Gambling self-exclusion in Maryland

Before you count on it. Coverage follows the activities you select, so read Section 1 twice before you sign: Casinos, Lottery, Instant Bingo Hall, Fantasy Competitions and Sports Wagering are five separate checkboxes on one application, and an activity you leave unchecked is not covered. Instant bingo coverage reaches only facilities operating more than 10 instant bingo machines. Mail is not an ordinary option — enrolling must be done in person in most cases, and a mailed notarized application requires advance approval from the MLGCA Responsible Gaming Program Director for extenuating circumstances; that exception appears on the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling's partner page, the agency's own overview page never mentions it, and no source says how to reach the Director or where an approved application goes. Whether a remotely notarized document would be accepted isn't addressed anywhere. Finishing the interview does not put you on the list. The Commission reviews the application, tells you in writing whether it is approved, and only then places you on the list and notifies the businesses you selected. No timeframe is published. Two years is a minimum, not an end date. Removal starts with a written request; MLGCA told us in writing that it then sends you instructions, and you complete either an approved problem gambling treatment and prevention program or an approved healthy decision-making program with a licensed professional counselor, submit an Authorization and Release form and an Application for Removal form, and get an official removal letter once it is processed. The agency sets no deadline — the time varies with how long you take to finish the requirements — its overview page describes the route more narrowly than its own answer and the regulation do, and no source says whether a Life term can be removed at all. Non-resident eligibility specifically isn't stated — the official FAQ says only that 'anyone can voluntarily exclude themselves.' The application says covered businesses must withhold any winnings while you are on the list, that you forfeit unredeemed items and may lose rewards points, and that you will not receive direct marketing about gaming. Check-cashing and credit privileges are not addressed. Online casino play is not covered. The MLGCA says licensed sports wagering and registered fantasy competitions are the only legal online options in Maryland, and that no other real-money online gambling operates legally there. A separate fantasy-operator 'direct exclusion' (COMAR 36.01.03.03) shuts off one named fantasy platform only and does not put you on this statewide list. Traditional or charitable bingo halls with 10 or fewer machines, racing and pari-mutuel wagering, and skills-based amusement devices have not been assessed.