Ban

Definition

A ban (also known as a “trespass”) is the formal, permanent exclusion of an individual from a casino property. Once a ban is issued, the individual’s presence on the premises constitutes a criminal offense, allowing for immediate arrest by local law enforcement.

In context

A guest who repeatedly ignores requests to stop harassing other patrons will eventually be issued a permanent ban. Security will photograph the individual, read them a formal trespass notice, and inform them that they will be arrested if they ever step foot on the property again.

Why it matters

A ban is the “nuclear option” for casino management. It is used to permanently remove individuals who threaten game integrity, public safety, or corporate interests. Unlike a “backoff,” which may only restrict specific games, a ban is an absolute prohibition of entry.

Related terms

• Backoff
• Self-Exclusion
• Trespass Warning

In detail

The authority to ban a patron is derived from a casino’s status as private property. While casinos are “places of public accommodation,” they maintain the right to refuse service to anyone, provided the exclusion is not based on a “protected class” (such as race, religion, or gender).

Grounds for a Permanent Ban

Bans are typically categorized into three main areas:

1. Behavioral Violations: Violence, threats, drug use, theft, or persistent harassment of staff or guests.
2. Game Integrity (Criminal): Attempting to cheat, use electronic devices, mark cards, or collaborate with a dealer. These bans are almost always lifetime and property-wide.
3. Policy Violations: Attempting to circumvent a previous “backoff,” using false identification, or violating “Self-Exclusion” agreements.

The Trespass Procedure

For a ban to be legally enforceable in court, the casino must follow a strict procedural sequence:

• The Notice: A security officer must clearly state that the person is no longer welcome.
• The Reading: In many jurisdictions, a specific legal script (a “Trespass Act”) is read aloud, informing the person of the specific statutes they will violate if they return.
• Documentation: The casino records the person’s physical description, photo, and government-issued ID. This information is entered into a “Denied Entry” database that is monitored by surveillance and entrance security.

Corporate and Multi-Property Bans

In the era of large gaming conglomerates, a ban is rarely limited to a single building. If an individual is banned from an MGM, Caesars, or Wynn property, the ban usually extends to every property owned by that parent company worldwide. This is facilitated by shared digital databases and facial recognition technology at property entrances.

Self-Exclusion Programs

A specialized form of a ban is “Self-Exclusion,” where a player voluntarily asks to be banned from gambling to manage a gambling addiction. In these cases, the ban is enforced by the state Gaming Commission as well as the casino. If a self-excluded person is found on the premises, any winnings they have accrued are legally forfeited and often donated to state programs for responsible gaming.

Reinstatement

Reversing a ban is exceptionally difficult. An individual must usually wait several years before submitting a formal “Letter of Appeal” to the casino’s Vice President of Security. The appeal must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances or behavior. For cheating or serious criminal acts, bans are almost never overturned.