As responsible gambling continues to be a hot topic of conversation, tribal gaming leaders have announced the launch of a tribe-specific self-exclusion program.
The initiative, which will debut in Wisconsin in March 2025, is designed to enhance responsible gambling practices and support community well-being.
The premise is simple — individuals will be able to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in all wagering activity at tribal casinos through a single registration process. The self-exclusion will only be relevant for tribes signed up to the programme, and does not cover regulated iGaming or crypto casinos.
Wisconsin to Debut the Responsible Gaming Program
Although the program initially debuts in Wisconsin, assuming the pilot is successful, it will quickly roll out to other states. The Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming is spearheading the program, which aims to streamline the self-exclusion process, giving users less hoops to jump through if they wish to take a break from gambling or stop altogether.
“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the health of our people and communities,” stated Ivory Kelly, CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming. “By tribes coming together to offer a streamlined process for self-exclusion with a technology partner that shares our values, we help people in our communities who are looking to take a break or stop gambling do so for the amount of time they need.”
The Council has established a dedicated Advisory Board which will be responsible for overseeing the program, comprising key figures in tribal gambling regulation. These include:
- Anika Howard, President and CEO of Wondr Nation
- Jamie Hummingbird, Chairman of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators
- Oscar Schuyler, Chairman of the Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority for the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas
- Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association of Washington, DC
- Tamara van Schyndel, Executive Director of the Paskenta Tribal Gaming Commission
The release states that the program’s launch is amid tribal gaming’s increasing attention to responsible gaming practices. Tribal leaders hope that by simplifying the self-exclusion process, gambling-related issues within communities can be more effectively addressed and that it will provide a “robust safety net” for individuals considered at risk of gambling-related harm.
The self-exclusion program will be formally introduced at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention on 2 April, 2025, at the Chairman’s Lounge. It will feature discussion around the program’s implementation and its impact on responsible gambling practices.
Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, said in a release: “Tribal nations have long been at the forefront of promoting responsible gaming practices, demonstrating leadership through our actions.” Stevens stated.
“This initiative not only underscores the commitment of tribal nations to player protection but also sets a precedent for others to follow,” he continued.
The program will allow individuals to specify the duration of their self-exclusion, allowing flexibility and an element of control over their gambling habits.
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