The increase in available types of betting means more Ohioans are at risk of developing problems related to gambling. In collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
Throughout Ohio, as well as the nation, the month of March is dedicated to educating people on the dangers of problem gambling as well as increasing public awareness on the resources available in relation to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.
According to the 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey, a prevalence study conducted every five years and released by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), more Ohioans are betting, more Ohioans are at-risk for developing a problem and more Ohioans meet the diagnostic criteria for a 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.
The numbers above were released prior to the January 2023 launch of sports betting in Ohio, so it is likely they are actually higher.
Worried you are at-risk? You can take a simple online assessment by going to: https://pausebeforeyouplay.org/play-responsibly/rate-your-risk/
For those experiencing problem gambling, help is available. Contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline anytime, day or night, by calling 1-800-589-9966. Additional resources are available at PGNOhio.org.
You can also call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.
Additional resources can be found at: https://ohio.gov/responsible-gambling
In Kentucky you can find information on the Council on Problem Gambling website: www.kycpg.org
