Voluntary Self-Exclusion for Gambling
What is Voluntary Self-Exclusion?
If you are having difficulties with gambling, Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) may be a good first step to help you regain control.
VSE supports your decision to take a break from the Casinos of Winnipeg and the Shark Club Gaming Centre in Winnipeg, on PlayNow.com, or all of these. You choose the amount of time and commit to not enter or gamble at any of the included sites until your VSE is over. We understand the difficult decision you’re making and have practices in place to support your decision.
Despite this, there should be no expectation that you will be identified or prevented from gambling if you enter one of our gambling facilities or PlayNow.com. It is your responsibility to honour the commitment you made to self-exclusion.
If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, it is understandable that you want to sign them up. However, only the person wanting to exclude can sign up. No one can make that decision for them.
Support is available in Manitoba for individuals that would like to change how they approach gambling. Our Informed Gambling Advisors would be happy to discuss these with you:
McPhillips Station Casino – 204-985-1240 or
Club Regent Casino – 204-985-0419
You can also learn more about support services below on this page.
Where and How Long is VSE?
Signing up for VSE in person means you cannot enter any of the following:
- Club Regent Casino and the Event Centre
- McPhillips Station Casino
- Shark Club Gaming Centre
- Any future gambling facilities owned or operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
You are also not able to gamble on PlayNow.com for the length of your exclusion.
Signing up for VSE online means you cannot access PlayNow.com. Online VSE does not apply to gambling facilities. If you want to exclude from those as well, you will have to do so separately.
The length of the exclusion is up to you. Your options include a minimum of:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
How do I sign up?
You can sign up for VSE by speaking to an employee at the Casinos of Winnipeg or Shark Club Gaming Centre, or by calling 204-957-2500 ext. 8468 to make an appointment to sign up offsite.
You will be asked to present government-issued photo ID that includes your signature, sign an agreement, and have a photo taken. If you are a Club Card member and your points meet the minimum requirement, they will be converted to a gift card.
To enroll online for PlayNow.com only, log in to your account. Within the "My Account" section, choose "Self-Exclusion." The screens will guide you through the process. Your account will be cancelled, and your player's cash will be paid out.
Once you sign up for VSE you will no longer have loyalty memberships and privileges. You may be removed from marketing programs, but there is no guarantee you will not receive further marketing and promotional materials.
What happens if I break my commitment?
If you enter gambling facilities owned or operated by MBLL before you meet the requirements to end your exclusion, and you are identified, you will be asked to leave.
Despite this, there is no guarantee you will be identified or prevented from gambling should you enter the gambling facilities or access another account on PlayNow.com. It is up to you to honour your commitment to Self-Exclusion. Any money played or lost during your exclusion will not be returned to you.
How can I access support?
Participating in counselling along with VSE increases the likelihood of successfully regaining control of gambling. We encourage you to learn more about gambling treatment and support in Manitoba by calling the 24-hour free and confidential Gambling Helpline at 1-800-463-1554.
For more information, please read the brochure.
If alcohol is having a negative impact on your life, we also offer VSE at Liquor Marts with controlled entrances.
Visit Drinksense.ca/vse for more info.
Ending your Voluntary Self-Exclusion
There are four steps to end your voluntary self-exclusion:
- Ensure the time period you chose is over.
- Complete the Pause and Plan: After Your Voluntary Self-Exclusion Ends course (provided at no cost at https://pauseandplan.mbll.ca) MBLL recommends you take this course in the final months of your exclusion.
- Send a written request to MBLL (VSE@mbll.ca) asking to have your exclusion removed.
- Wait for MBLL to notify you in writing that your exclusion is removed.
For step 3, if you don't have an email, a signed hard copy can be mailed to:
Corporate Security
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
1390 Pacific Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3R9
Be sure to include your return address. We cannot process your request without it.
Please allow approximately one business week for processing.
Pause and Plan may be taken in-person, when offered, through Shared Health (formerly the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba). Find out more about the Self-Exclusion course.
Support
The following organizations provide support if you or a loved one is suffering from issues related to gambling.
Online
Shared Health Manitoba (formerly AFM): Shared Health provides professional counseling services free of charge if you or someone you know has a problem with gambling.
Community Financial: Community Financial can help if you are having difficulties managing your finances due to a gambling problem.
Rainbow Outpatient Addictions Recovery (ROAR): ROAR provides free, 16-week harm reduction program for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Winnipeg.
Gamblers Anonymous: A 12 step self-help group that can support you if you want to stop gambling.
Gam-Anon: A 12 step self-help group that can support you if your family member or friend is having problems with gambling.
eMentalHealth.ca: information and tools on gambling and problem gambling provided by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Evive (formerly GamTalk): An online discussion and support community that offers live chatting, a forum to present questions and respond to others, and stories about recovering from gambling problems.
By Phone
The Gambling Helpline provides help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-463-1554