Responsible Gambling in Indiana
In states that have legalized gambling, including casinos, sports betting, or lotteries, it is important to address problem gambling. While many people gamble responsibly and for fun, some find it difficult to control their habits. Responsible gaming policies are aimed at protecting such people. These include measures to prevent underage gambling and the provision of support to prevent excessive or frequent betting.
For example, in Indiana, people must be at least 21 years old to place bets, reflecting an aspect of responsible gambling regulation. These measures are important to ensure a safe and enjoyable gambling experience for all participants.
Gambling Responsibly at Indiana Casinos
Indiana has laws governing responsible gambling at live casinos that are less stringent than some other states. The focus is on requirements for posting information materials and compliance with the government’s self-exclusion program.
Each licensed Indiana riverboat and racetrack casino provides $500,000 annually to support the self-exclusion system. Laws require all Indiana casinos to post information at entrances, including phone numbers and websites of organizations that help people with gambling problems, as well as instructions for voluntary withdrawal from gambling.
The process of self-exclusion is important and quite complex. When registering for this program, casinos are required to refuse to accept bets for such people. Casinos must have effective methods to identify such people and, if they are discovered, they must be promptly removed from the premises. Additionally, individuals on the self-exclusion list have the right to request removal from the list, which adds further complexity to the system. Following these procedures is key to maintaining a casino license in Indiana.
How to Register for Self-Exclusion in Indiana
To register for the Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP), you can go to the following places:
- Indiana Gaming Commission offices in Indianapolis.
- Any casino in Indiana.
- Certified Problem Gambling Treatment Provider in Indiana.
When you register, you agree not to visit Indiana casinos and agree to leave them if discovered (or even be arrested for violating them).
In Indiana, individuals who wish to self-exclude from gambling can choose one of three terms: life, one year, or five years. If you choose a limited period (one or five years), after its expiration you must independently contact the commission to be removed from the list. This can be done by visiting the commission office or through mail. Automatic exclusion continues unless the deletion process is initiated.
Once registered, a list of excluded individuals is sent to all Indiana casinos. Some casinos may also extend this exception to their establishments in other states, although this is not mandatory. The responsibility for preventing excluded persons from participating in gambling lies with these casinos. This system provides significant protections for individuals with problem gambling in Indiana.
Controlling Problem Gambling: Checklist
Experts identify a number of symptoms that indicate a potential gambling problem. If you or a loved one answers “yes†to any of the following questions, it is recommended that you contact a gambling addiction treatment specialist.
Questions to check:
- Have you ever taken out a gambling loan?
- Have you sold your items to raise funds for gambling?
- Have you hesitated to use your gambling money for other needs?
- Have you ever played longer than you planned?
- Have you ever wanted to play because of arguments or disappointments?
- Did you feel the need to play again to recover your losses?
- Have you ever played until you ran out of money?
- Have you used gambling as a way to escape problems?
- Have you lost track of time while playing?
- Have others noticed that you spend an inordinate amount of time gambling?
- Have you ever felt irritated by your gambling?
- If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is highly recommended that you consult with a professional to discuss further.
Treatment Providers and Organizations for Responsible Gambling in Indiana
The premier resource for problem gambling in Indiana is the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG). ICPG maintains a 24-hour helpline and provides a list of government treatment providers, as well as resources for friends and family concerned about a loved one’s behavior.
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling
334-309 Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-800-944-8448
You will also find information about resources for problem gambling in Indiana on the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website. Calling the NCPG hotline 1-800-522-4700 provides access to advice, support and connections to local service providers. The NCPG also recognizes that general health and addictions services are often linked to problem gambling, providing comprehensive support.
National Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
www.ncpgambling.org/state/indiana/
The in.gov website has a dedicated page dedicated to problem gambling resources. It includes information about the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling, Gamblers Anonymous, including local meetings, and the voluntary expulsion program. This page provides comprehensive information and support for Indiana residents.
www.in.gov/igc/problemgamblinghelp/2332.htm
Responsible Gaming and the Hoosier Lottery
The Indiana Lottery takes responsible gaming seriously by providing support to players with issues. The Responsible Gambling page provides important information and a contact number for the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling. The Hoosier Lottery also offers educational videos explaining the odds in lottery games and resources for identifying signs of potential gambling problems.
Responsible Gaming and Online Sports Betting
Implementing responsible gaming policies in online sports betting has its own unique challenges. Indiana House Bill H 1015 imposed a 3.33% income tax to fund treatment organizations and providers. Technology allows players to better manage their gaming habits through self-exclusion features and timeouts. Here are the available options:
- Online bookmakers offer tools for self-exclusion for varying periods from a week to life.
- Betting Limits: Players can set maximum betting limits that can apply to an individual bet or a specific period, such as a daily limit of $100 and a maximum of $30 per bet.
- Deposit limits: Ability to set daily, weekly or monthly limits on the amounts that can be deposited.
- The sites also contain questionnaires and links to organizations providing assistance.
- KYC Checks: Key to Promoting Responsible Gaming
In Indiana, you must be at least 21 years old to participate in gambling, whether online sports betting or casino gambling. Betting sites are required to verify the age of their players through KYC (know your customer) procedures for everyone making deposits. This includes providing proof of identity such as a government issued photo ID, proof of address, and proof of deposit method.
KYC procedures also help guard against issues such as bonus abuse and money laundering, ultimately providing a safer environment for honest players.
Responsible Gaming Policies in Indiana
Indiana casinos operate under a general self-exclusion program that prohibits eligible individuals from entering any live casino. As part of their licensing obligations, casinos are required to protect self-excluded individuals. The Indiana Council on Problem Gambling offers extensive resources for state residents, including support for friends, family members and those seeking help. Numerous government service providers are also available to provide support. If you or someone you know is concerned about developing a gambling problem, it is recommended that you explore these resources for help and support. If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, it is recommended that you take a self-assessment. Addressing problems early can minimize potential damage.