If you find yourself gambling too much, or if it no longer feels like a game, the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program can be an important first step in helping you to control your gambling.
What is the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program?
When you decide to take control of your gambling behaviour the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program is one tool that can help you. The VSE program enables you to voluntarily exclude yourself from all facilities with slot machines, or commercial bingo halls, or PlayNow.com for a pre-determined amount of time.
These are tools that can help you, but ultimately the choice and responsibility to gamble or not is yours.
In British Columbia, there are three voluntary self-exclusion options to choose from. You can sign up for one, two or all three.
- Self-exclusion from all gaming facilities with slot machines including casinos, community gaming centres and the gaming floor of race tracks with slot machines.
- Self-exclusion from commercial bingo halls, community gaming centres and any gaming facility offering bingo; or
- Self-exclusion from gambling on PlayNow.com.
If you chose to self-exclude from a gaming facility with slot machines or a commercial bingo hall you will not be eligible for a PlayNow.com account. If you have an existing PlayNow.com account, your account will be cancelled.
How do I sign up to be voluntarily self-excluded?
To self-exclude from gaming facilities with slot machines, visit a casino GameSense Info Centre and speak with a GameSense Advisor, or ask any staff member at any casino or community gaming centre. To self-exclude from a commercial bingo hall, any staff member can direct to the appropriate staff member.
To self-exclude specifically from PlayNow.com, login to your PlayNow.com Account and access "Self-Exclusion" from within the "My Account" section. The screens will guide you through the process of completing your self-exclusion from PlayNow.com.
You can also visit the BCLC offices in Kamloops or Richmond, or call BCLC's Consumer Services at 1-866-815-0222 for further information.
How long will I be self-excluded?
The length of the exclusion is up to you.
Choose from:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
Counselling services are free and confidential. You can expect help and support from trained professionals who will not judge you, who understand your problems and who can help you work out ways to reduce the problems associated with gambling.
What happens once I voluntarily self-exclude?
Self-exclusion starts the moment you sign up and lasts for the period of time chosen by you. Voluntary self-exclusion cannot be revoked. It ends when the exclusion period you chose expires.
Self exclusion from one gaming facility with slot machines including a casino, community gaming centre, or the slot floor of a race tracks excludes you from all gaming facilities with slot machines and you are not eligible for a PlayNow.com account for the duration of your exclusionary period. If you have an existing PlayNow.com account, your account will be cancelled
If you are a BC Gold member, your account will be deactivated and you will be asked to redeem your points for cash.
Self-exclusion from a commercial bingo hall excludes you from all commercial bingo halls, community gaming centres and gaming facilities that offer bingo. You are also not eligible for a PlayNow.com account for the duration of your exclusionary period. If you have an existing PlayNow.com Account, your account will be cancelled.
Once you have signed up at a gaming facility, the information you provide will be given to all security offices at the applicable gaming facilities from which you self-excluded. This is done to help honour your commitment. Upon completing your enrolment in a gaming facility you'll be asked if you want to share your information with a counsellor. If so, a counsellor will contact you.
If you choose to self exclude from PlayNow.com, your Player Account will be closed.
Can I exclude a spouse or family member?
It's understandable to want to help a loved one. However, only the person seeking self-exclusion can sign up. No one can do it for them.
What happens if I enter a casino and gamble while in the VSE program?
If you enter a casino while self-excluded and are identified, security will be alerted and you will be asked to leave. In accordance with the Gaming Control Act (BC), you may also be fined up to $5,000.
What happens if I win a jackpot while in the VSE program?
You are not eligible to win while in the voluntary self-exclusion program in accordance with the Rules and Regulations.
What should I expect from counselling?
If you are experiencing problems related to gambling, counselling is available to you free of charge. You can expect confidential help from trained professionals who can help you work out ways to reduce the problems associated with gambling.
How do I renew my VSE or reinstate myself in the program?
If you wish to remain self-excluded after the period you have chosen ends, you must give written notice to BCLC. Send a letter requesting an extension and be sure to include the length of time (6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years). You will be contacted within a few days by BCLC who will arrange, at your convenience, to have the proper documentation completed. Mail your letter before your current self-exclusion periods ends to:
BCLC
Manager Casino Security and Surveillance
74 W. Seymour Street
Kamloops, BC
V2C 1E2
