Thanks for your kind words. In the states there is legislation to relax the rules to get off of the self exclusion lists in many of the states. In Illinois, where I am from, they say it is a 5 year ban….However, to get off the list, you need a qualified gambling counselor to agree that you no longer have compulsive issues (obviously, NO counselor will sign off on that )…in effect it becomes a lifetime ban. However, there is discussion on relaxing those rules. Ironically, in the last 5 years they have opened up slot play in bars, restaurants, and slot parlors….which have no exclusion list… It is good old fashioned will power which keep us out of those places…. I actually am a skeptic. I think the Casino industry is crying foul, that the slot parlors have access to the gambling addict, who has signed up for the self exclusion, therefore reaping the $$$$ that they uncontrollably lose with not repricusions (if you are on the self exclusion list you will be charged with trespassing if you enter a casino). The claim is that “more” people will used the self exclusion if the ramifications werent so severe….The reallity is the self exclusion is a tool, just like someone else being in control of the finances. The true power to be in control lies within ourselves. I am glad you are beyond the dark days of gambling, and I too am getting closer. If nothing else, I weigh my optoins far more than I have in the past, and the negative consequenses has always outweighed the positive potential, therefore I have stayed the course!
Thanks for you time and your kind words.