Voluntary exclusion can be a great option for keeping your gambling habits in check. The program is one of Indiana’s best preventive measures for problem gambling.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the US, so it’s worth taking the time to understand the tools at your disposal.

How does Indiana voluntary exclusion work?

If your gambling habits are starting to get out of control, then self-exclusion could be a great step to take on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

Voluntary exclusion is essentially a self-imposed ban on gambling in the state. The program has been around since 2004, and plenty of Hoosiers have taken advantage of it since then.

All you have to do to use the program is fill out a form at the Indiana Gaming Commission office in Indianapolis.

You’ll have to complete the form with a gaming agent as a witness. You also can’t be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you’re setting things up.

Hoosiers have the option of excluding themselves for one year, five years or for a lifetime.

Once you’ve signed up for voluntary exclusion, you won’t be able to use online sportsbooks in Indiana. The same goes for casinos around the state, although it will ultimately be up to you to stay away from gambling areas.

You can request to remove yourself from the exclusion list once your term expires. All you have to do is fill out another form at the gaming commission office.

Gambling disorders are treatable conditions, and self-excluding is just one of the options available to help practice responsible gambling.

Other ways to limit your gambling

Many of the gambling companies in Indiana offer different ways to help curve bad habits.

If you’re looking to take a break from gambling for less than a year, then self-exclusion probably isn’t the best option for you.

However, smaller breaks are still possible thanks to the tools that sportsbooks provide.

You can place limits on your sportsbook accounts that can’t be undone for a certain amount of time.

For example, you can ban yourself from placing a wager with your favorite sportsbook for a certain number of days. These “cool off” periods can help you get ahead of any problematic behaviors.

Limiting the amount of money you can bet is also an option. An example would be making it so that you can’t place a bet worth more than $10.

DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars and the rest of Indiana’s sportsbooks all offer these types of features.

When it comes down to it, it’s up to Hoosiers to place these kinds of limits on themselves if they need them. Whether it’s voluntary exclusion or placing smaller limits on accounts, putting your well-being first is ultimately the right decision if you need help keeping your habits in check.