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Pennsylvania recorded 9,677 new self-exclusion enrollments during fiscal year 2025–26, an 18.1% increase from the previous year.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s annual report, released Sept. 30, compares that total with 8,197 enrollments a year earlier. The agency also processed approximately 4,500 removal requests and reported over 30,000 people actively enrolled across its four programs.
Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion programs cover different gambling activities. Retail casino and online gambling exclusions have separate enrollment and removal rules.
Players can choose which gambling activities to restrict
The PGCB offers four self-exclusion programs:
- Casino: Gambling at Pennsylvania casinos and retail sports wagering locations.
- Interactive gambling: Licensed online casino games, online poker, and online sports betting.
- Video gaming terminals: VGT gambling at licensed truck stops.
- Fantasy contests: Gambling through licensed fantasy sports operators.
Players can enroll in one, multiple, or all four programs, depending on the gambling activities they want to stop.
The statewide online gambling program covers Pennsylvania’s licensed operators, giving players a broader restriction than suspending an account with a single betting app or casino website.
Signing up for one list does not automatically enroll someone in every PGCB program. Operators may apply broader restrictions under their own policies, including bans at related casinos or gambling sites in other states. Players should check those policies directly with the operator.
Self-exclusion blocks wagers and gambling promotions
Self-exclusion requires the covered operators to refuse wagers and deny gambling privileges. They must also stop sending targeted gambling promotions and withhold benefits such as player club memberships and complimentary goods or services.
Online players can still withdraw funds already held in their gambling accounts after enrolling in self-exclusion.
The restriction also carries consequences if someone gambles while excluded. Winnings can be confiscated, and losses cannot be recovered. Someone who violates a casino self-exclusion ban may also face a criminal trespass citation.
Casino bans require a request for removal
Casino, online gambling, and VGT self-exclusions offer one-year, five-year, or lifetime options. Fantasy contest exclusions allow players to select a period from one to 99 years.
A one-year or five-year retail casino exclusion remains in effect until the person requests removal after completing the minimum period. Reaching the anniversary of enrollment does not, by itself, allow someone to gamble again.
For online gambling, VGTs, and fantasy contests, fixed-term exclusions expire after the selected period. Players who want to remain excluded can arrange an extension before their ban expires. Lifetime exclusions do not expire.
Online players should also allow time for removal to be processed. The PGCB’s iGaming guidance advises waiting 15 business days after expiration before gambling again.
How to enroll or find gambling support
Players can begin through the state’s Responsible Play website, which provides enrollment instructions and links to manage an existing exclusion.
Online enrollment requires identity verification, including a photo of the applicant and a valid government-issued photo ID. Anyone having trouble completing the process can contact the PGCB at 717-346-8300 or problemgambling@pa.gov. In-person enrollment is also available through PGCB offices.
Self-exclusion is voluntary. A family member or partner cannot place someone else on a list, although they can seek support for gambling-related concerns.
Pennsylvania’s confidential 1-800-GAMBLER helpline provides information about treatment and local resources. Low-cost or no-cost gambling treatment is available through the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for people experiencing gambling problems and their family members.
