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COLUMBUS -- With legalized sports betting arriving in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023, Ohio For Responsible Gambling (ORG) launched a new effort to educate Ohioans on the dangers of problem gambling and how to play responsibly.
Pause Before You Play is a spinoff of Get Set Before You Bet, an award-winning problem gambling education effort from ORG.
Amanda Blackford, Director of Operations and Problem Gambling Services, Ohio Casino Control Commission, said this campaign focuses on responsible play and the nuances of sports betting that can pose problems for some gamblers.
"There's a difference between responsible entertainment and potentially destructive behavior," she said.
Blackford said people can bet on sports "basically anywhere with cell phone reception," brick-and-mortar locations, and digital terminals in bars that already hold a liquor license and sell lottery tickets.
The difference is it's easy for people to place multiple bets in real-time, accelerating the chance for potentially catastrophic losses. It's also much easier for people to conceal the amount they bet.
"In other states that preceded Ohio in legalizing sports betting, we've seen higher interest and more struggles with problem gambling," she said. "We want people to have fun and be responsible."
Derek Longmeier, Executive Director, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, said the campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection. Problem gamblers don't have physical symptoms. That's why he says it's important to watch for situations like:
¯ Hiding betting behavior from loved ones
¯ Showing a sudden decrease in work performance
¯ Asking for loans or bailouts to get out of debt
¯ Using money for core expenses like food and rent to gamble
¯ Betting more often or with more money
¯ Betting more to make up for previous betting losses
¯ Withdrawing from relationships with family and friends
¯ Having extreme mood swings
"The challenges of problem gambling go far beyond the person placing a bet," he said. "Families, children, and businesses, all face consequences with a person's gambling addiction."
A 2017 study found casino gamblers and sports gamblers had the highest rates of at risk/problem gambling: 24.0% and 24.3% respectively. Blackford said those with gambling problems also have higher risks of drug or alcohol use and mental health conditions, including thoughts of suicide. The 2017 Report on Problem Gambling Services found nearly one in ten Ohioans who gamble are currently experiencing or are at risk of developing a problem. That's more than 900,000 Ohioans.
"The majority of Ohioans who gamble are able to stay within their limits," Longmeier said. "As sports betting grows exponentially in 2023, it makes sense that we will see more challenges here in Ohio."
"Children are also at risk," Longmeier said. Nearly 15% of youth ages 12-17 have gambled money or personal items. Children who gamble before the age of 12 are 4 times more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.
"Many businesses, families, and organizations simply aren't aware of or ready for the potential consequences," Blackford said. "That must change." Anyone having suicidal thoughts should call the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Additionally, the Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966 or texting 4HOPE to 741741.
The State of Ohio formed Ohio for Responsible Gambling to help Ohio communities reduce problem gambling and build awareness of resources available for the prevention and treatment of gambling disorders. Get Set Before You Bet is meant to provide education and to grow awareness of how to keep gambling fun for those who gamble and how to get help for those who need it. The Get Set Before You Bet awareness campaign is supported by funds collected through Ohio's taxes on gambling. Visit BeforeYouBet.org and PauseBeforeYouPlay.org for more information.
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.
Signs of a gambling addiction
¯ Hiding betting behavior from loved ones
¯ Showing a sudden decrease in work performance
¯ Asking for loans or bailouts to get out of debt
¯ Using money for core expenses like food and rent to gamble
¯ Betting more often or with more money
¯ Betting more to make up for previous betting losses
¯ Withdrawing from relationships with family and friends