Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in United States
There is no national self-exclusion register in the United States. Each state that licenses gambling runs its own list, usually through the gaming regulator, and coverage differs: some lists cover land-based casinos only, others cover online casino and sports betting, and a few have separate online lists. Enrolment is free and normally lasts a fixed minimum term, often one year, five years or lifetime. Once listed, licensed operators in that state must refuse your bets, close or suspend accounts and remove you from marketing. An exclusion in one state does not automatically apply in another, so people who bet across state lines may need to enrol in several programmes.
- Scheme
- State self-exclusion lists
- Type
- Mixed
- Minimum
- Usually 1 year (varies by state)
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
Identify the right state programme
Find the gaming regulator for the state where you gamble (for example the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board or Michigan Gaming Control Board). Check whether its list covers land-based venues, online casino, sports betting or all three.
- 2
Choose online or in-person enrolment
Most online-casino states let you enrol through the regulator's website or directly inside a licensed operator's account settings. Land-based exclusion often requires an appointment at the regulator's office or a casino security desk.
- 3
Prepare identification
Have a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's licence or passport, your home address, date of birth and usually the last digits of your Social Security number. In-person enrolment often includes a photograph.
- 4
Pick the length of exclusion
Typical options are one year, five years or lifetime, depending on the state. Choose the longest period you can commit to; shorter terms cannot normally be cut short.
- 5
Sign and confirm
You will sign a form acknowledging that operators may refuse you, confiscate winnings or treat you as a trespasser if you gamble while excluded. Online enrolments are often confirmed within a day.
- 6
Cover the gaps
Repeat the process in any other state where you hold accounts, ask your bank to block gambling transactions, and install blocking software to cover offshore and sweepstakes sites that state lists do not reach.
- 7
Know how removal works
Fixed terms usually end automatically or after you apply for removal at expiry. Lifetime enrolments are generally irrevocable, though a few states allow a petition after a long minimum period.
Before you start — what to know
- State lists do not cover unlicensed offshore sites or most sweepstakes casinos; use blocking software and bank gambling blocks as well.
- Tribal casinos may run separate exclusion programmes; ask the venue or tribal gaming commission.
- Some states share lists across operators and land-based venues; others cover only the product you enrolled for. Read the scope before signing.
- Exclusion is a barrier, not treatment. Pair it with counselling through your state helpline or 1-800-MY-RESET.
- Rules change frequently; confirm current terms with your state regulator before enrolling.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in the United States?
It depends on the state. Online sports betting is legal in most states, but real-money online casino is live in only seven (New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut and Rhode Island), with Maine legalised but not yet live.
Does one state's self-exclusion apply nationwide?
No. Each state runs its own list, so you need to enrol separately in every state where you hold accounts or visit casinos.
What happened to 1-800-GAMBLER?
A 2025 New Jersey court order ended the National Council on Problem Gambling's licence to use it. NCPG now promotes 1-800-MY-RESET, while 1-800-GAMBLER is operated by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. Both numbers connect to help.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal?
They operate in a legal grey area and a growing number of states, including New York, New Jersey, California, Montana, Connecticut and several more in 2026, have banned them by statute.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.