PlayPause is setting up a national repository to ensure anyone who self-excludes from gambling activity will be protected when they move from one state to another in the U.S. PlayPause aims to modernize the current antiquated approach to self-exclusion to enable consumers to self-exclude with ease across multiple states to prevent incidence of simply crossing a state line and continuing to gamble. Think of PlayPause as an information-sharing tool between states and regulatory agencies and operators. Utilizing technology to share information amongst shareholders seamlessly, PlayPause allows you to customize self-exclusions according to your gambling preferences and needs. Please check the map above for reference.
At the outset, PlayPause will be available for online self-exclusions only. However, Conscious Gaming intends to expand this to the land-based environment in the future.
Voluntary self-exclusion allows you to exclude yourself from legalized gambling activities for a predetermined length of time. Self-exclusion is not a substitute or alternative to therapeutic treatment for a gambling problem. Gambling problems are characterized by preoccupation, loss of control and harm. Gambling problems range in severity from mild to extremely serious and it is strongly recommended individuals who self-exclude seek additional help to address the root of their problem.
When self-excluded, you will not be able to log into your account, and depending on the rules of the jurisdiction (company and/or property) where you have excluded your name may be removed from direct marketing lists and you may be restricted from online and in-person gambling activities.
Gambling activities you may be restricted from when on a self-exclusion list include, but are not limited to: gambling; receiving or using complementary goods or services; being a member of a slot or players’ club; receiving credit from any casino; cashing checks at a casino; collecting winnings or recovering losses, etc.
You can enroll in PlayPause via any participating business that offers gambling in the U.S. that has signed up for the PlayPause tool, as well as any state regulatory agency who oversees gambling activity in your state and has joined PlayPause. Please check the map above for reference.
It is your responsibility to honor the parameters of the self-exclusion once enrolled.
Please note that the rules vary from state-to-state on the consequences of entering a gambling facility whilst on a self-exclusion list. Check out on the map above. In general, if detected by the casino you may be asked to leave the property. In some cases you may be subject to arrest for trespass.
No. There is no financial cost to enroll in PlayPause.
No. Third parties cannot place anyone else on the self-exclusion list. Placement on the list is entirely voluntary and must be done by the individual seeking exclusion.
No. To honor the confidentiality of exclusions, Conscious Gaming cannot divulge the names of those enrolled in the program to anyone, including spouses, significant others or employers.
PlayPause does not store any personally identifiable information. When you participate in the PlayPause program, the information you supply will be used to create a unique player identifier (ID) which is non-reversible back to you and maintained in a highly secure environment, for increased database privacy.
By creating an encrypted, unique ID, your self-exclusion preferences can be shared responsibly between participating nationwide gambling partners.
The intent of PlayPause is to ensure anyone who needs to take a break from gambling or stop gambling entirely can do so. By opting into PlayPause, you are consenting to exclude with participating state regulators and gambling operators in the U.S, so you will not be able to gamble at those partnering entities.
Please note that some operators choose to apply self-exclusions across all their properties and jurisdictions in which they operate. Please refer to operator-specific policies for more information.
Check out the map above to see what states offer PlayPause.
Please check out on the map above.
You determine how long your exclusion will last with PlayPause when signing up via participating gambling operators and state regulatory partners.
Please note that depending on the state rules where you are excluded, you may not be able to remove yourself from PlayPause until that designated timeframe has elapsed (including permanent exclusions).
Check out the map above to find details on the states where you have enrolled.
Your encrypted unique ID, with the details associated with your exclusion, will be stored with PlayPause. You will be restricted from applicable gambling activities with participating partners during your exclusion.
You will not be able to log into your account(s). Once you enroll in PlayPause, your account will be blocked. Any new accounts you attempt to open during theof the self-exclusion period will also be blocked as soon as they are detected. In addition, operators will take all reasonable measures to make sure that you do not receive any promotional material during this time.
Please note that participating casinos, online operators or sportsbooks may, as a consequence of your signing up for internet self-exclusion, prohibit you from visiting any of its land-based properties as well as its online gaming and online sportsbooks, even those in other states. You could also forfeit any rewards points you may have earned or winnings from any bets placed after you have excluded.
You will be restricted from accessing your online account when enrolled in PlayPause.
Gambling activities you may be restricted from when on a self-exclusion list include, but are not limited to: gambling; receiving or using complementary goods or services; being a member of a slot or players’ club; receiving credit from any casino; cashing checks at a casino; collecting winnings or recovering losses, etc.
Please note that participating casinos, online operators or sportsbooks may, as a consequence of your signing up for internet self-exclusion, prohibit you from visiting any of its land-based properties as well as any of its online gaming and online sportsbooks, even those in other states. You could also forfeit any rewards points you may have earned or winnings from any bets placed after you have excluded.
