Gambling news from http://desmoinesregister.com/
About 1,330 people have signed up for an Iowa program that bans them for life from state-licensed racetracks and casinos.
If participants are discovered on casino premises, they can be charged with trespassing. If they win at a casino, Iowa law requires that they not be paid, but instead deposit winnings in the Gambling Treatment Fund.
"That's really the hammer," said Jack Ketterer, administrator for the state Racing and Gaming Commission. "If somebody comes in and they get some big prize or they win a jackpot over $1,200 that would make them go to the cashier's cage and identify themselves, then they're not allowed to keep that."
In fiscal 2006, state officials said $182,041 in winnings confiscated at casinos from self-exclusion violators were deposited in the Gambler's Treatment Fund. So far, $17,183 in winnings have been forfeited since July 1. Forfeited prizes ranged from $8 to $16,105.
The self-exclusion program is also available at American Indian casinos and via the state lottery.
Iowa Lottery spokeswoman Mary Neubauer said the self-exclusion rule has been used by five ex-lottery players.
Mike Harding, 45, of Altoona, said he went from a social to problem gambler after being forced onto disability about six years ago because of multiple surgeries on his knees and back. When he could no longer control his gambling urges, he took matters into his own slot-clutching hands and signed the ban.
"It works great. I know I can't go to a casino in Iowa without getting arrested," Harding said. "I'm not willing to take that risk."
Experts say the self-exclusion rule can be a good tool to help gamblers on the road to recovery so long as it's coupled with other interventions including counseling and guidance from a trained professional, said Nicole Peckumn of the state Department of Public Health.
The agency houses the state's gambling treatment program, 1-(800) BETSOFF hot line and Web site.
Peckumn said data from treatment centers around Iowa indicate about 10 percent of their total clients are enrolled in the self-exclusion program.
"The problem with self-exclusion is that it's often difficult to monitor and there are other gambling venues available to problem gamblers," she said.
Wes Ehrecke of the Iowa Gaming Association said member casinos share self-exclusion data weekly under tight confidentiality rules. They also rely on family members or friends of problem gamblers to help the facilities monitor compliance, he said.
Exclusion program participants also are removed from casino mailing or promotion lists. The Iowa ban also applies to casino properties owned by Harrahs and Isle of Capri companies in other states.
Harding said the program can be a useful approach to combatting problem gambling.
"It's been a great tool for me in my recovery, but it's not the only tool," Harding said.
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