How Does the Program Work?
Voluntary self-exclusion can be an important first step in helping you control your gambling. When you enroll, you choose a period of time to exclude yourself from all facilities with slot machines, commercial bingo halls, or PlayNow.com — either 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years.
Self-Exclusion Options
British Columbia has three voluntary self-exclusion options. You can sign up for one, two, or all three options:
Option 1
All gaming facilities with slot machines. This includes casinos, community gaming centres, and race track gaming floors with slot machines.
Option 2
All commercial bingo halls, community gaming centres and any gaming facility offering bingo.
Option 3
All gambling on PlayNow.com
If you are self-excluded from a gaming facility, you are not eligible to gamble on PlayNow.com for the duration of your exclusion. If you have an existing PlayNow.com account, it will be closed.
Ways to Voluntarily Self-Exclude
Realizing you have a gambling problem can be tough. That’s why there’s a support system in place to help you. All you have to do is visit a GameSense Info Centre (located at all BC casinos) and speak with a GameSense Advisor. Or ask any staff member at any casino, community gaming centre or commercial bingo hall for help.
You can also visit the BCLC offices in Kamloops or Vancouver, or call BCLC’s Consumer Services at 1-866-815-0222 for more information.
To self-exclude from PlayNow.com, log into your account and access “Self-Exclusion” from within the “My Account” section. The screens will guide you through the process.
At any time, you can call the Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-795-6111 for free confidential help and advice.
One More Thing
If you have a loved one you believe has a gambling problem, it’s understandable that you’d want to help. However, only the person seeking self-exclusion can sign up for the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. Not even a spouse or family member can do it for them.
