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When gambling doesn’t feel like entertainment anymore, it’s time to consider taking a break with self-exclusion.
While this can be a difficult decision, the self-exclusion process has become much more streamlined for Albertans under the province’s robust responsible gambling strategy.
Led by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission‘s new omni-channel self-exclusion program, players can take an extended timeout from all Alberta online casinos and sportsbooks on their own terms.
Here’s a step-by-step rundown of how the entire process works.
Key Details to Know Before Self-Excluding
Before beginning the self-exclusion process, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
First off, you should withdraw all existing funds across any of your active online casino and sportsbook accounts. Once your self-exclusion begins, you will lose access to those accounts – and direct access to any remaining funds – for the duration of the exclusion period.
RELATED: Ontario Rolls Out BetGuard for One-Click Self-Exclusion Across iGaming Market
This weaves into the next point, which is that you cannot cancel or shorten the length of your self-exclusion term before its expiry. In other words, the duration you select at sign-up must be fulfilled as stated.
As far as self-exclusion terms go, you have four options: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. You must also decide whether you want to step back from land-based gambling facilities (casinos and racing centres), online iGaming platforms or all of the above.
Lastly, all self-exclusion agreements are confidential, and all personal information is protected under Section 4(c) of the Alberta Protection of Privacy Act.
How to Self-Exclude: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Excluding oneself from some or all forms of gambling in Alberta is an eight-step process.
Step 1 – Visit selfexclusion.ca
The most straightforward step – simply click the link above or visit selfexclusion.ca to begin.
Step 2 – Scroll Down and Select “Sign Up”
Once on the Self Exclusion site, scroll down to the subheading “Own your future” and select the “SIGN UP” button beneath it. You can also select “Get Started” from the top menu, which will take you to a page with the same “SIGN UP” button.
Step 3 – Enter Your Profile Information
Next, fill out an intake form with your profile information. This includes your first and last name, date of birth, email and terms of your exclusion (land-based, retail, or all, along with duration).
Note that your first and last name must appear exactly as it does on your government-issued photo identification.
Once confirmed, you will then need to enter your eye and hair colour, height, weight and phone number. Your preferred language and pronouns are optional.
Step 4 – Select Your Preferences
Here is where you get specific with your gaming habits. You must now identify/select all the land-based venues you frequent, the games you prefer to play (i.e., baccarat, blackjack), which days you typically play (i.e., Sunday, Monday) and what time of day you usually play (i.e., morning, afternoon).
After that, you will choose all the online platforms you have an account with. Right now, the only option is PlayAlberta, but once the market opens on July 13, the list will surely expand.
Choosing an online operator also signals that you will be removed from their marketing and loyalty communications.
Note: To make a selection, click your answer from the “Available” category and then the right-pointing arrow to move it into the “Selected” field.
Step 5 – Verify Your Identification
To complete your self-exclusion registration, you must upload a selfie that satisfies certain conditions:
- It must be you in the photo
- The photo is well lit, and your features are visible
- The image is centred, your selfie is from the shoulders up and focused on your face
- Nothing is obscuring your face, like hair, clothing, or accessories.
You must take the photo directly through your device’s camera. If you are registering using your laptop, phone or tablet, the photo has to be taken by that device to proceed. You cannot upload a pre-existing photo.
Step 6 – Provide Additional Contact Info
Here, you will input additional contact info to round out your self-exclusion form. This may include secondary phone numbers, email address, mailing addresses, employment details (if currently working in Alberta casinos or racing centres) and other identifying details to keep your exclusion consistent across operators.
Step 7 – Agree to the Terms of Your Self-Exclusion
In the second last step, you will read through and affirm the terms of your self-exclusion. In other words, you are explicitly stating that you agree to adhere to your commitment to self-exclude.
Step 8 – Confirm Your Self-Exclusion
The final step is a formal confirmation of your enrollment in Alberta’s self-exclusion program. Once complete, you will have officially excluded yourself from select or all gambling locations and activities for a self-selected period of time.
Common Sign-Up Issues
Missing or incorrect personal details are the most common issues when enrolling in the AGLC’s omni-channel self-exclusion program. It is crucial that all details you provide in the intake system match those on your government-issued identification – the one you provided at sign-up with each online casino site.
This is important for ensuring you are fully self-excluded from all the sites and gaming locations you select, as discrepancies in personal details will only delay the process.
Other common hurdles may include problems with your verification photo (make sure to follow the instructions closely) and basic typos or missed fields.
Where to Turn During Self-Exclusion Period
Whether through the province or private organizations, there are several gambling support options available for Albertans.
GameSense, AGLC’s flagship responsible gambling education and support program, is a reliable resource for those looking to learn more about their relationship with gambling. Through GameSense, you can also seek additional information and support from professionals via email or phone call.
Private organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council also represent a trusted resource for Albertans in need. The nonprofit has specialized in problem gambling education, prevention and support in Canada for 40-plus years.
Assistance is also available through the 24-hour, toll-free Alberta Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
