Maine’s Gambling Control Board has announced a new online program that allows people who may have a gambling problem to exclude themselves from casinos in the state.

The self-exclusion program allows anyone to ban themselves from entering casinos in Maine for one year, three years, five years or for life. The new virtual option allows Mainers to register virtually, without visiting the casinos.

“Gambling can be a fun and entertaining experience for many people. But we know that it can also be harmful to some people” said Steven Silver, the board’s chairperson. “We know right now there are some people who are struggling with problem gambling. So as a board, we wanted to make sure we have the proper resources and services in place to help our fellow Mainers.”

According to the board, 79% of Mainers gambled in the past year, and 2% “spent money at a casino weekly or more often.”

The board’s statement also cited data from the National Council on Problem Gambling. The council estimated 1% of adults nationwide “meet the criteria for severe gambling problems,” while 2-3% “experience mild or moderate gambling problems which mean their gambling is causing problems that impact their professional and personal lives.”

“The Gambling Control Board has taken a positive step to reduce the harm of gambling problems by making self-exclusion more accessible and convenient for people in the State of Maine,” said Lori Manson, Problem Gambling Services coordinator with AdCare Educational Institute in Augusta. 

The board encouraged anyone with a gambling problem or knowing someone with a gambling problem to call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 to get access to services.