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Getting help in Illinois

If you’re ready for a life after betting, here’s a simple path in IL. Official details are below.

  1. Step 1: Block access

    • BetBlocker (free) or Gamban
    • Ask someone you trust to hold the admin PIN
    • Mute or remove sportsbook apps and notifications

  2. Step 2: Self-exclude

    What’s legal here: Online and retail sports betting legal. Casinos, iGaming, VGTs, and lottery available.

    • Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) · Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)
    • Open the official page / enrollment path
    • How to enroll: In person only at IGB-sanctioned enrollment sites (including IGB offices at Illinois casinos; some Iowa sites). Bring a valid driver’s license or state ID. Takes about 30 to 45 minutes. No enrollment fee. Appointment not always required at casino IGB offices.
    • Terms: Historically a long minimum term (commonly described as 5 years+ / lifetime-style). IGB has proposed rule changes for tiered terms and remote enrollment, confirm current term options with IGB before you go.
    • Coverage: All Illinois casinos and sports wagering (SEP expanded under the Sports Wagering Act).

    Verified from igb.illinois.gov SEP page; rule-change proposals noted as unverified until live.

    Before you enroll: withdraw balances you can, save records you might need, cancel recurring deposits. Many terms can’t be shortened. If this state has no statewide list, use blockers, helplines, GA, and operator tools anyway.

  3. Step 3: Protect your money

    • Withdraw remaining balances where possible
    • Cancel autopay and remove saved payment methods
    • Download win/loss or tax records you may need later

  4. Step 4: Get support

Official self-exclusion details

How to enroll: In person only at IGB-sanctioned enrollment sites (including IGB offices at Illinois casinos; some Iowa sites). Bring a valid driver’s license or state ID. Takes about 30 to 45 minutes. No enrollment fee. Appointment not always required at casino IGB offices.

Go to the official enrollment page

You cannot place a spouse or other person on the list. Remote/online enrollment was not operational on the official page when verified; treat in-person as the working path unless IGB announces otherwise.

Common questions in Illinois

How do I self-exclude from gambling in Illinois?

Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) (Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)). In person only at IGB-sanctioned enrollment sites (including IGB offices at Illinois casinos; some Iowa sites). Bring a valid driver’s license or state ID. Takes about 30 to 45 minutes. No enrollment fee. Appointment not always required at casino IGB offices.

How long does self-exclusion last in Illinois?

Historically a long minimum term (commonly described as 5 years+ / lifetime-style). IGB has proposed rule changes for tiered terms and remote enrollment, confirm current term options with IGB before you go.

What does it cover?

All Illinois casinos and sports wagering (SEP expanded under the Sports Wagering Act).

Can I block betting apps on my phone too?

Yes. Free blockers like BetBlocker, plus your phone's own settings, can block betting apps and sites. Our setup guides walk you through it step by step.

Related guides

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Life After Betting is informational and not affiliated with Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). Rules change. If anything here differs from an official page, trust the official page.