Gambling Self-Exclusion in Iowa

The program: Iowa Self-Exclusion Program

Run by

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC)

What it covers

Statewide exclusion from all IRGC-licensed operators: gaming floors of all commercial casinos and racetracks, plus all licensed sports wagering (retail and online) and fantasy sports operators.

Durations

5 years · lifetime

Help line

1-800-238-7633

How to enroll

1. 1 In person at any state-licensed casino or racetrack
2. 2 In person at the IRGC office in Des Moines (schedule at 515-281-7352)
3. 3 In person at an Iowa Gambling Treatment Program provider agency
4. 4 By mail: download the form, have it notarized, and send it with a copy of your ID and a photo

Official page: irgc.iowa.gov/self-exclusion-program — enroll there directly, never through a third-party site.

What to watch out for

A 5-year exclusion cannot be ended early and expires automatically. Lifetime exclusions signed on or after July 1, 2017 can never be revoked; only pre-July-2017 lifetime enrollees may request revocation. Self-excluded persons forfeit all winnings and face criminal trespass charges. Tribal casinos are not covered by the state program. Helpline: 1-800-BETS OFF (1-800-238-7633). It can take up to two weeks for all licensees to enforce a new exclusion.

Self-exclusion alone isn't enough

Iowa'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