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National self-exclusion programs aim to simplify protections for Kansans who want to stop gambling
Summary
A national group developing voluntary, cross-jurisdictional self-exclusion services told the committee that a single online sign-up can reduce the burden on people seeking to block access across lotteries, casinos, sports platforms and tribal properties.
A national self-exclusion initiative described a practical path for Kansans to request removal from multiple gambling products and jurisdictions in one online action.
“It's really kind of the best tool there is to actually stop, stop gambling,” said Jonathan Iwasian of ID-Pair while briefing lawmakers on a program that consolidates self-exclusion across platforms and state lines. He said the online service offers identity verification (photo ID plus a short selfie/video match) and routes the exclusion request to the appropriate state agencies and operators.
Why it matters: Committee members heard that Kansas currently requires separate self-exclusion steps for different products (sports wagering, retail casinos, iLottery, tribal casinos and fantasy sports). That fragmentation can require in-person visits to casinos and multiple forms for people attempting to protect themselves; witnesses told the committee that consolidating the process increases uptake and lowers friction for individuals seeking help.
How the multi-state program works: The program’s web portal allows a person to submit identity information once, select the products and jurisdictions to exclude from, and have notices sent to the Lottery, the Racing and Gaming Commission, tribal casinos and fantasy-sports operators that participate. The witness said verification tools reduce the risk of erroneous sign-ups; for example, the system uses third-party identity and selfie verification to confirm a real person initiated the request.
Usage and outcomes: The witness said the service has been live in multiple states since 2024; roughly 300 people signed up nationally in a recent 30-day period and some states saw immediate increases in sign-ups after enabling online submissions. He also noted that Arkansas and other states have passed enabling legislation allowing their regulators to join a national program.
Limits and enforcement: Self-exclusion is voluntary and legally binding for the chosen period; if a person tries to gamble while excluded they may forfeit winnings and face civil trespass or other regulatory consequences. Witnesses told the committee that a consolidated system does not prevent all possible ways to gamble (e.g., cash play at a small unregulated venue) but substantially reduces the opportunity to use regulated online platforms and retail jackpots while excluded.
Committee response: Members asked how many Kansans had used the consolidated portal and how identity verification prevents fraudulent sign-ups. The witness said that verification steps (photo ID + selfie/video) are used to guard against false or unauthorized sign-ups and that the program’s records provide regulators the evidence required to validate a sign-up.
