California becomes fifth state to join new US-wide self-exclusion program
The Golden State joins Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee in agreeing to join the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, set to launch in August
California is the latest state to join the recently formed National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP) from idPair.
The new US-wide self-exclusion service, which was first announced in April, will also launch in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee in August of this year, the same time that California opts in.
The NVSEP means that bettors in the aforementioned states can exclude themselves from certain verticals, including land-based casinos, online casino, online poker, fantasy sports, and/or horseracing.
However, it will not launch as an official, co-signed program and idPair has made clear the states involved do not boast an official relationship with the organization and reserve the right to decide if they wish to join in an “integrated manner.”
Robert Jacobson, executive director of the California Council on Problem Gambling highlighted some of the flaws in the state’s current self-exclusion system, which in turn go some way to explaining the decision to implement the NVSEP later this year.
He explained: “California self-exclusion is a critical state program which allows individuals to request that a cardroom prevent them from gambling at, or in many cases entering, the premises for a designated period. This can be a crucial tool for those battling gambling addiction.
“However, enrolling in the program in person at a cardroom’s premises can have a powerful triggering effect, potentially leading to a relapse or deterring the individual from self-excluding entirely.
“Remotely excluding – i.e., mailing in a form – can be a great alternative; however, it requires that the enrollment form be notarized to verify the identity of the person submitting the form.
“For someone suffering from an addiction – especially one which causes severe financial hardships – each added barrier or cost makes it that much more difficult for them to take that first step on the road to recovery.”
He went on to insist that joining NVSEP could have a “tremendously positive impact” for problem gamblers in the state.
“NVSEP’s offer of free notarization services for those enrolling in California’s self-exclusion program removes a significant barrier, potentially having a tremendously positive impact on countless Californians dealing with gambling addiction by making one of our most vital prevention and recovery tools more accessible,” Jacobson added.
Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair has echoed a similar sentiment and talked up the impact California’s inclusion in the NVSEP will have.
He claimed: “NVSEP is singularly focused on expanding free and simple access to voluntary self-exclusion to those who need it.
“This announcement has the potential to help many of the tens of millions of people who either call California home or make it a travel destination and need a free and effective way to protect themselves.”
A number of tribal casinos in the state boast their own respective self-exclusion programs which are separate from the state’s program. The NVSEP applies only to California’s state-run program.
The NVSEP will soon oversee 36 online operators across five different jurisdictions. Underdog invested in the company via its investment arm GuardDog in March to provide startup capital as well as access to investor and industry figures.