A leading tool for problem gaming, the self-exclusion lifetime ban, may not be for a lifetime under a new Michigan law. Folks who banned themselves can now make a request to the state Gaming Control Board to be removed from the list after five years.
Proponents say the law removes a deterrent from signing on to the list to begin with.
“Previously, the state used criminal law to combat a gambling problem for a lifetime, which is an expensive, harsh way to deal with an addiction,” Richard S. Kalm, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board said in a statement. “A lifetime ban actually may deter some people from signing up. For others, their life circumstances may have changed. Of course, people with gambling problems may request removal and resume behaviors they sought to prevent by going on the list.”
As of October 1, the list of those self-banning themselves from Detroit casinos since 2001 numbered 4,825 people. No exclusion list applies to the 12 tribal casinos throughout the state, according to the Detroit News.
Michael Burke, president of the Portage-based Michigan Association on Problem Gambling, said the five-year law may help those with a gambling addiction.
“Gamblers may be more likely to sign up if they have other self-exclusion options such as a two- or five-year ban available,” he said.
The Gaming Control Board received its first request October 19. The agency has 30 days to respond. Removal from the list does not guarantee gaming privileges in any of the three casinos. The person would have to contact one of the casinos for that permission.