You request removal from PlayPause via participating operator and regulator partners found on the above map.
Please note that depending on the state rules where you are restricted, you may not be able to remove yourself from PlayPause until that time has elapsed (including permanent exclusions). Follow this link to find details on the states where you have enrolled. Check out the map above to find details on the states where you have enrolled.
No, once you complete your enrollment, PlayPause will not try to contact you.
Once you enroll in PlayPause, operators will take all reasonable measures to make sure you do not receive any promotional material during this time. Please note that it may take several weeks for a person to no longer receive mailings.
Yes. However, depending on the state, Self-Excluded Persons may not be allowed to enter specific areas of a venue where persons may be allowed to place sports wagers. Check out the map above to find details on the states where you have enrolled.
If you have questions relating to problem gambling in general, please follow this link: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/faq/
If you have additional concerns about responsible gaming and managing your gambling – or if you’re concerned about a friend or family member – please call or text 1-800-522-4700. This toll-free helpline, run by the National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG). You can also chat to the NCPG online at ncpgambling.org/chat. They offer support and counselling referrals that may help you through your gambling concerns.
Below are some helpful links covering gambling myths, risks, responsible gambling tips and how to get help:
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Seth Palansky is a highly accomplished business leader with more than 20 years of executive experience in corporate communications on behalf of blue-chip U.S. corporations including the National Football League (NFL), News Corp (Fox Sports) and Caesars Entertainment. He successfully managed corporate communications for Caesars Entertainment’s Interactive division as its VP, Corporate Communications, from 2008-2020, and prior to that for the National Football League (NFL) as Communications Director. At Conscious Gaming, which he joined in 2020, Seth contributes his multifaceted expertise in corporate communications, media relations, crisis communications, social media strategy and as a company spokesperson to solidify, deliver and advance social responsibility initiatives.
PA is a partner. PlayPause is offered via the PA Gaming Control Board.
Self-exclusion period available: 1 year; 5 years; Lifetime
Automatic removal once the time period expired? No
Removal: 1 or 5-year exclusions remain in effect until player requests removal. Lifetime exclusions are permanent.
Exclude in PA directly by visiting the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board website.
For additional PA responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania website.
Anna Sainsbury has over ten years of experience in regulation and compliance across both the land-based and online gaming industries. As the Co-founder and Chairman of GeoComply, Anna works with operators, regulators and vendors in the emerging US online gaming market to harness the latest technologies to ensure compliance with governing laws. Most recently, Anna established Conscious Gaming, a non-profit whereby she seeks to work collaboratively with industry, as a Trustee, to propel social responsibility initiatives in responsible gaming, anti-human trafficking and other areas.
Elizabeth Cronan serves as Vice President of Government Relations for GeoGuard, where she leads federal regulatory, policy and advocacy initiatives focused on driving awareness of the value of authentic geolocation for fraud prevention, detection and strengthening AML/KYC processes. As Trustee of Conscious Gaming, Elizabeth utilizes her experience to empower and unite the industry behind consumer protection. Prior to joining GeoGuard and Conscious Gaming, Elizabeth served as the Senior Director of Gaming Policy for the American Gaming Association (AGA), where she led the AGA’s policy and regulatory affairs agenda which included AML / BSA compliance issues as well as CSR and responsible gaming initiatives.
Dr. Kahlil Philander is an Assistant Professor in the School of Hospitality Business Management. He also holds an appointment as an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. His research interests are in tourism economics. Previously, he was the Director of Social Responsibility at the British Columbia Lottery Corporation where he oversaw the GameSense program, and an Assistant Professor and Director of Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ International Gaming Institute. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, an MA in economics from the University of Toronto, and a BCom with Honors in finance from the University of British Columbia.
Keith S. Whyte became the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in October 1998. NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. NCPG was founded in 1972 and is the oldest and most objective organization on gambling issues.
Previously, Mr. Whyte served as Director of Research for the American Gaming Association where he was responsible for research and public policy issues, including problem gambling. His prior experience includes the American Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities where he dealt with policy issues relating to civil rights, human rights, healthcare, and immigration law. He began his career working on healthcare policy in the office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Keith graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in International Relations. He also studied at Leiden University, the Netherlands.
