Self-exclusion is one of the most effective ways of helping problem gamblers curb their appetites. However, there are a number of drawbacks to the technology that prevent the system from being as helpful as it could be. Now, after years of research, a local self-exclusion program has been expanded in order to help more players kick their gambling addictions.

New South Wales’ self-exclusion program was first offered in 2000, allowing problem gamblers to ban themselves from certain venues. Unfortunately, players could only exclude themselves from one venue at a time and their decision to do so was not always overseen by a trained problem gambling professional. The expansion of the self-exclusion program gives players the ability to ban themselves from multiple venues at once.

They will also work with a qualified counsellor, who will help them deal with their addiction in other ways. Another new feature will see the self-excluded player nominate a friend or family that will be notified about the ban. This will provide them with the personal support that many problem gamblers today lack.

“Research shows that 90 per cent of people who have self-banned wanted to be able to ban themselves from multiple venues in one go, and 70 per cent wanted the option to self-exclude in the company of a qualified counsellor,” says Clubs NSW head Anthony Ball. "We believe that with the support of clubs and counsellors, this new one-stop-shop option has the potential to help thousands of problem gamblers every year," said Ball.

The importance of working with a counsellor is paramount. The professional will help explain to the problem gambler their obligations with regards to the agreement, making it less likely for them to breach it later on down the line. Over the course of the next months, counsellors and gaming club employees will undergo training for the new system.

We can expect NSW clubs and casinos to offer the new self-exclusion program by Spring 2013, giving problem gamblers across the state a fair chance of kicking their addiction successfully.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.