Gambling Self-Exclusion in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has three commercial casinos (Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park), retail and online sports betting, the state lottery and iLottery, and charitable gaming; there are no operating tribal casinos.

Checked against Massachusetts Gaming Commission (with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and licensed operators)'s official program page on · compiled by

The short answer

Massachusetts residents can self-exclude from gambling through Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program, run by Massachusetts Gaming Commission (with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and licensed operators). Exclusion periods: 1 year, 3 years, 5 years or lifetime. Statewide exclusion from casino gaming, sports wagering (retail and online), and iLottery; the casino, sports wagering, and iLottery VSE lists are separate and you can enroll in one or more.

The program: Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program

Run by
Massachusetts Gaming Commission (with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and licensed operators)
What it covers
Statewide exclusion from casino gaming, sports wagering (retail and online), and iLottery; the casino, sports wagering, and iLottery VSE lists are separate and you can enroll in one or more.
Durations
1 year · 3 years · 5 years · lifetime
Help line
1-800-426-1234

How to enroll

  1. 1 Phone: call the 24-hour line 1-800-426-1234
  2. 2 Online: live chat at PlayWell.org, 24 hours a day
  3. 3 In person: PlayWell Info Centers at the state casinos or the MGC Boston office
  4. 4 Remote video enrollment session

Official page: massgaming.com/about/voluntary-self-exclusion — enroll there directly, never through a third-party site.

What to watch out for

Lifetime exclusion can only be chosen after first completing a shorter term. Removal is not automatic: after the selected term ends you must complete a brief reinstatement session to come off the list. Program contact: 617-533-9737, [email protected].

Self-exclusion alone isn't enough

Massachusetts's program only binds operators licensed in the state — offshore sites and crypto casinos ignore it. The setup that holds is layered: self-exclusion plus a gambling blocker on your devices plus a gambling block on your bank card. For the full walkthrough, start with our self-exclusion guide or the complete guide to quitting gambling.

Frequently asked questions

Does Massachusetts have a gambling self-exclusion program?
Yes. Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program is run by Massachusetts Gaming Commission (with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and licensed operators). Statewide exclusion from casino gaming, sports wagering (retail and online), and iLottery; the casino, sports wagering, and iLottery VSE lists are separate and you can enroll in one or more.
How long does self-exclusion last in Massachusetts?
You can choose 1 year, 3 years, 5 years or lifetime. Note: Lifetime exclusion can only be chosen after first completing a shorter term. Removal is not automatic: after the selected term ends you must complete a brief reinstatement session to come off the list. Program contact: 617-533-9737, [email protected].
How do I sign up for self-exclusion in Massachusetts?
Phone: call the 24-hour line 1-800-426-1234. Online: live chat at PlayWell.org, 24 hours a day. In person: PlayWell Info Centers at the state casinos or the MGC Boston office. Remote video enrollment session. Always use the official page — never a third-party site.
Does Massachusetts self-exclusion cover offshore and crypto gambling sites?
No. State self-exclusion only binds operators licensed in Massachusetts. Offshore and crypto casinos ignore it, which is why you should pair it with a gambling blocker app and a bank gambling block.

Cashout walks you through this, step by step.

Self-exclusion setup for your state, app blocking, and a panic button for the urges in between. Launching soon on iOS — waitlist gets access first.