The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board made a recent announcement about a program which aims to help people who are addicted to gambling as betting options grow in the state.

The VGT self-exclusion program is a self-help tool for people to voluntarily stop themselves from gambling on Pennsylvania’s recently launched Video Game Terminals, also known as VGTs.

An Aug. 9 press release from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board describes this program: “The VGT Self-Exclusion Program allows individuals to voluntarily choose 1-year, 5-year, or lifetime bans for this gambling activity. VGT establishments and operators must refuse wagers and deny gaming privileges, check cashing, player club membership, complimentary goods and services to any self-excluded person.

“They must also ensure that self-excluded persons do not receive targeted mailings, promotions, player club materials or other promotional materials relating to VGT activities.”

More On Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program

The PGCB official website has a slew of information for Keystone State residents regarding VGTs. It breaks down the VGT Self-Exclusion Program, tells how to get on the Self-Exclusion List, provides contact information for any questions and gives information people need to be put on the list.

In August, a handful of truck stops in the Commonwealth will be providing VGTs. However, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill allowing all 60 municipalities in Lancaster County to opt out of allowing VGTs.

Regardless, the new truck stop spots are going to open throughout Pennsylvania. CStoreDecisions.com reported Monday that Rutter's opened its first VGTs in York County, just outside the state capital of Harrisburg.

The PGCB website laid out rules for truck stops that can have VGTs: “(A) qualified truck stop establishment is permitted to operate up to five VGTs that can be used only by individuals at least 21 years of age.”

A maximum bet on a VGT is $5 and the highest payout is $1,000. On top of that, the smallest hypothetical payout percentage is 85 percent for VGTs. That number is the same as the Pennsylvania casinos current slot machines in place.

Anybody interested can call (717) 346-8300 to talk with a representative with the PGCB about the VGT Self-Exclusion Program or any of the other similar self-help tools the state provides.

Pennsylvania Has Growing Gaming Scene

The state of Pennsylvania’s sports betting scene is quickly growing and the VGT self-exclusion program offers gamblers with a plethora of options to get away from the action.

The ease of gaming from a computer or mobile device can be a serious issue for those with compulsive gambling issues and that’s why programs like this VGT self-exclusion one exists.

As Pennsylvania continues to draw in record amounts of money from various forms of gaming including a growing sports betting program, the state is stepping up efforts to protect those who have a gambling problem.