Texas’ gambling laws have limited betting operations to the state lottery, in-person horse race betting, and casino gambling at tribal casinos (which also have tight restrictions on what games they are permitted to run). However, as a result of these limitations, the state hasn’t implemented a gambling self-exclusion list, which other states have utilized as a means of combating gambling addiction.
In this piece, we’ll take a look at how self-exclusion lists work and the advantages of enrolling in such programs.
Does Texas have a self-exclusion list for gamblers?
No, Texas does not have a self-exclusion list for gamblers. This is because the state has limited gambling operations and puts the onus on individuals to refrain from betting practices even among the small array of legal means to do so.
With recent efforts across the country to legalize sports betting, as well as pushes made locally to expand Texas casino operations, it’s not far-fetched to think the state legislature would implement an exclusion list in the future.
How the Texas self-exclusion list could work
If Texas were to expand gambling options throughout the state, especially to establish more casinos or sports betting, adding a self-exclusion option would be a prudent move. Gambling addiction is a serious mental health problem, and implementing an exclusion program could help prevent Texans from developing addiction or experiencing the effects thereof.
Self-exclusion lists work by restricting access to betting facilities and online operations. Individuals must complete an application and submit it in person to the regulatory body tasked with running the program (this could be the Texas Lottery Commission, another agency, or their appointed designee at a casino or retail sportsbook).
Once the application is approved, those individuals are not permitted to enter gambling venues, purchase lottery tickets, or register for gambling apps (and could be criminally prosecuted for attempting to do so). Because of the drastic nature and legal ramifications of this step, completion of the process can only be done in person and without the influence of coercion or any mind-altering substances.
Why will some people want to put themselves on the TX gambling self-exclusion list in the future?
Some people may want to put themselves on a TX gambling self-exclusion list in the future because they know they are at risk of problematic gambling behaviors (they may be on such lists in other states as well if they live near a state border). Addition to the list can further disincentivize attempts to participate in betting activities in the future due to the legal consequences.
We highly recommend those who are at risk of problem gambling to apply for the self-exclusion program if it becomes available. Gambling should always be done responsibly, and for those who are dealing with a betting addiction (or at risk of developing an addiction), not gambling at all can be the most responsible thing to do.
Will it be possible to take yourself off the Texas self-exclusion list?
Yes, if Texas creates a self-exclusion list, it would be possible to remove yourself from the list, though this is not a recommended course of action. Based on the rules in other states, you would need to wait a period of no less than one year before you could apply to be removed from the list, and even then, there’s no guarantee that your request would be granted.
When filling out the application, you can check a box to either request a one-year minimum or a lifetime ban. However, we would encourage you to give strong thought to the lifetime ban if you are considering applying for the exclusion list.
