addiction

The Power of Paternalism

Can government-enforced “self-exclusion” programs help people to control their own appetites?
Slot Machine Patrons
Joe Raedle/Gett Images News
Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Joyce Ross, a 54-year-old British Columbian, knew that she had a gambling problem. In 2007, she decided to do something about it by enrolling in a legally established “self-exclusion” program. She filled out some forms, had herself photographed, and was barred thereafter from the casinos where she had been getting into so much trouble.

comments