program.
The proposal comes as Illinois continues to see strong growth in legal gambling. State officials estimate that more adults have a gambling problem, while others are at risk of developing one. More than 16,000 people are currently on the state's self-exclusion list.
Under the existing system, people can voluntarily ask to be barred from Illinois casinos and sports wagering. The state introduced its Self-Exclusion Program in 2002 for casinos and later expanded it to cover sports wagering after a 2019 law.
Illinois regulators say the current enrollment process does not offer enough options. At present, people must generally sign up through designated locations. The proposed changes would add more ways to enroll, including notarized mail, treatment providers and an online option.
The plan would also give people more choices over how long they stay on the list. Options could be set for six months, one year, three years, or five years and beyond. Another choice is automatic renewal, as long as the person can still stop it later.
These updates may help self-exclusion tools work better for people who need help fast. Backers argue that it matters to have a quicker path, since someone dealing with gambling issues might not feel able to go to a casino just to ask for support.
Illinois regulators also want to address what happens after a person leaves the list. Under the proposal, people who remain excluded for at least one year would receive protection from targeted gambling marketing after they leave.
Longer exclusions would come with additional requirements for removal. People who choose an exclusion period of five years or more would need an affidavit or letter from a certified gambling addiction counselor before they could return to self-exclusion gambling.
The proposal would also broaden the reach of the self-exclusion gambling rules. The state has tens of thousands of video gaming terminals outside traditional casinos, and officials want the updated system to cover those gambling locations more effectively.
Illinois regulators say the changes would move the state toward methods used elsewhere. They want to lower hurdles that keep people from stepping away when they are looking for help.
If someone is thinking about self-exclusion from gambling, the plan may make that process easier. It would let a player take a break without locking in for years. A six-month option could fit someone who wants space from betting but does not want a long plan.
Officials also noted the proposal is not final. It still needs a public comment period. The General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will review it. That process could take months and may take as long as a year.
The board’s decision adds to Illinois’ broader push against gambling addiction. The state widened treatment access for gambling disorder earlier this year. That change makes it possible for some people to get inpatient care backed by the state for gambling issues. They do not have to go through a separate substance use disorder route.
Now the board has to weigh two sides. On one side is easier access to legal gambling. On the other side is added support and safeguards for people who find it hard to rein in their bets. The new self-exclusion plan is meant to help those bettors opt out sooner. The goal is to give them more chances to step away before the harm gets worse, both in money and in daily life.
If approved, the new rules would give Illinois a broader framework for self-exclusion gambling and make the state's system more accessible. Illinois regulators will continue the rulemaking process as public officials and residents review the proposed changes.
