Went to city centre with my daughter tonight. Asked her what she thought of coming into a couple of casinos to impose a self-ban. She agreed but didn’t see the reason as she is convinced I havent gambled for 18 months. I explained that it is better to have as many barriers as possible set up in case temptation every arises.
The first place had a very tiugh looking security guy on the door. I asked to see the manager. I was told I would need to call back tomorrow. The guy at the desk was very slow to give me the managers name , asking what the nature of my business was. He eventually gave the name and we left saying we will call back tomorrow.
On to the second "paradise" which is the "head office" of where I banned 2 days ago. Dr Quirkey’s Good Time (yea right!) Emporium….The chinese girl in the office was VERY reluctant to call the manager. Again wanted to know what I wanted him for. "Private business", I said! . After a few minutes a very nice (Irish) guy appeared with a security guy standing behind him. I asked what was Dr Quirkey’s policy on self exclusion. He told me that the person being banned would have his/her photo put into a portfolio and would never be allowed to enter the premises again. I asked if banning was a regular prictice. He said they do it "all the time"! I explained that I knew somebody who had self-excluded from their other branch and that there was no mention of a photograph. He said "they will need to go back to the Irish manager to clarify things because the other guy is due to leave that casino shortly"…!!! He asked if the "person" being banned was a regular customer. I replied that the person in question was ME!…He seemed genuinely surprised and said " you are not a customer , I have never seen you before." I explained that I had a gambling problem and that I was making sure I would be "safe" whenever I was in the city. He said he had never heard of a woman seeking to be banned but several men have done so. I asked "what about taking a photograph". He said "youve already been picked up on camera and I will never forget you"!!!! I asked what if he s on his day off and I try to come in. He told me not to worry that the security will be well instructed that I am banned!!. We shook hands and I left…
My daughter was not at all convinced that his method would prevent a person who was intent on gambling entering that casino to play slot machines…
Personally, I would not venture in there ever again…….
