As Ohio wraps its first year of legalized sports betting, the need for support services continues to rise
One year after the legalization of sports betting in Ohio, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) provides insight into the increased need for gambling support services and how Ohioans can reach out for help.
The 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey (conducted before legal sports betting in Ohio) found that 2.8 percent of Ohioans meet the criteria for gambling use disorder, a number that is expected to increase. It’s never too late to make the call for support.
The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is a 24/7 service made available through the United Way of Greater Cleveland to connect individuals and loved ones to problem gambling resources in their communities. Those in need of support can call 1-800-589-9966 or visit GamblingHelpOhio.org.
In January of 2023, the Helpline received 1,492 calls from Ohioans looking for support services — more than three times the January 2022 total of 456 calls. Helpline calls throughout 2023 remained consistently higher than calls during 2022.
Though sports betting cannot definitively be stated as the reason behind the increase in calls, Derek Longmeier, PGNO executive director says the increase is still cause for concern.
“As opportunities to legally bet expand, we see a corresponding rise in calls to the Helpline,” says Longmeier. “We hear from callers that they are often reluctant to pick up the phone - and we’re here to assure all Ohioans that making the call is easy, confidential, and will allow for a variety of support services to the individual experiencing the gambling challenge as well as loved ones calling on behalf of someone else."
The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 to assist individuals and loved ones affected by problem gambling. Help is available by calling 1-800-589-9966 or visiting GamblingHelpOhio.org. Callers will be connected with a gambling support expert with a variety of resources including Gamblers Anonymous, Time Out Ohio, and counseling either in-person or via telehealth.
About the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio: Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building a network of support for those impacted by gambling through collaboration, education and research. While PGNO does not take a position for or against legalized gambling, through partnerships with state agencies, regulators, and operators, PGNO continually ensures a cohesive system for minimizing harm and growing Ohio’s gambling treatment workforce.