Mental health experts classify problem gambling as an addiction on par with substance abuse which is why states across the U.S. are expanding gambling control resources. Per a recent update from Ohio, the legalization of casinos and sports betting is a financial boost for Ohio, but it also poses great temptation for those dealing with gambling addiction as calls to the state’s helpline are on the rise. To combat this, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has a “Voluntary Exclusion List” for those needing an extra tool in their struggle, part of the “Time Out Ohio” program. Those with gambling issues can ban themselves from Ohio’s casinos, racinos, and sports gaming for one year, five years, or a lifetime.
For this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest gaming news coming from the state of Ohio along with more notes and information regarding Ohio wagering.
While gambling in these states gives the areas more income to use for state services, it was also important for each area to recognize the potential downsides as well and make that known to consumers. “We launched (the Voluntary Exclusion List) just prior to sports betting becoming legal,” Jessica Franks, the commission’s director of communications, told a local outlet in the state. “We felt it was important that they had the ability to sign up.” Additionally, the state offered a previous version of an exclusion list, which currently has 5,000 participants, Franks said.
Although the list is voluntary, once people register and are spotted in a casino or racino, they can be charged with criminal trespassing, and any funds they win could be confiscated. Surrendered funds are used to fund state problem-solving and addiction services. The Voluntary Exclusion List is not a public record so the names remain private. However, Ohio for Responsible Gambling, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, collects statewide data that includes registrants’ home counties and their ages. This helps determine how, how often, and when people are gambling to develop prevention strategies and explore what type of clinical-care resources and recovery programs should be offered.
Additionally, the report points out that the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 9 million Americans struggle with gambling. Of that number, about 1% have a severe addiction. According to statistics compiled by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, 67,713 Ohioans were screened for a gambling addiction last year, and 1,139 received treatment. Additionally, it also reported that 9,448 calls were made to the state’s Problem Gambling Helpline last year, an increase of 66% compared to the previous year.
The same article also shares some overall gambling statistics from Ohio. For example, the state commission’s 2022 Gambling Survey also found that of the state’s 9.2 million residents, 1.8 million (19.2%) are at some risk for gambling addiction. Also, an estimated 2.8% are considered high-risk gamblers. Those aged 25 to 44 make up the largest percentage of Ohio gamblers at 39.7% followed by people 45 to 64 at 30.9% and people 65 and older at 17.9%. Moreover, the largest form of problem gambling involves online gaming, at 10.6%.
Michael Buzzelli, associate director of Problem Gamblers Network of Ohio, said the Voluntary Exclusion List has shown to be effective. “There’s a lot of research being done, but what we do see is a reduction in the urge to gamble,” he said. “Most people don’t return to the casino, so it can have an impact. It should be done with clinical therapy or support such as Gamblers Anonymous.”
The problem appears to be growing, based on its helpline calls, he said, adding that mental health experts consider excessive gambling a substance-use addiction. “It is an addiction, right alongside alcohol-use disorder or cocaine-use disorder. It is classified as the exact same thing as a substance addiction, which would fall under a mental illness, absolutely,” he said.
The article also points out that more women are gambling in the state of Ohio. According to the state’s findings, the percentage of female gamblers in Ohio outpaces men from 52.4% to 46.7%, including sports betting more and more. “It’s certainly opening up,” Buzzelli said. “Historically, women were more involved in playing lottery products, slot machines, and bingo, and it may well still be the case. With so many more forms available – you’re seeing all genders.”
After you are all up to date on the latest gaming news coming from Ohio, make sure to check out the excellent array of resources available to you at SBS. Of course, for even more information on the topic covered here, make sure to check out the Ohio sports betting guide which goes over all of the latest gaming updates from the state and beyond. On a separate note, if you are eligible and looking for some higher-stakes wagering, you should definitely peruse the VIP sports betting sites breakdown. On this page you can learn more about the nuances of VIP betting and if it might make sense for you. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps breakdown is a fantastic page to check out for all of the latest on mobile betting sites and beyond.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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