According to the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, contact with their problem gambling helpline grew by 227% between January 2022 and January 2023, when the state opened its regulated betting market.
Problem Gambling Network of Ohio published its annual reports along with Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This highlighted the positive impact of the regulation of market opening.
The report provides additional data about the effects of the regulated markets. It reveals that warm transfer line calls between gamblers who need additional support increased by 66% from December 2022 to Jan 2023, and total chats increased by 45% between those two months.
“We knew that the numbers would increase,” stated Derek Longmeier, Executive Director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. “While Ohio’s rise in calls for assistance matches that of other states that have legalized sports betting, it is still an alarming sign for people to pay attention.”
Longmeier stated that Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline received an average of 48 calls per Day in January 2023, compared with 20 calls per Day in December.
He explained that people calling the helpline are those who have started gambling within the past year, and that the fastest growing age group of callers are those aged 18-34.
“Technology allows anyone to bet anywhere, with cell phone reception. “The ability to place multiple wagers at once without any safeguards can quickly lead a catastrophic loss,” said Amanda Blackford Director of Operations and Problem Gambling Services.
