Those who choose to self-exclude themselves may receive a trespassing charge for entering casinos from which they are excluded and will not be awarded any potential winnings. Once the Self-Exclusion form is submitted to OAPGG, the individual is irrevocably registered in the self-exclusion program. Currently, 17 Oklahoma tribal gaming commissions and 94 casinos partake in the OAPGG Statewide Self-Exclusion program, which allows Oklahomans to ban themselves from participating casinos for up to 10 years by completing a single form. Self-exclusion programs are voluntary agreements that bar individuals from participating in gambling. While the APA states that support groups, self-help interventions, and counseling can be helpful in decreasing problematic gambling, Oklahoma state and non-profit organizations have also created self-exclusionary programs to further mitigate problem gambling. Studies also suggest that Gambling Disorder is associated with a significantly increased risk of suicidal behaviors. However, according to OAPGG Director Wiley Harwell only 10% of Oklahomans experiencing problem gambling seek help.Īccording to the American Psychiatric Association, problem gambling is associated with repeated thoughts about gambling, risking relationships and employment due to gambling, gambling when distressed, irritability when attempting to decrease gambling, and other related behavioral and emotional symptoms. According to the Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling & Gaming (OAPGG), approximately 3.2% of Oklahoma adults meet criteria for a gambling disorder. With access to over 130 casinos in Oklahoma alone, research by the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 74% of Oklahomans gambled in 2019. Pictured above: a woman sitting at a casino table lined with poker chips, holding her head in her hands.

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