Regulators in the western American state of Nevada are reportedly hoping to further curb the scourge of problem gambling by launching a new self-exclusion program for those who wish to be barred from accessing iGaming entertainment.

According to a Saturday report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper, the voluntary scheme was recently approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission and will allow individuals wanting to control their gambling impulses to have themselves barred from enjoying any interactive games operated via the Internet.

Specific focus:

The newspaper reported that the coming program is to be administered by the Nevada Gaming Control Board in order to prevent people located anywhere in ‘The Silver State’ from accessing a wide range of iGaming entertainment including online casino and poker games. But, the soon-to-launch scheme will not purportedly cover analogous land-based offerings to leave those on the list free to enjoy such amusement inside any of Nevada’s many casinos without conflict.

Developmental stage:

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the Technology Division of the Nevada Gaming Control Board is still in the process of working out just how the self-exclusion program will function. However, it detailed that the regulator will most likely end up asking those who want to have their name featured on the list to fill out a form online or through a licensee before passing their details on to licensed iGaming operators.

Expert analysis:

Alan Feldman from the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ International Gaming Institute reportedly welcomed the establishment of the self-exclusion system for iGaming although he subsequently admitted that there is no evidence such schemes reduce the overall prevalence of problem gambling. The distinguished authority purportedly furthermore disclosed that licensees shouldn’t have many problems in adapting to the coming system as many already abide by analogous programs in other states where they are active.

Feldman reportedly told the Las Vegas Review-Journal…

“It’s because the act of signing up for it is a very validating and affirming action because it is now that moment where you’ve said ‘I need to do something’ and that often is a critical moment in a problem gambler’s journey. Does it actually do anything for them? Do they have a better outcome? Not really but I wouldn’t throw it all away because of that.”

Overreach apprehension:

Nevertheless, Feldman reportedly also told the newspaper that he remains concerned that this scheme could eventually be rolled out to encompass land-based facilities. He purportedly divulged that this anxiety rests with the real possibility of law enforcement officials being one day asked to enter Nevada casinos so as to arrest self-excluded individuals who have accessed the building.