PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook County Action Program’s (ACAP) Community Health Department is one of 12 sites throughout Maine where a person can access self-exclusion services.
Self-exclusion is action that a person can take to ban themselves from entering all casinos in Maine for a specific period of time. It also ends any privileges they have with the casino such as check-cashing services. After filling out the appropriate forms and having a photo taken, the individual’s name is sent by e-mail to the Gambling Control Board and placed on the self-exclusion list. A person can choose to self-exclude for one year, three years, five years, or for a lifetime. The Gambling Control Board holds the official self-exclusion list and releases names only to the casino or slot establishments.
ACAP can also provide information about problem gambling and where to go for help.
A person concerned about their gambling habits may have trouble resisting the attractions inside the casino that can trigger the desire to gamble. Self-exclusion keeps a person from entering into a casino, which may reduce the temptation to gamble. While on the list, a person is not allowed to enter a casino and any winnings they may earn are turned over to the state.
Self-exclusion is completely voluntary, and must be done in person at the office providing the service. A family member cannot place another family member on the self-exclusion list.
Signs that a person may have a problem with gambling include: becoming restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling; hiding how much a person gambles; and having financial troubles due to gambling debt. Quitting gambling may have the same side-effects as quitting tobacco or other habit forming drugs.
This service is provided at no cost. If you have questions about the program please contact Dawn Roberts, LPN, Community Educator for ACAP at (207) 554-4151 or droberts@acap-me.org.
