LAS VEGAS -- Global Cash Access (GCA), is adding a STEP "self-exclusion" option for problem gamblers to ATMs it now operates.
Last year GCA launched phase two of its Responsible Gaming Partnership, called STEP (Self Transaction Exclusion Program), which offers problem gamblers a method to block their own access to credit card and POS debit card cash advances at more than 1,000 casinos throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
As an additional enhancement to the STEP program, problem gamblers will now be able to block their own access to withdrawals at all GCA-operated ATMs that are STEP-enabled. All GCA devices included in the program will bear a special STEP decal.
GCA, a joint venture of First Data Corp. (NYSE:FDC) and M&C International, Inc., has built the gaming industry's largest ATM network, after acquiring a large number of ATMs earlier this year from InnoVentry Corp. and Bank of America. The former Bank of America ATMs will be converted to STEP over the next 36 months as GCA assumes operations of the units as part of a transition plan.
"The majority of gaming patrons realize the benefits of convenience and safety of our cash access services, but for the small percentage of users that are compulsive gamblers, we want to remove the temptation to behave irresponsibly," said CEO Kirk Sanford.
Problem gamblers who want to participate in the STEP program can call the 24-hour toll free helpline for the National Council on Problem Gambling at 800/522-4700. STEP authorization forms are also available on the GCA web site or by making a request to a cage operator at participating casinos.
Once GCA has been authorized to reject a card from its network, GCA will not reinstate access to the card for a period of one year. Following the one-year waiting period, the cardholder must submit a revocation form in order to reinstate access.
