I'm looking for a bit of advice if anyone is able to help. Today I visited a local arcade and after playing and losing decided I wanted to self exclude. The manager told me that I couldn't do it until tomorrow when the owner is present and also that when I do self exclude that I will automatically be excluded by every gambling venue in the town (arcades, bookies, bingo and casino) Firstly is it okay that they refuse to self exclude there and then? And secondly, they know I play tournaments and often dine in the local casino, I don't have a problem when I go in there at all and would not want to be excluded. So is it right that they're basically saying it's all or nothing? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help 🙂
Hi to answer your question no it's not right .
First all arcades give a 24 hour cooling off period to players before self exclusion. That's about the only truth they gave ,
Anyone that works at the arcade is responsible for giving you the self exclusion form you don't have to wait for the owner . Self excluding from an arcade only bars you from venues owned by said company. Self exclusion from casinos is different as there's a scheme called sense that excludes you from all land based casinos so no you wouldn't be banned from there . That's a complete lie they told you as for bookies they have a separate self exclusion form that you have to use to excluded from each individual company,
To me it looks as though they are fobbing you off and using scare tactics. Personally I'd make sure I went back tomorrow and get the exclusion form done and stick your fingers up as you walk out
Deano
Dear Dave57
Thank you for raising this important issue. It's great that you made the effort to ask for self exclusion. We're sorry you found it wasn't straightforward.
I just want to clarify some of the points Deano has made.
There are separate schemes for each type of gambling: Casinos, Arcades, Betting Shops, Bingo Clubs. There is a website called Opt in to Self Exclude which explains each of the schemes. Here's what it has to say about arcades.
"Arcades and Betting Shops
Arcades and betting shops operate their own local area schemes in which you nominate the arcades or betting shops you wish to self-exclude from. These are usually identified by you as those that are close to your home, your work or other activities."
This information is from http://optintoselfexclude.info
The arcade scheme is run by BACTA, the membership body for arcades and gaming venues. You may want to contact them direct for clarification. http://www.bacta.org.uk/.
By the way we have moved this thread to 'Overcoming Problem Gambling' as it isn't a debate as such.
We hope you manage to self exclude successfully.
Best wishes
Forum Admin.
Thanks for the help and great advice, I'll be going back tomorrow and self excluding 🙂
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