Self-Exclusion Gambling Program Not Working In Missouri

Missouri had a good thing going with its self-exclusion program for problem gamblers. Thousands of people had signed up for the program, and these gamblers were being arrested when they entered casinos.

That was before the laws changed this past November. Voters approved the end of a $500 loss limit at state casinos, and with the end of the loss limits, the self-exclusion problem became almost null and void.

The way the casinos were catching problem gamblers on the list before the laws changed was through identification that needed to be shown before entering the casino. Now, there is no longer a need for patrons to show ID when they enter, meaning gamblers on the self-exclusion list can freely walk into the casinos undetected.

Of course, there are some drawbacks that may still keep the problem gamblers away. If they were to win a big jackpot, they would have to show identification to be paid. Once they showed ID and were found to be on the self-exclusion list, they will be arrested and will also not receive their winnings.

Another way for casinos to catch these gamblers is through check cashing or cash advances. This is not as common, however, because the gamblers know they will be caught, so they bring their money with them when they go to a casino.

The statistics show that the number of people arrested through the first six months of 2009 were down from the same time last year. In 2008, 584 people were arrested in casinos that were on the self-exclusion list. In the same period in 2009, only 480 people on the list were arrested.

The economy could have something to do with the decrease of arrests. Many people simply do not have the money to spend in the casinos, so less people are visiting. Even if that is the case, the need to show identification before entering was a huge deterrent for gamblers on the list.

That deterrent is now gone, and it has put a strain on what was a highly successful program. It is time for lawmakers to go back to work and come up with a plan that will once again serve the purpose of keeping gamblers on the self-exclusion list out of state casinos.

July 27, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Caesars Windsor Casino Lays Off Over 100 Employees In Canada
Planet Hollywood Casino Nightclubs Lose Liquor License
Iowa Casino Would Financially Hurt South Dakota, Study Says
Casinos Loading Up On Concerts To Help Summer Gambling Along
National Problem Gambling Council Sets 2010 Conference Date