Mr. Whyte has presented in 39 US states and Austria, Bahamas, Canada, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Macau, Malawi, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom. He has written numerous articles, studies and book chapters on gaming issues. In addition, Keith has testified four times before the United States Congress on gambling-related legislation. He regularly discusses gaming issues in national and international print, radio and broadcast media, including appearances on ABC News, ABC News Nightline, CBS News, CBS Today Show, Dateline NBC, NBC Nightly News, Fox News, ESPN, CNN, CNN International, Voice of America and the BBC. Keith is an Editorial Board member of Gaming Law Review and Analysis of Gambling Behavior. He is a member of the International Masters in Gaming Law Responsible Gaming Committee. Keith also serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Gambling Issues and the Alberta Gaming Research Institute, and sits on the Advisory Boards of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University and the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University.
A longtime resident of Arlington, Virginia with his wife Stacey and son Ian, Keith is an appointed member of the Arlington Community Services Board, precinct captain for the Arlington County Democratic Committee, delegate to the Arlington Civic Federation and longtime volunteer for the Arlington Food Assistance Center. He is an avid cyclist who rides more than 3,000 miles per year and a passionate supporter of the D.C. United soccer team.
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PlayPause is not yet available in Wyoming.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Wyoming.
PlayPause is not yet available in Wisconsin.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Wisconsin.
PlayPause is not yet available in Texas.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Texas.
PlayPause is not yet available in Oklahoma.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Oklahoma.
PlayPause is not yet available in Ohio.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Ohio.
PlayPause is not yet available in New York.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in New York.
PlayPause is not yet available in Minnesota.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Minnesota.
PlayPause is not yet available in Maryland.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Maryland.
PlayPause is not yet available in Kentucky.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Kentucky.
PlayPause is not yet available in Hawaii.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Hawaii.
PlayPause is not yet available in Arizona.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Arizona.
PlayPause is not yet available in Vermont
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Vermont.
PlayPause is not yet available in South Dakota.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in South Dakota.
PlayPause is not yet available in New Mexico.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in New Mexico
PlayPause is not yet available in Missouri.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Missouri.
PlayPause is not yet available in Maine.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Maine.
PlayPause is not yet available in Kansas.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Kansas.
PlayPause is not yet available in California.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in California.
PlayPause is not yet available in Alaska.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Alaska.
PlayPause is not yet available in Washington.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Washington.
PlayPause is not yet available in Utah.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Utah.
PlayPause is not yet available in South Carolina.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in South Carolina.
PlayPause is not yet available in Nebraska.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Nebraska.
PlayPause is not yet available in Massachusetts.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Massachusetts.
PlayPause is not yet available in Louisiana.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Louisiana.
PlayPause is not yet available in Idaho.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Idaho.
PlayPause is not yet available in Florida.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Florida.
PlayPause is not yet available in Connecticut.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Connecticut.
PlayPause is not yet available in Arkansas.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Arkansas.
PlayPause is not yet available in Alabama.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in Alabama.
PlayPause is not yet available in North Dakota.
Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in ND.
For additional ND responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Tennessee
Please visit the TN Lottery website for responsible gaming resources in TN.
For additional TN responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Clorado.
Please visit the CO Department of Revenue website for responsible gaming resources in CO.
For additional CO responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in North Carolina.
Exclude in NC directly by visiting the Harrah’s website.
For additional NC responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Georgia.
Exclude in GA directly by visiting the GA Lottery website.
For additional GA responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Virginia.
Exclude in VA directly by visiting the VA Lottery website.
For additional VA responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Oregon.
Exclude from sports wagering in OR directly by visiting the OR Lottery website.
For additional OR responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in West Virginia.
Please visit the West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association website for responsible gaming resources in WV.
For additional WV responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Rhode Island.
Exclude in RI directly by visiting the Twin River and Tiverton websites.
For additional RI responsible gaming resources, Please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in New Hampshire.
Exclude in NH directly by visiting the New Hampshire Lottery website.
For additional NH responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Nevada.
Please visit the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling website for responsible gaming resources in NV.
For additional NV responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Montana.
Please visit the Montana Lottery website for responsible gaming resources in MT.
For additional MT responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Mississippi
Exclude in MS directly by visiting the Mississippi Gaming Commission website.
For additional MS responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Michigan.
Exclude in MI directly by visiting the Michigan Gaming Control Board website.
For additional MI responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Iowa.
Exclude in IA directly by visiting the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission website.
For additional IA responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Illinois.
Exclude in IL directly by visiting the Illinois Gaming Board website.
For additional IL responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Dekaware.
Exclude in DE directly by visiting the Delaware Lottery website.
For additional DE responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in Indiana.
Exclude in IN directly by visiting the Indiana Racing Commission website.
For additional IN responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in DC.
Exclude in DC directly by visiting the DC Lottery website.
For additional DC responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
PlayPause is not yet available in New Jersey
Exclude in NJ directly by visiting the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement website and the New Jersey Racing Commission website.
For additional NJ responsible gaming resources, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.