The Illinois Gaming Board wants to make it harder for gambling operators to market to people once they’ve left the state’s self-exclusion program, a first-of-its-kind move in the U.S. The board also adopted rules this month adding flexible exclusion periods and new sign-up options aimed at reducing barriers to entry.
The Illinois Gaming Board announced a first of its kind offer in the U.S. that would let anyone coming off of a self-exclusion list to opt out of gambling marketing as well. The self-exclusion program, originally launched in 2002, is also getting modernized with online self-exclusion in the works.
“Modernization and expansion of the SEP must keep pace with the evolution of Illinois gaming in a thoughtful and intentional manner,” IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said in a statement. “The IGB is committed to ensuring that the SEP continues to evolve, expands coverage, serves the needs of program participants, and best supports people in their treatment and recovery journeys without barriers and stigma.”
The IGB told LSR Wednesday that the next step is to submit the adoption of the proposed rules to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office for First Notice Filing. The new rules will be posted on the IGB’s website after submission.
“After the First Notice Filing, the proposed rules go to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for the public rulemaking process before they can take effect,” the IGB said, adding that the timing can “vary substantially.”
IGB: ads associated with elevated risk
The IGB would be the first to implement a marketing exclusion list in the U.S. The board told LSR that it has seen similar programs in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The program would restrict operators from marketing to individuals that came off a self-exclusion period for at least 12 months. The patron would still be able to participate in online sports betting or casino gambling, including taking advantage of promotions, they would simply not receive any direct marketing materials.
“Recent studies provide converging evidence that exposure to gambling advertising and commercial solicitation is associated with elevated gambling and gambling harm, particularly among individuals at elevated risk,” the IGB told LSR.
Tiered exclusion periods and reduced friction
The current SEP is an all-or-nothing approach. It’s either a lifetime ban with a five-year minimum or nothing at all.
The IGB is rolling out a new tiered format that allows patrons to choose the following self-exclusion periods:
- Six months
- One year
- Three years
- Five years
The IGB confirmed that the lifetime option remains available for patrons. In addition, the IGB is making it easier for individuals to self-exclude. It is in the process of establishing the following methods for sign-ups:
- Online portal
- Notarized mail
- Treatment provider referral
The IGB noted to LSR that it is working on the development of these new channels.
“Once the rules are approved, we are hopeful that we will have the infrastructure to support an online portal for SEP signup at that time,” the IGB said.
Current self-exclusion enrollment has patrons attending one of 41 IGB-sanctioned sites in-person, including the state’s casinos.
VLTs, fantasy sports protections added
Illinois’ self-exclusion program had only covered sports betting and casino gambling. The IGB adopted a resolution to bring video lottery terminals into the program, which is the largest distributed video gaming network of its kind in the world.
“Expanding coverage of the Self-Exclusion Program to include video gaming is an important IGB priority and responsible gambling policy objective,” Fruchter added.
Under the resolution, video lottery terminals would be integrated into the exclusion program through identity card readers installed on redemption terminals, paired with ticket-in-ticket-out technology. Once implemented, VLTs would no longer accept or store cash directly; instead, patrons would use TITO to initiate play and redeem winnings at the redemption device.
The IGB also adopted new rules governing fantasy contests, which are legally distinct from sports wagering under Illinois law but will now be integrated into the exclusion program with a 21+ minimum age requirement.
