Alberta Casino Gamblers Responsible For Self-Exclusion Compliance

Problem gamblers who have signed up for a self-exclusion program in their area often find that they can walk into any casino they wish, and if they are caught, the casino can be the ones in trouble. That will not be the case in Alberta, Canada, starting in November.

The Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission will begin making problem gamblers responsible for their own actions on November 1st. On that day, and any after, if a problem gambler is on the self-exclusion list and shows up at a casino, the gamblers risks a fine of $250.

The self-exclusion program in the province had not been running as smooth as officials had hoped and in 2007, recommendations were made from an evaluation of the program. The fines were just one of the many recommendations that came out of that evaluation.

"It's to help deter individuals from violating their agreements," said Lynn Hutchings-Mah, a Spokeswoman for the Gaming Commission. Other changes may also be in the works, but they have not yet been announced.

In other countries, there are varying levels of responsibility placed on both the problem gamblers and the casinos themselves. In some countries, the burden is strictly on the casinos, with large fines handed out if the casino allows a person on the self-exclusion program to gamble.

In Alberta, photo identification and names are released to casinos once a gambler signs up for the program. As of now, over 1,500 gamblers have signed up for the program in Alberta.

October 11, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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