Answering Your Questions About Ohio’s Voluntary Exclusion Program
Published: November 27, 2023
The Time Out Ohio Voluntary Program offers individuals the ability to voluntarily ban themselves from Ohio’s casinos, Ohio racinos, and Ohio sports gaming for a specific amount of time. The program is administered by the Ohio Casino Control and the Ohio Lottery Commissions and can be a great resource for those who are willingly wanting to make a change with their gambling behavior.
Pause Before You Play is taking some time to answer common questions that are being asked about the self-ban program and provide additional resources if you or someone you know needs them.
- If I enroll, what will I be banned from? Once you enroll in the program, you will be banned from Ohio’s four casinos, seven Ohio Video Lottery Terminal facilities (racinos), all sports gaming facility sportsbooks, and all sports gaming conducted by sports gaming proprietors. You have the option to ban yourself from these facilities for one year, five years, or for life. These operators may also have a corporate policy that will cause this ban to apply at other facilities or offerings they have in other states and countries.
- What do I need to be able to enroll? In order to enroll, all you need to do is complete an enrollment application via the Time Out Ohio Online Portal at TimeOutOhio.com, which is available 24/7. You can also do it in person at any of the state casinos or racinos or at the Ohio Casino Control Commission Central Office in downtown Columbus. For either option you choose, you will need to have specific documentation and a photo ID with you.
- I enrolled in the program before sports betting was legalized. Can I update that? Yes. If your current Ohio VEP enrollment application was completed before January 1, 2023, you may enroll in Time Out Ohio to include sports gaming and select any term you choose. Your new term length will supersede your previously selected term length, and you will be banned from casinos, racinos, all sports gaming facilities, and all sports gaming conducted by sports gaming proprietors.
- What happens if I violate the terms and conditions? If you are found at a banned facility or entity after enrolling in Time Out Ohio, you must surrender any money or thing of value (such as jackpots, slot tickets, TITOs, chips) and any winnings gained from these. These surrendered funds will be used to fund state problem gambling and addiction services. Upon your discovery, you will be removed, and you may be charged with criminal trespassing.
- I am not ready to enroll in Time Out Ohio. What other things can I do to limit myself? That’s okay. There are plenty of other resources from Pause Before You Play and other statewide agencies that can help, including the Problem Gambling Helpline, the Rate Your Risk Quiz, access to various support groups, and more. In addition, all Ohio sports operators and entities have options to prevent you from receiving direct marketing through mail and email and options to prevent you from receiving credit. If you engage in sports betting, the mobile management service providers allow you to set limits on time and money spent, deposits, wager amounts, and other limit-setting options directly inside the app.
Pause Before You Play hopes this FAQ provides you with help and support when thinking of enrolling in a self-ban program. If you decide to enroll today, you will also receive a full year’s subscription to GamBan, which blocks access to gambling sites and apps.
And remember, if you are concerned about your sports betting or gambling habits or those of someone in your life, do not hesitate to call Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline. Calls are answered 24/7 by trained and understanding specialists who can offer free and confidential support. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.