Problem gamblers won't get winnings from Sask. Casinos

SaskGaming is introducing a new policy to discourage problem gambling by withholding winnings to excluded patrons at casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw. It's hoped the new rules will help relieve the temptation to gamble.

The disentitlement of winnings policy allows SaskGaming to withhold cash, credits, and prizes for those ineligible to win at Saskatchewan casinos.

This applies to voluntarily self-excluded individuals from any casino in Saskatchewan, those who are involuntarily excluded from SaskGaming casinos, those under the age of 19 years, and SaskGaming employees and certain contracted service providers.

SaskGamingis required to provide written notice to those excluded.

SaskGaming President and CEO Susan Flett said in a press release that this policy will help prevent those who have entered into a self-exclusion agreement through the responsible gaming program from breaking their agreement.

There are currently 545 voluntarily self-excluded individuals and 122 involuntarily excluded individuals at casinos in Moose Jaw and Regina.

Gaming Regulations were amended in June 2015 to allow the disentitlement of winnings policy. It will come into effect on October 1, 2015.

All funds withheld through the policy will be go to the SaskGaming's Community Relations program.