Self-banned problem gamblers can play the slots again : News : ConnectMidMissouri.com

Self-banned problem gamblers can play the slots again

Posted: 12.07.2011 at 2:57 PM

Missourians who have put themselves on the list banning them from Missouri's casinos will now be able to take themselves off the list once they've been on it for at least five years.

Problem gamblers who voluntarily banned themselves from Missouri's casinos can now get a second chance at playing the slots.

The thousands of people on Missouri's casino exclusion list will soon be able to remove themselves from the list if they have been on it for at least five years. The Missouri Gaming Commission voted Wednesday to relax the rules for the list which imposes a lifetime casino ban on problem gamblers who voluntarily sign up for it.

There are currently 16,148 people on the list. Beginning March 31, 11,427 will be able to remove themselves.

Missouri is one of just three states that has a mandatory lifetime ban for casino exclusion lists.

People on the list can face criminal charges for trying to get into casinos after putting themselves on the list. The casinos also face a stiff fine if they let one of the banned gamblers back in to play.

"It is a program that allows individuals to self-exclude from all of the casinos in the state for the rest of their lives," Missouri Gaming Commission's Problem Gaming Program Administrator Melissa Stephens said in 2007. "It was designed for problem gamblers at the request of a problem gambler."

If you have a gambling problem, you can call the gaming commission's hotline at 1-888-BETS-OFF. The commission offers free counseling for problem gamblers and their families.

Click here to find out more information about the disassociated person's list.

Will this be good for Missourians? Do you think people can overcome addiction to gambling?

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, KRCG, its directors or employees. If you believe a comment violates the Barrington Terms of Use, please flag it above.

Popular Stories

Sword-wielding man arrested
Yesterday at 8:25 AM | 4 comments

Blair Oaks student to graduate two months after crash
Juliette Dryer | Yesterday at 8:00 AM | 4 comments

Man robbed while selling EBT card
Yesterday at 9:43 AM | 2 comments

Follow Connect Mid-Missouri

Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below

submit

Special Features

Relay For Life of Cole County

Friday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds

Community Connection

Participate in great causes in the community!

Find it, click it, use it... your neighborhood business guide.

Latest Headlines

Man robbed while selling EBT card
A man told police he was robbed at gunpoint while trying to sell his EBT card.
read more »
Sword-wielding man arrested
Blair Oaks student to graduate two months after crash
Students buckle up for Safety Day
Lewis and Clark's legacy flows into the Capital City
Drowsy driver shares his story

The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City