The state of Colorado now offers legal sports betting on top of brick-and-mortar casino gaming. For that reason, the importance of the Colorado self-exclusion program has never been greater.
The program allows residents and visitors to the state to exclude themselves from legal gambling opportunities in CO. The aim is to allow people with compulsive gambling issues to protect themselves and their families.
How the Colorado self-exclusion program works
Perhaps the most important thing to note is the verbiage for this program. It’s a voluntary program that people themselves can only sign themselves up for.
No one can register another person. Additionally, the registrants must place themselves on one of the lists of their own free will. Not even a state agency can add someone’s name to the list.
Once a person has completed the registration, all licensed gambling operations in the state receive notice. From there, it’s on casinos to monitor the parties who wish to gamble.
At brick-and-mortar casinos, it’s illegal for them even to permit a person on one of the lists on the premises. If such a person is on the property, it’s the casino’s legal obligation to notify local authorities.
For online sportsbooks, there are similar legal requirements. The law forbids such operators allowing people on the list to register for an account, make deposits or place wagers.
If the sportsbooks discover a mistake, it is legally bound to report the instance to the state. Violations of the program include penalties that range from fines to jail time for both the gaming operators and the listed persons.
Because of the implications, legal gaming operators in CO take this seriously. They want to protect their licenses and reputations, along with helping those with compulsive gambling issues.
How to register for one of the lists in CO
In CO, you have four choices for the duration of your exclusion. You can exclude yourself for a period of three years, five years, a decade or the rest of your life.
Some states afford more options, like limiting how much you can gamble in a certain time period. In Colorado, however, it’s an all-or-nothing proposition.
Should you apply for one of the shorter time periods and discover you need further assistance, you can exclude for another period of three, five or 10 years. There is no limit on the number of times you can exclude yourself.
If you choose one of the first three options, you can apply for reinstatement once that time period has elapsed. If you apply for lifetime exclusion, you may never again legally gamble in CO.
Applying for reinstatement does not guarantee the state will rescind your exclusion. It will depend on the circumstances of your application whether the state removes your name from the list.
To exclude yourself, download and fill out the appropriate form. Once complete, mail it to the following address. The state recommends using certified or registered mail to verify receipt.
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, Inc.
- PO Box 260435
- Lakewood, CO 80226-0435
From there, the state will be in touch with you regarding the next steps. This program is great for Coloradans with compulsive gambling issues.
