Illinois Changing How Self-Exclusion Works For Bettors
Jesse M. Cox Published 17/09/2026
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is revamping how self-exclusion works for sports bettors. People will now also be able to opt out of gambling marketing ads when they choose to self-exclude from betting sites.
The ability to self-exclude from all marketing and promotional offers from betting sites is prevalent in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. However, the IGB would be the first gambling regulator in the U.S. market to offer this level of self-exclusion to players. Under the program, sports betting operators would be prohibited from marketing any promotional offers to a player coming off a self-exclusion list.
Illinois is setting a new self-exclusion standard for the U.S. sports betting industry
In making this move, the IGB could be setting a new standard for self-exclusion. The state regulator may also be establishing a precedent. It's one that could ultimately be adopted by regulators in other U.S. states that are offering licensed sports betting.
The stated objective of this move is to modernize and enhance the agency’s voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) through implementation of problem gambling initiatives. These initiatives are data-driven and research-supported.
“Modernization and expansion of the SEP must keep pace with the evolution of Illinois gaming in a thoughtful and intentional manner,” IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said in a statement. “The IGB is committed to ensuring that the SEP continues to evolve, expands coverage, serves the needs of program participants, and best supports people in their treatment and recovery journeys without barriers and stigma.”
In 2002, the IGB was among the first regulators in the U.S. market to offer a SEP to gamblers. With the significant expansion in gambling in recent years, state regulators felt the SEP was long overdue for an update.
The IGB also noted that over the same period, clinical understanding of gambling disorders also evolved. There are also new strategies for voluntary exclusion programs.
Here's how marketing self-exclusion will work
The creation of a new voluntary marketing exclusion list would extend the current prohibition on targeted marketing to self-excluded persons. A default period of 12 months beyond the end of the player's elected exclusion term would be established. The marketing exclusion list would restrict the marketing a licensee may direct at a former self-excluded person.
It does not restrict what that person may choose to receive. The new rule also expressly provides that a person on the marketing exclusion list may participate in promotions and other activities made available by the licensee to patrons.
There will also be additional methods for a player to apply for self-exclusion under the new format. Currently, SEP enrollment requires someone to appear in-person at one of approximately 41 IGB-sanctioned enrollment sites. These include the 17 Illinois casinos.
The proposed amendment provides the necessary authority for the IGB to deploy additional enrollment channels. New options would include a notarized mail alternative, treatment provider referral, or an online portal, at the appropriate time following additional review and stakeholder engagement.
Other Illinois changes to the state gambling regulations
The IGB also voted to adopt a board resolution affirming that it is the public policy of the IGB to incorporate video gaming terminals into the Self-Exclusion Program. Presently, the SEP covers only casino gambling and sports wagering.
“Expanding coverage of the Self-Exclusion Program to include video gaming is an important IGB priority and responsible gambling policy objective,” Fruchter said.
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