New York State’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP), consisting of the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York State Gaming Commission, continues to improve the voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) process at gaming facilities across the state.

The NYCPG has launched a new free VSE Support Program to help individuals who recognize they may have a gambling problem quickly find the resources they need to exclude themselves from gambling activities in New York State.

VSE, which allows individuals to ban themselves from gambling activities, can be an effective tool at reducing the harm caused by problem gambling. By voluntarily self-excluding oneself, they are barred from entering any gaming establishment or partaking in any gambling activity in New York State, including sports wagering.

According to OASAS’ 2020 Problem Gambling Prevalence Survey, 4.4 percent of adults in NY are at risk for developing a gambling problem and an additional 0.7 percent meet the criteria for problem gambling or a gambling disorder.

When an individual seeks to self-exclude at a licensed gaming facility in New York State, staff from the NYCPG are now available to:

• Explain the self-exclusion process in plain language
• Connect the individual to a problem gambling treatment provider, as well as information for counseling, peer support and recovery services
• Assist with completing the VSE necessary forms, including notarization

The NYCPG’s Voluntary Self Exclusion Support Program is available via VSESupport@nycpg.org or 518-903-0217.

NYCPG Executive Director James Maney said, “Assisting those in need of help through providing care and concern is at the core of what NYCPG does, and the launch of this new program exemplifies that care and concern by breaking down barriers. The new online notary services make it easier for individuals to complete remote VSE, while also connecting to one of our caring staff members who are knowledgeable about the process."

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “OASAS oversees a robust system of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services for those affected by addiction across the state, including problem gambling. Voluntary self-exclusion can be an effective prevention strategy to reduce gambling harms, and this new support program not only provides a way for people to complete the self-exclusion process, but also offers an opportunity to connect to OASAS local problem gambling community support services to assist in mitigating further harm.”

New York State Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said, “The Gaming Commission is committed to ensuring that licensed facilities operate in responsible and sensitive matters for those who need help. The New York Council on Problem Gambling’s VSE Support Program provides those individuals with the knowledge and resources to make the best decisions for their welfare.”

The NYCPG is a not-for-profit independent corporation, funded by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling. NYCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors. Find out more at NYProblemGambling.org.

The RPP, in its 10th year of existence, was formed to bring all stakeholders together to address problem gambling, including bridging the gap between gaming facility operators and problem gambling treatment providers. The RPP works to ensure that all gaming entities in the state comply with all rules and regulations and provide access to help for individuals who need it. The RPP continues to collaborate to advance New York’s ongoing commitment to prevent and treat problem gambling.  

Those seeking help for problem gambling or substance use disorder can call the NYS OASAS 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369) or visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org.