The Illinois Gaming Board is trying to strengthen the self-exclusion program in the state. The regulatory board voted unanimously to move forward with three proposed rule changes for expanded self-exclusion enrollment options.
Board members see the proposals as a way to curtail problem gambling. The state rapidly added additional gambling options, including legalizing online sports betting in as the state has seen additional gaming options in recent years, starting with legalizing online sports betting in 2019.
IGB administrator Marcus Fruchter said the current program lacks several options available in other states, including mail applications, a treatment-provider enrollment system, and an online enrollment structure. This can prevent many with issues from making the effort to self-exclude.
“Research shows that shame, embarrassment, stigma and procedural friction at the point of entry are among the barriers most consistently reported by persons who considered but did not complete self-exclusion enrollment,” Fruchter told board members while outlining the new rules.
Shortening Time Frames
The proposed rules would bring sweeping changes to the program. Currently, Illinois gamblers can only self-exclude for five years or more. Experts say the lengthy time period prevents some from applying.
The IGB proposals would now add self-exclusion time periods of six months, a year, and three years. The five-year option will stay in place. Those seeking self-exclusion could be automatically re-enroll in the program but could opt out at any time.
Those seeking to opt out of the five-year or indefinite option would still need to provide an affidavit or letter from a certified gambling addiction counselor attesting that the person is no longer a problem gambler.
Location is also an issue. Potential applicants can only enter the program in-person at 32 facilities around the state, half of which are casinos. Additionally, outside of Chicago, only five of those aren’t at casinos.
Under the new rules, the state would expand pathways to enroll. An additional rule would ban gaming companies from marketing to those enrolled in the program for at least 12 months.
Video Gaming Now Included In Programming
Beyond casino gambling and sports betting, Illinois has other gambling options. Now, the board will include those in the self-exclusion program.
Under the new proposal, gamblers could exclude themselves from the state’s 50,000 video gaming terminals at convenience stores and other locations to the program. Fantasy sports is also being added and will now be regulated under the Sports Wagering Act.
Under the current rules, 16,000 people enrolled in the Illinois self-exclusion plan. However, a state-commissioned study found about 383,000 adults have a gambling problem with another 761,000 at risk of becoming problem gamblers.
A report by the Illinois Answers Project and Capitol News Illinois noted that the state spent less than 6 cents on addiction treatment for every $100 in 2025 gaming tax revenue.
The proposed new rules come as September is Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). The National Council on Problem Gambling notes that the annual event is meant to reduce gambling-related harm and is “a month dedicated to celebrating those in recovery, sharing lived experience, and highlighting those who have made recovery possible.”
Experts in the field have been concerned with the growing numbers of young people engaged in sports betting in recent years. Some universities have even launched problem gaming awareness courses.
In January Pope Leo XIV warned that gambling addiction is a “serious problem of education, mental health, and social trust” and “ruins many families.”
Colorado has also pushed for more responsible gaming measures this year, including banning the use of credit cards for online sports betting.
