Colorado launches the state’s self-exclusion gambling program

The Centennial State is serious about tackling problem gambling and gambling-related harm with the Colorado Division of Gaming introducing the state’s self-exclusion program designed to strengthen commitment to vulnerable consumers and providing them with the means to have more control over their gameplay.

This program will allow individuals who opt-in to limit their exposure to the regulated gambling market in Colorado and thus be protected. The program continues the work of the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, a not-for-profit organization that has been trying to help individuals in the state who may be at risk or have shown symptoms of problem gambling in the past.

Now, the self-exclusion program will help the state to have a more comprehensive approach to the matter, as confirmed by Colorado Division of Gaming Director Christopher Schroder. "We appreciate all of the work that the PGCC has done to get the Self-Exclusion program to this point. They are an excellent partner in this important work," Schroder added.

Although the Centennial State has been a little slow to act, a self-exclusion program is good news for the overall regulatory makeup of the state, at a time when the focus has been put on rapidly expanding the number of available options both in-person and interactive.

Moving forward, the program will allow gamblers to exclude themselves from all forms of regulated gambling in the state, with the period of exclusion varying but starting at one year through three years, up to five years.

Operators have been obligated to comply with the measure and ensure that consumers have an easy way to navigate to the self-exclusion program and are offered sufficient help to access such features by each licensee.

The Division will further invest in the technical makeup of the program in a bid to strengthen its reach and efficacy and make it so that consumers have access to a trusted and actionable solution.

The self-exclusion program will also not automatically remove consumers. Once the exclusion period expires, a person will remain self-excluded. They need to place a formal request with the Division of Gaming Director and await approval before they are removed. Consumers may not be removed from the list before the expiry date of their current exclusion period.

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