Voluntary Exclusion Program

Opt Out of Gambling in Maryland.

What It Is

Maryland Lottery and Gaming operates voluntary exclusion programs for people who wish to ban themselves from Maryland casinos, the Maryland Lottery, electronic instant bingo halls, sports wagering, or daily fantasy sports.

Voluntary exclusion is one of numerous self-help tools, but it is not intended to be a substitute for assessment and treatment by a problem gambling counselor. Counseling services are available at no cost for Maryland residents by contacting the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.

How It Works

Anyone who opts for casino voluntary exclusion will be excluded from entering any Maryland casino, as well as cashing checks and using credit cards in the casinos. Participants will also be removed from all casino direct marketing mailing lists within 45 days of enrolling in the VEP.

People who voluntarily exclude from casinos are also prohibited from participating in sports wagering both at the casinos and through any mobile sportsbook affiliated with the casinos. See list of casinos.

People who voluntarily exclude from the Bingo Halls in Anne Arundel and Calvert counties, which are regulated by Maryland Lottery and Gaming, will be excluded from playing an instant bingo machine at an instant bingo facility with more than 10 instant bingo machines. See list of bingo halls.

People who voluntarily exclude from daily fantasy sports are prohibited from activity with this list of participating daily fantasy sports operators.

People who voluntarily exclude from the Lottery are prohibited from claiming Lottery prizes or receiving any direct mail or email promotional materials from the Maryland Lottery. Lottery VEP participants also are prohibited from participating in the My Lottery Rewards program or any of its promotional contests.

How To Apply

You must complete the voluntary exclusion program application and submit it in person either at the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Headquarters office in Baltimore (by appointment only), or by speaking with a Maryland Lottery and Gaming Compliance official on duty at any of Maryland’s six casinos.

Click here to see a sample application.

To arrange an appointment to submit an application at Maryland Lottery and Gaming Headquarters, call 410-230-8798.

Important Information

  • Placement on the voluntary exclusion list is completely voluntary and no one but you can sign you up.
  • You must present a government-issued photo ID as part of the application process.
  • You must not be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances during the application process, so you can make a sober and informed decision.
  • Signing up for the Voluntary Exclusion Program must be done in person in most cases. When there are extenuating circumstances, an exception may be granted allowing an applicant to mail a notarized application. The notary option must be approved in advance by the MLGCA Responsible Gaming Program Director, who can be reached at [email protected] or 410-230-8798.
  • You can elect to be on the list for your lifetime or a minimum of two years.
  • Removal from the two-year VEP list is NOT automatic.
  • After two years, you may request removal from the list in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 36.01.03.05. If you meet the removal requirements, you will be considered for removal.
  • Maryland Lottery and Gaming must determine that you have properly completed the steps necessary for removal from the voluntary exclusion program before you are removed. Contact the MLGCA Responsible Gaming Program Director at 410-230-8798 or [email protected] for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM?

The Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) allows you to voluntarily agree to refrain from entering and playing at any Maryland casino.

HOW CAN I ADD MY NAME TO THE VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM LIST?

People wishing to voluntarily exclude may do so at Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters in Baltimore OR at any of the state’s casinos. Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency staff members, located at each casino, are able to conduct application interviews at any time during casino operation hours. To arrange an appointment for an application interview at Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters, please call 410-230-8798.

DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN PERSON?

Yes, the application interview must be completed in person.

DO I HAVE TO GO TO A CASINO TO SIGN UP?

No, you can also enroll at the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters in Baltimore. Please call the office to schedule an appointment. The contact information for the MLGCA is 1800 Washington Blvd, Suite 330, Baltimore, MD 21230. The telephone number for the Responsible Gambling Program Coordinator is 410-230-8798.

WHO CAN VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE?

Anyone can voluntarily exclude themselves.

CAN A SPOUSE OR RELATIVE HAVE SOMEONE PLACED ON THE LIST?

No. This is a voluntary program and only you can complete the application.

