Alberta Makes Changes to Self Exclusion Policy
The Alberta province of Canada has decided to make gamblers more responsible for their own actions and stop blaming casinos for problem gambling.
The Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission will introduce new laws that will see any player with his or her name on the self-exclusion list fined if they step foot into a casino.
Many casinos in the province have a self exclusion program whereby players are offered the chance to keep themselves out of a casino if they recognize that they have compulsive gambling tendencies.
However, despite the fact that these lists exist, many casino goers find a way to get past the door and enter a casino. If they are caught, they immediately blame the establishment and the casino is the one to take to flack.
The Commission, however, has decided that gamblers need to step up to the responsibility of their own habits and, starting November 1st, will issue fines of $250 to any self excluded player who is found in a casino.
A spokeswoman for Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission, Lynn Hutchings-Mah said: "It's to help deter individuals from violating their agreements."
Recommendations to change the current system were made two years ago after it was found that self exclusion programs were not as effective as authorities had hoped.
Essentially, the program entails having the gamblers produce photo ID and full name to the casino whose self exclusion list they wish to join.
There have been a number of suggestions for changes in the system, and fining gamblers is just one of many that the Commission hopes to start running soon.
It is estimated that 1,500 Alberta residents currently appear on a self exclusion list.
