HomeResponsible Gambling in ArizonaArizona Gambling Self-Exclusion List

Arizona gambling self-exclusion list

On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about the Arizona gambling self-exclusion list, how it works including, why some AZ gamblers put themselves on the list, why it is impossible to take yourself off of it, and the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject.

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While there have been countless benefits to legal sports betting sweeping across the country over the past five years, there have also been some downsides as well. One of those downsides is problem gambling, which is a general term for any kind of gambling that comes at the detriment of the player.

One tool that states have rolled out is self-exclusion lists, as today we dive into the Arizona self-exclusion list and how exactly it works.

Does Arizona have a self-exclusion list for gamblers?

Yes, Arizona has a self-exclusion list for gamblers designed to give bettors of all kinds a break from gambling. Established in 2021 at the same time sports betting became legal in the Grand Canyon State, the self-exclusion list is run by the Arizona Department of Gaming and is available to every resident of the state.

With now more than a dozen sports betting operators in the state, competition is more fierce than ever and with that comes advertising nearly everywhere you turn. As a result, the temptation for problem gamblers is also higher than ever, and the self-exclusion list is just one tool they can add to their arsenal to prevent them from gambling.

How the Arizona self-exclusion list works

Responsible betting is one of the core pillars that every state that has legalized sports betting has agreed to, and Arizona is no different. The Arizona Department of Gaming makes it easy to get on the self-exclusion list, which will flag your personal information and prevent AZ gambling sites from taking your bets for a given amount of time, ranging from one year to ten years.

During your selected time range, you will not be permitted to wager at any Arizona gambling establishment and you can not take yourself off the list. Once the time period you selected is up, you will automatically be off the list and able to wager on sports again.

Here are the two routes you can go to add yourself to the self-exclusion list.

  • In-Person: You can reach out to the Arizona Department of Gaming at 602-771-4263 to set up an appointment to be put on the list. Appoints are available Monday through Thursday (excluding Tuesday) from 8 AM to 3 PM local time. During the appointment, you will meet with the self-exclusion administrator who will go over the program and help you fill out the form.
  • Online: The process can also be completed online at https://problemgambling.az.gov/self-exclusion which requires your personal information and the amount of time you wish to be on the list. You will then need to print the completed form and get it notarized, attach a current photo, and then mail the form to the Arizona Department of Gaming at 1100 W Washington St Ste 450, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Why do some AZ gamblers put themselves on the Arizona self-exclusion list?

There is a litany of reasons that AZ gamblers put themselves on the self-exclusion list, all of which revolve around identifying that they are problem gamblers.

It is identifying the problem, however, that is the biggest challenge for AZ gamblers. Below are a few of the reasons why some AZ gamblers put themselves on the Arizona self-exclusion list.

  • Non-Stop Gambling: For most, gambling or betting on sports is an occasional thing that they do in short bursts and for small amounts. If you find yourself constantly needing action and it is the only thing you can think about, that is where the problem comes in.
  • Inability To Pay Bills: The amount of money you are gambling and losing interferes with your ability to pay bills in a timely manner.
  • Lying To Friends or Family: You are lying to friends or family about the volume of bets you make or the amount of money you are losing, in fear of embarrassment or them identifying the problem.

Is it possible to take yourself off the Arizona self exclusion list?

No, it is not possible to take yourself off the Arizona self-exclusion list during the time period you selected, no matter what. The time blocks available to choose from are one year, five years, or ten years, during which time you can not take yourself off the list.

Once the time period is over, however, you can reassess your propensity for problem gambling as you’ll automatically be taken off the list with no other action required.

The state of Arizona requires you to finish the period listed on your initial application, as the whole program is designed to prevent you from gambling completely.

Once the time period is up, if you feel you still have a problem with gambling responsibility in Arizona, you can sign back up on the self-exclusion list using the process noted above.


FAQ

Is there a fee associated with self-exclusion list in Arizona?

No, there is no fee associated with the self-exclusion list, other than any postage required if you are filling out the form online and mailing it in.

Can I choose the length of my self-exclusion period?

Yes, you can choose the length of your self-exclusion period with the self-exclusion list, ranging from one year, five years, or ten years.

What happens if I violate my self-exclusion agreement in Arizona?

You can not violate your self-exclusion agreement in Arizona, as the legal sportsbook operators in the state have your personal information and will prohibit you from making a wager in the first place. The Arizona Department of Gaming suggests you block all of your frequently used gambling sites to prevent even the temptation of trying.

Are all types of gambling venues covered by the Arizona self-exclusion list?

Yes, all types of gambling venues including brick and mortar casinos are covered by the Arizona self-exclusion list. Because they will have both your photo and personal information, your license will be flagged upon entering a casino or sportsbook and then scanning your ID.