The Commission voted to allow people to take themselves off the list of disassociated persons after they’ve been on for five years. Missourians may voluntary place themselves on this list and then would not be allowed in casinos. Commission Chair Jim Mathewson says he wants to be clear about why they decided this. He says it has nothing to do with bringing more money into casinos, and everything to do with allowing people to do what’s best for themselves.

He says after someone pulls themself off the list, but later decides to go back on, it’s a lifetime commitment – they can’t ever come off again. When this rule goes into effect, about 70 percent of those on the list will be eligible to apply to be removed. He says right now, about 16 thousand Missourians have opted to be banned from casinos. But starting in March, 11 thousand of them are eligible to be removed.

AUDIO Allison Blood reports. Mp3 [1:01]