Exploding gambling self-exclusion list surpasses 30,000 people in Georgia

Exploding gambling self-exclusion list surpasses 30,000 people in Georgia

Georgia's Gambling Self-Ban List Expands with Over 30,000 Registrants

The gambling self-ban list in Georgia, a voluntary self-exclusion program offered by the Georgia Lottery, has seen a significant increase in registrants since early May. As of the latest data, the number of individuals on the registry has surpassed 30,000.

This increase is attributed to recent reforms that have made the self-registration process easier for individuals. The reforms allow individuals to self-register without prior approval, and the process now utilizes biometric identification for privacy and data security.

Individuals listed in the database are banned from participating in all forms of gambling, except for prize-based promotional games. Removal from the gambling self-ban list is only approved under two conditions: loss of Georgian citizenship or a court decision made at least three years after registration.

The self-ban list is a crucial part of Georgia’s responsible gaming initiatives, offering a confidential and secure way for individuals to protect themselves from gambling addiction. It is intended primarily for those who identify as having a gambling problem, to prevent them from gambling on lottery games.

While the exact procedural steps for registration and the length of validity are not explicitly outlined, this self-exclusion applies specifically to the Georgia Lottery and does not cover sports betting—which remains largely illegal in Georgia as of 2025, since sports betting legalization attempts have failed. This suggests the self-ban is currently limited to lottery gambling and does not encompass broader gambling venues or forms like offshore online casinos or fantasy sports.

Support services and counseling are linked closely to the program, highlighting rehabilitation and prevention aspects. The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling (GCPG) provides additional resources including surveys that help indicate gambling addiction severity and offers access to counselors via phone or email. Georgian residents can also use other responsible gambling features like cool-off breaks or deposit limits where available on some platforms.

Of the newly added individuals, 59 were added by court order, while the majority (30,392) voluntarily restricted themselves from gambling. It's important to note that the length of validity for the self-ban is five years.

The gambling self-ban list in Georgia serves as a testament to the growing awareness and commitment towards responsible gambling and addressing gambling addiction. For those seeking help, the self-ban list and associated support services offer a crucial resource in the fight against problem gambling.

[1] Source: [Link to the original source 1] [3] Source: [Link to the original source 3]

1. The gambling self-ban list in Georgia, a voluntary program, has expanded to over 30,000 registrants, majority of whom have opted for self-exclusion.
2. In addition to lotteries, the self-ban list prohibits individuals from participating in casino-games offered by the Georgia Lottery, but it doesn't cover sports betting, which remains largely illegal.
3. Participants listed on the gambling self-ban database are banned from participating in all forms of gambling except for prize-based promotional games. Removal from the list is possible only under specific conditions.
4. Georgia's gambling self-ban list is part of its responsible gambling initiatives, offering support services and counseling for individuals facing gambling addiction, including sports-betting addiction, which is not addressed by the self-ban.

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