About the Self-Exclusion Program

The AGLC, working in conjunction with Alberta Health Services and the gambling industry, has developed a number of programs to educate gamblers about responsible gambling and to assist problem gamblers.

In Alberta, if someone feels that he/she is having trouble controlling his/her gambling, enrolling in the casino and racing entertainment centre (REC) self-exclusion program is one option. This program enables the participant to voluntarily ban him/herself from all Alberta casinos and RECs for a specified period of time selected by the participant (ranging from six months to five years). It is possible to re-enroll in the program upon agreement expiry.

Because the purpose of the program is to help participants stay out of casinos and RECs and avoid the gambling opportunities these venues represent, any detected attempts by participants to enter a casino or REC will result in removal from the property and if the violations persist, fines and/or dismissal from the program will result.

Responsible and Problem Gambling Workshop

The program also requires all participants to complete a mandatory responsible and problem gambling workshop (approximately three hours) prior to the expiry of his/her agreement.

Joining the Program

Self-Exclusion Agreement forms are available at all Alberta casinos, RECs and AGLC offices, or here on the AGLC website. The forms are also available at all Responsible Gambling Information Centre (RGIC) locations in 15 casinos and at Edmonton Northlands REC. The RGIC representatives are very knowledgeable about the self-exclusion program and can answer questions and provide assistance with completion of the form.

For more information on this program, please read the brochure or contact the Social Responsibility Division in the St. Albert AGLC office at 780-447-7420 or 1-800-272-8876 during business hours, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding holidays.

Program evaluation results in recommendations

In early 2007, the AGLC completed a comprehensive evaluation of its Casino and Racing Entertainment Centre (REC) Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. The purpose of the evaluation was to examine the current systems, processes and procedures used to support the delivery of the Casino/REC Self-Exclusion Program and to determine opportunities for improvement. Key findings were broken down into “best practices” and “programming gaps,” with 21 recommendations developed in a number of program areas.

The recommendations are summarized in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program Evaluation – Executive Summary.