CAN I STILL WORK AT A CASINO IF I PLACE MYSELF ON THE LIST?

You must notify the Commission prior to starting a job at the casino. However, you may be in the casino only to perform the duties of your employment. Horseshoe Baltimore does not currently permit VEPs to work at the casino if they are not already employed by the casino.

MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER TOLD ME HE/SHE HAS ENROLLED IN THE MARYLAND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM. HOW DO I KNOW IF THAT IS TRUE?

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency cannot divulge the names of those on the voluntary exclusion list to spouses, significant others or employers.

However, all people who enroll in the Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program receive a copy of all documents that they sign as part of the enrollment process. A follow-up letter is also sent to the home of each voluntarily excluded person informing them of their approved application.

People who have enrolled in the Voluntary Exclusion Program who have misplaced or lost copies of these documents may receive new copies from MLGCA’s Responsible Gambling Coordinator, who can be reached at 410-230-8798.

MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER HAS ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE MARYLAND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM AND CONTINUES TO GAMBLE AT CASINOS. WHAT CAN I DO?

Please call the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency Responsible Gambling Program Coordinator at 410-230-8798 to report your suspicions and the name of the casino where you believe a voluntarily excluded individual is gambling.

WHO CAN ACCESS INFORMATION ON THE LIST?

The only people who will have access to your information will be the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and designated personnel at Maryland’s casinos.

WILL MY NAME BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC?

No, your name and all other information will remain confidential and cannot be released to the public, including your family and friends.

WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS ON THE APPLICATION?

You will be asked to provide your name, address, telephone numbers, Social Security number and driver’s license or state ID number. You will need to have your driver’s license or a state-issued identification card.

You will also be asked to give a brief physical description, and a photo of you will be taken when you complete the application. We will ask questions to verify that you understand the program and you are signing up for it voluntarily. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

MAY I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME FOR SUPPORT WHEN I APPLY?

Yes, you may bring someone with you for moral support, but the interview must be completed privately with an MLGCA staff member. This insures that the information remains confidential and your rights are protected.

MLGCA’s Responsible Gambling Coordinator and Agency staff members who work on-site at Maryland’s casinos have access to a language line to assist with translation services for people who do not speak English.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE?

No, there is no cost.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT THE APPLICATION?

Once you complete the application, it will be reviewed by MLGCA’s Responsible Gambling Coordinator. Valid applications will be entered into the database and your information will be given to the Maryland casinos. Once you information is received by the casino operators, your name will be removed from all direct marketing (please allow 4-6 weeks for direct marketing mail/email to cease) and your player card, if you have one, will be inactivated.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE CONTRACT AND VISIT A CASINO?

The Voluntary Exclusion Program was created to help problem gamblers help themselves. The responsibility for staying out of Maryland casinos rests solely on the individual who voluntarily excludes and not with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency or any Maryland casino. If a voluntarily excluded person is found in a Maryland casino, the person may receive a citation for criminal trespassing.

IF I VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE MYSELF, HOW LONG MUST I STAY OUT OF MARYLAND CASINOS?

A person enrolled for at least two years may request removal from the list at the expiration of that time period by completing a Request for Removal Application. A person applying for removal from the Voluntary Exclusion Program must first undergo a problem gambling assessment by a licensed professional who is approved by the state to conduct problem gambling assessments, complete any recommended treatment, and complete a problem gambling treatment and prevention program.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will have the final determination on whether an applicant can come off the voluntary exclusion list.

IF I PLACE MY NAME ON THE LIST, DOES THIS MEAN I CAN’T GO TO CASINOS IN OTHER STATES?

Some casinos have corporate policies that restrict you from all their casinos, in Maryland and other states.

IF I AM ALREADY ON THE CASINO LIST AND WISH TO ADD MYSELF TO ANOTHER LIST, HOW DO I DO THAT?

Please contact [email protected] or call 410-230-8798.

WHAT IS THE VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM FOR LOTTERY?

The Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) for lottery is a program that allows a person to voluntarily agree not purchase or play any Maryland Lottery game that is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.

HOW CAN I ADD MY NAME TO THE VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM LIST?

People wishing to voluntarily exclude may do so at Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters in Baltimore OR at any of the state’s casinos. Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency staff members, located at each casino, are able to conduct application interviews at any time during casino operation hours. To arrange an appointment for an application interview at Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters, please call 410-230-8798.

DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN PERSON?

Yes, the application interview must be completed in person.

CAN I SIGN UP AT A MARYLAND LOTTERY RETAILER?

No, you must sign up with a staff member of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Staff members are not onsite at Maryland Lottery retail locations.

CAN I GO TO A CASINO TO SIGN UP, EVEN IF I AM INTERESTED IN THE LOTTERY VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM ONLY?

Yes, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency staff are onsite at all Maryland casinos during operating hours. The application includes options to register for the Voluntary Exclusion Program.

WHO CAN VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE?

Anyone can voluntarily exclude themselves.

CAN A SPOUSE OR RELATIVE HAVE SOMEONE PLACED ON THE LIST?

No. This is a voluntary program and only you can complete the application.

DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP FOR ALL THE PROGRAMS OR MAY I CHOOSE ONLY ONE?

You may choose to sign-up for all programs or just one or the other. The application form includes options for all programs, and it is up to the person to choose which program is right for them.

MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER TOLD ME HE/SHE HAS ENROLLED IN THE MARYLAND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM. HOW DO I KNOW IF THAT IS TRUE?

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency cannot divulge the names of those on the voluntary exclusion list to spouses, significant others or employers.

However, all who enroll in the Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program receive a copy of all documents that they sign as part of the enrollment process. A follow-up letter is also sent to the home of each voluntarily excluded person informing them of their approved application.

People who have enrolled in the Voluntary Exclusion Program who have misplaced or lost copies of these documents may receive new copies from MLGCA’s Responsible Gambling Coordinator, who can be reached at [email protected] or 410-230-8798.

MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER HAS ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE MARYLAND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM AND CONTINUES TO GAMBLE. WHAT CAN I DO?

Please call the MLGCA Responsible Gambling Program Coordinator at 410-230-8798 to report your suspicions and where you believe a voluntarily excluded individual is gambling.

WHO CAN ACCESS INFORMATION ON THE LIST?

The only people who will have access to your information will be the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and the Maryland gaming operators (for people who elect exclusion from various gaming entities).

WILL MY NAME BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC?

No, your name and all other information will remain confidential and cannot be released to the public, including your family and friends.

WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS ON THE APPLICATION?

You will be asked to provide your name, address, telephone numbers, social security number and driver’s license or state ID number. You will also be asked to give a brief physical description, and a photo of you will be taken when you complete the application. We will ask questions to verify that you understand the program and you are signing up for it voluntarily.

MAY I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME FOR SUPPORT WHEN I APPLY?

Yes, you may bring someone with you for moral support, but the interview must be completed privately with an MLGCA staff member. This insures that the information remains confidential and your rights are protected.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE?

No, there is no cost. It takes only about 30 to 45 minutes to enroll in the Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program. People wishing to voluntarily exclude must bring identification, such as a valid driver’s license or state issued identification card. Those people who do not speak English may use our translation line.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT THE APPLICATION?

Once you complete the application, it will be reviewed by MLGCA staff. Approved applicants will receive notification of acceptance via USPS mail.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE CONTRACT AND PLAY / WIN?

The Voluntary Exclusion Program was created to help problem gamblers help themselves. Any person participating in the program is ineligible to claim Lottery prize winnings. It is the responsibility of the person enrolled in the VEP to not play Maryland Lottery games, and not the responsibility of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission or any licensed retailer to keep the person from purchasing Lottery tickets.

People in the VEP contractually agree to redeem or liquidate all unredeemed items that have monetary value and designate that their winnings be contributed to the Problem Gambling Fund.

