Legalized Sports Betting – Ohio at Risk for Problem Gambling

Opportunities to place a bet in Ohio are endless. Whether it is scratch-offs, lottery tickets, table games, casino gambling, slot machines, horse/dog racing, or bingo, trying your luck at a game of chance is not far away. Now, in Ohio, it is literally at your fingertips, and you don’t even have to leave your couch.

According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, with the onset of legalized sports betting in January 2023, the daily calls to the Ohio Problem Gambling Hotline have over tripled the daily calls from one year ago.

The most significant number of calls came from 18 to 34-year-olds. Cleveland.com reported that Michael Buzzelli, Associate Directory of the Problem Gambling network, stated “It sounds cliche but it’s at our fingertips.” He went on to say “…it’s also just rapid play…you can bet on not only how many points are scored on a particular quarter or period of a football or basketball game, but you can bet on every pitch in a baseball game.”

This was no surprise to Buzzelli who has seen this happen in other states. Media campaigns were hit out of the gate with the saturation of advertising violations and those offering “risk-free” promotions.

One of those “risk-free” promotions came from Caesars which resulted in $150,000 for violating the Ohio sports betting regulations on advertising. This was the first approved fine for sports betting issued by The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC).

Online Betting

Online betting is quick. Betting too fast can lead to making bets without thinking about the consequences of the losses. Pausing, setting limits, and knowing the emotional cost of placing the bet could prevent you from being at risk. 

Responsible Gambling Starts at Field of Hope
Field of Hope provides help with gambling addiction.

Gambling addiction becomes a problem when someone’s life is negatively impacted. It is not always easy to tell if you or someone you love is struggling with problem gambling. Some common warning signs include.

  • Withdrawal from relationships 
  • Hiding gambling behavior from loved ones
  • Gambling more often or with more money
  • Borrowing money with no explanation
  • Gambling more to make up for previous losses

Do You Have a Gambling Problem?

You can take this quiz to gauge your risk level for problem gambling.

If you or a family member is struggling with gambling problems, Field of Hope has treatment programs from training and compassionate clinicians that are ready to help.

Organizations such as Field of Hope and Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMH Board work to try to help those who are lost in addiction and unsure where to go or who to turn to. At Field of Hope, we understand that there can be many obstacles when rebuilding a new life in recovery. You will not do this alone. We provide services for drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction recovery and mental health care. Caring staff will walk alongside you to help you put the pieces together from start to finish. Call us today at (740) 245-3051

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