New survey shows rates of problem gambling have tripled
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has released the 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey, a prevalence study conducted every five years that assesses Ohioans based on their behavior across all available forms of betting, both legal and unlawful.
Among the 14,569 Ohio adults who participated in the survey, we know that from 2017 until now more Ohioans are betting, more Ohioans are at-risk for developing a problem and more Ohioans meet the diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder.
• 82.9 percent of Ohioans participated in some form of betting compared to 74.9 percent in 2017.
• 19.8 percent are at risk of problem gambling, up from 5.7 percent in 2017.
• 254,729, or 2.8 percent, of Ohioans meet the diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder.
The prevalence of problem gambling (2.8 percent) is more than triple from 0.9 percent shown in 2017.
An important note: this survey serves as a baseline and was completed prior to the Jan. 1, 2023 universal launch of sports betting in Ohio.
“This data shows us that the need for treatment services is continuing to rise,” said Derek Longmeier, executive director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. “PGNO is committed to expanding Ohio’s gambling support service system, so we can prevent problems from occurring and mitigate the impact of problems that are present. Every Ohioan deserves access to quality support services.”
Problem Gambling Network of Ohio works to ensure treatment services are available statewide to those who need them. Problem gamblers and their loved ones can access services at low or no cost, and help is always available.
For those experiencing problem gambling, help is always available. Contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline anytime, day or night, by calling 1-800-589-9966. Callers will be connected to local resources in their area by a warm transfer specialist to ensure they reach the best fit. Additional resources are available at PGNOhio.org.
About the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio: Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is a statewide non-profit 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.