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Gaming Edge’s TL;DR
- Self-exclusion enrollments are rising rapidly across multiple US states with legal sports betting and online casino gaming.
Self-exclusion registrations have climbed sharply in jurisdictions offering legal sports betting and online casinos.
State-reported totals from 2022 to 2025 show big jumps:
- New Jersey: ~18,400, ~31,200 (70%)
- Pennsylvania: (~11,700, ~24,500 (109%)
- Michigan: ~8,900, ~19,800 (122%)
- Colorado: ~5,200, ~11,400 (119%)
- Illinois: ~9,100, ~21,600 (137%)
- Virginia: ~4,300, ~10,900 (153%)
Percentage increases range from 70% (NJ) to 153% (VA) over three years. Stakeholders interpret the rise two ways: as evidence of increased gambling harms tied to easier mobile access, or as a positive sign that more people know about and can use exclusion tools.
A National Council on Problem Gambling representative reported higher call volumes to 1-800-GAMBLER and counselors helping callers enroll in self-exclusion programs during calls. Regulators, operators, and public health groups are treating these metrics as key indicators for responsible gaming performance.
Regulators seeking stronger protections
Higher self-exclusion counts mean more people are recognizing risky play and using formal protections – and online systems make exclusions more comprehensive than traditional land-based programs.
Identity-linked online exclusions can block account creation across platforms within a state, reducing easy re-entry. However, enforcement gaps persist: offshore sites, sweepstakes-style casinos, and social apps can let excluded players continue to gamble.
The trend drives both compliance work and reputational risk. Expect increased investment in in-app responsible-gaming tools (proactive messaging tied to behavior), stronger age/ID verification at signup, and restrictions on promotions to flagged accounts.
Regulators are also considering financial levers such as mandatory deposit limits for new accounts and tying operator contributions to treatment programs to market size. Short-term costs for technology and program funding may rise, but robust harm reduction systems can support long-term market stability and political acceptance.
Based on reporting by Kayode Kehinde for Iredell Free News.
