Spike in Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline Calls Signals Growing Awareness and Outreach in 2023

Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline witnessed a 55% surge in calls post the state’s inaugural year of legal sports betting, reports Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG). Concerns arise as ORG discloses a threefold increase in problem gambling rates since 2012, emphasizing the imperative role of responsible gambling advocacy amid the growing trend.

Ohio’s Debut Year of Legal Sports Betting Sparks 55% Surge in Helpline Calls

Although sports betting was legalized in Ohio in December 2021, the state’s citizens were not allowed to place their first bets on sports at retail establishments or online until January 1, 2023. As the state’s legal betting season draws to a close, more people are contacting its helpline for problem gamblers. Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG) released a statement about the concerning trend.

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According to the organization, calls to Ohio’s problem gambling helpline increased by an astounding 55% in the first year following the state’s legalization of sports betting. 10,637 calls were made to Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline in total last year, according to ORG’s estimate. By contrast, only 6,835 calls were made in the previous year.

In addition to increasing year over year, ORG found that in comparison to 2022, the number of calls made last year increased each month. 1,013 calls were made to Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline in the final month of 2023; in comparison, only 635 calls were made in December 2022.

Ohio’s Problem Gambling Triples Since 2012, Urgent Call for Advocacy

The ORG issued a warning that the rate of problem gambling in the state has increased three times since 2012, in addition to the rise in calls to the gambling helpline. Relying on information from a recent survey, the group reported that the estimated number of individuals with a gambling problem rose to 255,000, or roughly 2.8% of the state’s adult population.

Yet, the survey also revealed that 1.8 million state citizens, or 19.8% of the adult population, may be classified as moderate-risk, low-risk, or problem gamblers.

As the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio‘s associate director, Michael Buzzelli offered his thoughts on the matter, saying, “He found the sharp increase unexpected, even though he recognized the expected increase in calls owing to the popularity of sports betting in other states. This highlights how urgent it is for supporters of responsible gaming throughout the state to keep up their efforts.”

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In addressing problem gambling, Buzzelli verified that Ohio is in line with a national trend in which particular demographics are more likely to experience gambling-related issues than others.

Teens, women over 50, and members of underrepresented groups are among these groups, in his opinion. As per Buzzelli’s explanation, individuals who are single or from families where gambling is a problem may also be more susceptible to problem gambling.