The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency operates a voluntary exclusion program for individuals who wish to ban themselves from playing the Maryland Lottery and/or entering and gambling at all Maryland casinos.
If an individual registers for voluntary exclusion from the Maryland Lottery, that individual agrees not purchase or play any Maryland Lottery game that is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
If an individual registers for voluntary exclusion from casinos, that individual will be prohibited from entering and gambling at all Maryland casinos. The individual will also be taken off of all casino direct marketing mailing lists and be prohibited from cashing checks and taking credit card advances on casino property.
Things to know about voluntary exclusion:
- Placement on the list is completely voluntary and your name cannot be added to the list by anyone but yourself.
- The application must be filled out and submitted in person at Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters in Baltimore, or at any casino in Maryland. To arrange an appointment to submit an application at MLCGA headquarters, please call at 410-230-8798. Applications may be submitted at a Maryland casino anytime during casino operating hours.
- You must present a government-issued photo ID for the application process.
- You must not be under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances during the application process, so you can make a sober and informed decision.
- You can elect either a two-year ban or lifetime exclusion.
- A person enrolled for a two-year exclusion 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 VEP must first undergo a problem gambling assessment by a professional who is certified by the state to conduct problem gambling assessments, complete any recommended treatment, and complete a problem gambling treatment and prevention program. The Maryland Lottery will have the final determination on whether an applicant can be removed from the voluntary exclusion list.
- If you violate the voluntary exclusion program, you are subject to arrest for criminal trespassing.
- By placing your name on the Maryland list, you are only excluding yourself from Maryland casinos. However, casinos in other states may also have corporate policies that restrict you from all their casinos as well.
- The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency cannot divulge the names of those on the voluntary exclusion list to spouses, significant others or employers.
- All individuals 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 individual informing them of their approved application. Individuals 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.
View FAQs about the Maryland Lottery Voluntary Exclusion Program for lottery and casinos.
To view a sample application click here. However, application must be filled out and submitted in person at the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency headquarters in Baltimore or at any Maryland casino.
To arrange an appointment to submit an application at the MLGCA headquarters, please call the Responsible Gambling Program Coordinator at 410-230-8798. Applications may be submitted at a Maryland casino anytime during casino operation hours.
Once you complete an 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 your 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 deactivated.