Gaming regulator defers plan to take problem gamblers off self-exclusion list

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has withdrawn its immediate plans to pursue automatic removal from the self-exclusion list that casinos use when prohibiting problem gamblers.

Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) on Dec. 19 applauded the move. Diamond, chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said in a release he was worried automatic removal would have caused multiple problems, including removal occurring without a conversation with the excluded gambler or assurances he or she actually wants to be removed.

“The withdrawal of this proposed regulation is a huge win for the protection of our problem gamblers and our counselors and mental health professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that problem gamblers get the help they need,” Diamond said in a statement. “I hope the gaming control board will re-engage in this rulemaking to make the self-exclusion process consistent between all forms of gambling, while protecting our problem gamblers at the same time.”