On Friday January 26th, Envision Partnerships, in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati School of Social Work, hosted an event for professionals from Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren Counties, advocating for an increase in problem gambling prevention/treatment workforce development. More than 60 people attended in-person and via zoom, with seven (7) agencies represented.
- Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board
- Miami University Gaming and Gambling Institute
- Ohio Casino Control Commission
- Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Prevention Action Alliance
- Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
- Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Coalition of Southwest Ohio
The event featured a presentation by Michael A. Buzzelli, MA, MPH, OCPS, and Associate Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. He gave an overview of the gambling landscape in Ohio, including what has been learned from the 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey and information gained in the last year since Sports Betting became legal. The second half was a coalition meeting and opportunity for professionals from around the state to network.
According to the Ohio Gambling Survey 2022, conducted by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and the Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG), there has been a significant increase in at-risk/problem gambling from 2017 to 2022. Almost 20% of Ohioans are at-risk or currently experiencing problems related to gambling.
Problem Gambling Risk Factors:
- Early big win
- Availability & Accessibility
- Family History
- Co-occurring substance misuse
- Viewing gambling as a safer alternative
- Gambling to cope or finance
Problem Gambling Warning Signs:
- Spending more than intended (time and money)
- Hiding gambling involvement
- Replacing other hobbies and interests
- Pawning/selling items
- Bailouts (needing money for necessities)
For sports betting specifically, if the game is no longer fun, that may be a sign to reevaluate your behaviors.
Since sports betting was made legal in the state of Ohio in 2023, the landscape has started to change very quickly. The legality of sports betting has increased its availability. The ability to place bets from your phone or in stadiums during games has increased its accessibility. And finally, the fact that many individuals enjoy sports creates an atmosphere of acceptability. Each of these factors has led to an increased risk for individuals who partake.
While data from the 2023 Ohio Gambling Survey will not be available until next year, there is other data available that begins to raise concerns as to sports betting's potential correlation to gambling related harms. Calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline have increased by 55% with 6,835 calls being made in 2022 to 10,637 calls being made in 2023. With 15 operational retail sportsbooks, 20 operational mobile sportsbooks, and over 900 sports gaming host locations in the state of Ohio, there is no question as to the popularity of the activity among Ohioans.
Sports Betting and Gambling can be fun and safe with the use of low-risk guidelines!
- Make your maximum 1% of household income
- Keep your participation to once per week or no more than four times per month
- Avoid regularly gambling at more than two types of games
If you would like to learn more information or invite Envision Partnerships to give a presentation on the topic, please contact Kristina Latta-Landefeld by email at klatta@envisionpartnerships.com
To learn more visit:
Responsible Gambling | Casino Control Commission (ohio.gov)
The Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (timeoutohio.com)
Call The Helpline | Casino Control Commission (ohio.gov)
Play Responsibly - Pause Before You Play
Gamble Responsibly & Keep it Fun Ohio | Ohio Lottery
Gamban - The Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program % (timeoutohio.com)
If you or a person you know is experiencing harms related to gambling please call the helpline at 1-800-589-9966