IF I PLACE MY NAME ON THE LIST, DOES THIS MEAN I CAN’T PLAY THE LOTTERY IN OTHER STATES?

No. By placing your name on the Maryland list, you are only excluding yourself from Maryland lottery play.

IF I VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE MYSELF, HOW LONG MUST I REFRAIN FROM PLAYING / PURCHASING / CLAIMING LOTTERY TICKETS?

A person enrolled for at least two years may request removal from the list at the expiration of that time period by completing a Request for Removal Application. A person applying for removal from the Voluntary Exclusion Program must first undergo a problem gambling assessment by a professional who is licensed by the state to conduct problem gambling assessments, complete any recommended treatment, or complete a problem gambling treatment and/or prevention program.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will have the final determination on whether an applicant can come off the voluntary exclusion list. All applicants will be notified, in writing, by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency if their exclusion has been lifted.

WHAT IS VOLUNTARY SELF-EXCLUSION FROM SPORTS WAGERING?

The sports wagering self-exclusion list is a ban from all forms of sports betting regulated by the State of Maryland. You would not be able to place sports wagers or enter any area where sports wagering is conducted.

HOW CAN I ADD MY NAME TO THE VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION PROGRAM LIST?

You may sign up at any Maryland casino without an appointment, or you may make an appointment with the Gaming Commission by dialing 410-230-8798 or emailing [email protected].

IF I AM ALREADY EXCLUDED FROM CASINOS, HOW CAN I ADD MY NAME TO THE SPORTS WAGERING VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION LIST?

If you are casino-excluded, you are not permitted to enter any Maryland casino. Additionally, some casinos will already ban you from their sports wagering operations, including mobile wagering. For a comprehensive ban from all sports wagering operations, you may make an appointment with the Gaming Commission by dialing 410-230-8798 or emailing [email protected].

IF I AM EXCLUDED FROM SPORTS WAGERING, WILL I ALSO BE EXCLUDED FROM OTHER FORMS OF GAMBLING?

Yes, you would be excluded from entering any area where sports wagering is conducted, including casino facilities. Sports wagering operators may also exclude you from all forms of gambling associated with their brands.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE CONTRACT AND PLAY/WIN?

You may be subject to action for criminal trespass, and any wagers/winnings would be given to the Problem Gambling Fund. Your sports wagering account would also be subject to permanent closure.

FOR HOW LONG MAY I EXCLUDE MYSELF?

You may exclude yourself for at least two years or for life. There is no automatic removal from the Voluntary Exclusion List.

IF I VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDE MYSELF, HOW LONG MUST I REFRAIN FROM SPORTS WAGERING?

There is no automatic removal from the Voluntary Exclusion List. Those on the list for at least two (2) years may apply for removal by requesting in writing and completing a Removal Application Form with proof of completion of one of the following: (A) A problem gambling treatment and prevention program approved by the Commission; or (B) A healthy decision-making program that is sponsored or approved by the Commission, with a licensed professional counselor or other person approved by the Commission.

IF I SIGNED UP DIRECTLY WITH A SPORTS BETTING OPERATOR ONLINE, DOES THAT MEAN I AM EXCLUDED FROM ALL SPORTS WAGERING?

No, if you signed up directly with a sports wagering operator, you are only excluded from that sports wagering operator’s platform. If you would like to exclude yourself from all Maryland sports wagering facilities and platforms, you must exclude yourself through the Commission’s Voluntary Exclusion Program.

HOW DO I REMOVE MYSELF FROM THE SELF-EXCLUSION LIST(S)?

