SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 — The Department of Consumer Protection is launching a statewide portal for consumers to voluntarily exclude themselves from being able to participate in gaming activities in Connecticut.
The Department, along with its partners at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and the Mohegan Tribe, is also encouraging consumers to learn the signs of problem gambling and to practice responsible gaming habits once the industry opens to include both retail and online wagering.
“We know there is a lot of excitement around the launch of an expanded gaming industry in Connecticut,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “While this may be a form of entertainment many people can enjoy, for others it can be a harmful addiction. The ability to voluntarily exclude yourself from these activities is one of the many tools available to help. We encourage everyone to learn the signs of problem gambling, and to utilize the many resources available if you think you or a loved one may have an addiction.”
“Connecticut is about to embark on a new future when it comes to sports betting and gambling, and with these new programs come renewed responsibilities for state government,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “We’ve worked diligently to have strong provisions to ensure our self-exclusion policy is effective, and provides the ability for individuals to take the proper steps to hold themselves accountable.”
“DMHAS has a robust network of providers with expertise in problem gambling who can assist in the dissemination of pertinent information related to responsible gambling tools and safety measures, such as self-exclusion,” said Acting DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “We work collaboratively with some of the nation's leading experts that will be providing technical assistance and education to support and respond to any emergent needs that may arise. The Department is proud to work closely with DCP, CCPG, and other stakeholders to serve as a partner and resource.”
“In the problem gambling community, self-exclusion is an essential step in helping people who are addicted,” said Diana Goode, Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. “By creating a barrier from participating, it allows those in recovery a much-needed respite from triggers and reduces the likelihood of relapse. We hope to continue to work together to expand self-exclusion to include all types of gambling in order to protect all gamblers in CT.”
“Responsible gaming has been a longstanding core value of the CT Lottery,” said Christopher Davis, CT Lottery’s Government Relations and Responsible Gaming Manager. “We are committed to helping keep our players healthy, and encourage anyone at risk of developing a gambling disorder to take advantage of the many resources available in Connecticut, including the new voluntary self-exclusion program and the CCPG helpline.”
"Fostering a safe and responsible gaming experience for our player community is a top priority for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods,” said Anika Howard, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Digital, Foxwoods Resort Casino. “In addition to working with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, alongside DraftKings we’re committing millions of dollars to promote safer play initiatives and are leveraging technology, employee training and evidence-based research to enhance these efforts. We will continue to provide the tools to ensure our guests play responsibly at our resort online and remain committed to supporting the development of awareness and prevention programs for problem gaming.”
“We are committed to problem gambling prevention and make it a priority to have helpful guides across our property and accessible on MoheganSun.com,” said Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE). “To further ensure responsible gambling, Mohegan Sun works closely with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, and does have a self-exclusion program of our own as well. Our online gaming products, which will be a collaboration between MGE and FanDuel, will also have in-app tools to help guests enjoy this type of gaming responsibly. We look forward to the continued work with the state of Connecticut on this important topic.”
The portal is now available at ct.gov/selfexclusion. Other resources on problem gambling can be found at ct.gov/gaming.
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Additional Resources:
If you think you or someone you know has a problem with gaming, you may take advantage of these problem gaming resources:
- The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained Helpline Specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut.
- Online live chat service
- 888.789.7777
- The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Problem Gambling Services
- 860.344.2244 or toll-free 866.440.4375
- The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 800.522.4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org)
- Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.