Colorado Introduces Self-Exclusion Program for Gamblers

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 22, 2023

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As Colorado’s gambling industry expands, responsible gambling initiatives must keep pace. In line with this goal, the Colorado Division of Gaming has partnered with the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado to introduce a voluntary self-exclusion program in the Centennial State.

This initiative holds significant importance for the division’s new director, Chris Schroder, who has consistently advocated for responsible gambling throughout his career. With the flourishing Colorado betting market, responsible gambling programs are more critical than ever, making this self-exclusion initiative noteworthy.

The self-exclusion program, launched during Responsible Gambling Education Month in September, allows individuals to enrol voluntarily. Doing so will exclude them from all forms of regulated gaming in Colorado, including casino gambling and sports betting at both physical locations and online platforms.

Participants can select from three different timeframes: one year, three years, or five years. Enrollment can be done online, but an in-person option is also available. To utilize this alternative, individuals must visit a Division of Gaming office, complete a form, have it notarized and send it back to the division.

The Colorado Division of Gaming officially rolled out the self-exclusion program on September 13th. Schroder expressed his excitement for launching the program and extended his gratitude to the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado for their support.

Schroder has been involved in the gaming industry since 1999 when he worked as a cook at a horse race track. Responsible gambling became his central focus as he progressed in his career and took on more significant roles. He has now brought his passion for responsible gambling to his role as director of the CDG.

Schroder’s prior experience working with Colorado casinos during his tenure at Boyd Gaming provided valuable insights into regulatory objectives and the needs of both casinos and players. He views his current position in Colorado as an honour and is eager to contribute to the team’s efforts.

With numerous responsibilities, including the potential introduction of online casinos, Schroder remains committed to prioritizing responsible gambling.

Before former CDG Director Dan Hartman retired, he was crucial in advocating responsible gambling legislation in Colorado.

These efforts led to the allocation of $2.87 million in funding for the PGCC. This funding will support the establishment of new programs, data collection on problem gambling in the state and the certification of additional gambling counsellors.

An additional $1 million has been recently distributed in Colorado for responsible gambling marketing and investment in the Kindbridge Research Institute.

These funds will support two projects: the Colorado Athlete Wellbeing Program, aimed at countering online harassment directed at athletes from sports bettors, and the Colorado Military Problem Gaming Research, Education & Recovery Program. Colorado also offers a 24-hour confidential helpline for individuals seeking assistance. This helpline, affiliated with the National Council on Problem Gambling, is available in English and Spanish.

Over the past three years of sports betting in Colorado, from May 2020 to April 2023, the state has seen over $12 billion in wagers.