Back in 1996, Missouri implemented a self exclusion list where problems gamblers placed themselves on it and then would be banned from gambling in Missouri for the rest of their lives. Wednesday, their gaming commission voted to allow the banned gamblers to drop their self imposed ban. The measure called for allowing the gamblers to opt out after 5 years of serving their ban. Lawmakers made the point that a 5 year ban, rather than a lifetime, would probably make more sign up for the program. The new rules will take place in April of next year and when that happens 11,000 people out of the 16,000 plus who signed up will be allowed to gamble again in Missouri casinos. The self exclusion list was created in order to help problem gamblers with their addictions but many have argued that their lives have changed, financial issues were no more, etc. Missouri's list ws the first in the US, where other states followed but mostly without the lifetime rule. Those who signed up and want to get off the list need to fill out a document and turn it in to the commission's office. Thier removal does not require approval. It was voluntary on and it's voluntary off.