There is no automatic removal from the Voluntary Exclusion List. Those on the list for at least two (2) years may apply for removal by requesting in writing and completing a Removal Application Form with proof of completion of one of the following:

  1. A problem gambling assessment with a professional who is licensed by the State to conduct problem gambling assessments or who is otherwise approved by the Commission and fulfilled any recommended treatment;
  2. A problem gambling treatment and prevention program approved by the Commission;
  3. A healthy decision-making program that is sponsored or approved by the Commission, with a licensed professional counselor or other person approved by the Commission; If you are eligible to request removal and your documentation is accepted, staff will send you an Authorization and Release Form to sign with a witness and return to the Commission. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will have the final determination on whether an applicant can come off the voluntary exclusion list.

Documentation older than one calendar year will not be accepted.

HOW DO I REQUEST A REMOVAL APPLICATION FORM AND FIND COUNSELING AND OTHER RESOURCES?

You may write to [email protected], or dial 410-230-8798 to determine your eligibility for removal, obtain a removal request form, and receive information on counseling, healthy-decision making, and/or prevention programs. Please be prepared to verify your identity.

You may also write to the following address:

Maryland Lottery & Gaming Control Agency
Attn: Responsible Gaming Department
1800 Washington Blvd, #330
Baltimore, MD 21230

At this time, MD residents may be able to access select licensed counselors for this purpose, at no-cost.

HOW LONG DOES THE REMOVAL PROCESS TAKE?

Removal from the self-exclusion program(s) may take several weeks. If you are removed, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Commission, indicating the time/date of your removal. Do not enter any casino without confirmation of removal.

Restricted Operators for Exclusion Program Participants

Maryland Lottery and Gaming operates voluntary exclusion programs for people who wish to ban themselves from Maryland casinos or the Maryland Lottery.

In addition to being banned from all Maryland casinos, Maryland casinos may ban or restrict you at their affiliated casinos in other states. Live Casino & Hotel (Cordish Company), Horseshoe Baltimore (Caesars Entertainment), Hollywood Casino Perryville (Penn National), and MGM National Harbor (MGM Resorts) currently do this at their affiliated properties. Before entering or booking lodging at any casino out of state, you should confirm with the casino, prior to going, that you are allowed to gamble and/or stay there, or any other restrictions they may have.

Click on each category below for a comprehensive list of the Commission-regulated properties from which VEP participants will be excluded.

  • Rocky Gap Casino
  • Hollywood Casino Perryville
  • Ocean Downs Casino
  • Horseshoe Baltimore
  • Live! Casino & Hotel
  • MGM National Harbor
  • Penn National
  • Cordish Company
  • Caesars Entertainment
  • MGM Resorts
  • Hollywood Casino Perryville / Barstool Sportsbook
  • Ocean Downs Casino
  • Horseshoe Baltimore / Caesars Sportsbook
  • Live! Casino & Hotel / FanDuel
  • MGM National Harbor / BetMGM
  • Bingo World / BetRivers
  • Riverboat on the Potomac / Fanatics
  • Bally Bet Sportsbook
  • DraftKings
  • Greenmount Station / betParx
  • Fanatics / FedEx Field
  • Superbook
  • Crab Sports Mobile
  • Veterans Services Corp. / LetsBetMD
  • Long Shot’s / Betfred
  • Canton Gaming / bet Parx: Greene Turtle, Canton and Greene Turtle, Towson
  • Whitman Gaming / FanDuel: Sports & Social, North Bethesda*

 

*  VEP participants who exclude themselves from casinos are not permitted to enter the FanDuel sportsbook at Sports & Social in North Bethesda
  • Bingo World
  • Delta Bingo
  • Delta Wayson’s
  • Rod n’ Reel
  • Traders
  • Abner’s Crab House and Restaurant
  • Certamen Games (Splash Sports)
  • DataForce Fantasy Football
  • Draft Kings
  • Fanduel
  • Fantasy Football Players Championship
  • OwnersBox 3.0 Corporation
  • RealTime Fantasy Sports, Inc.
  • SportsHub Games Network
  • SuperDraft
  • Two Nine Sports (dba Stat Hero)
  • Underdog Sports, Inc
  • Underdog Sports, Inc.
  • Yahoo Fantasy Sports Players Fund