As more residents engage in various forms of gaming, the state faces an increasing challenge: how to balance the financial boost from gambling with the rising prevalence of addiction. Calls to Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline have surged, with experts pointing to the allure of sports betting, online gaming, and casino promotions as contributing factors.
In response, Ohio has expanded its problem gambling resources, offering tools to protect those at risk while addressing the deeper implications of gambling addiction.
Ohio’s Voluntary Exclusion List: A Tool for Addiction Prevention
One of the key tools Ohio offers is its Voluntary Exclusion List, part of the “Time Out Ohio” program. Individuals dealing with gambling issues can self-ban from casinos, racinos, and sports gaming facilities for periods of one year, five years, or a lifetime.
This list, which has been active since before sports betting was legalized, now has around 5,000 participants. The state has made it clear that while joining is voluntary, the consequences are real — if a banned individual is found at a gaming establishment, they can be charged with criminal trespassing, and any winnings are confiscated to fund problem gambling services.
According to Jessica Franks, the Ohio Casino Control Commission’s Director of Communications, the list offers people a powerful tool in their battle against gambling addiction:
“We felt it was important that they had the ability to sign up.”
The exclusion list is a proactive step, but it is only part of the state’s broader strategy to tackle problem gambling.
Growing Concern Over Online Gambling and Sports Betting Accessibility
Ohio’s battle with gambling addiction is not just about casinos — it’s evolving rapidly due to the explosion of online gambling and sports betting, especially among younger populations. In fact, a 2022 Gambling Survey conducted by the state revealed that 19.2% of Ohioans are at some risk for gambling addiction, with 2.8% classified as high-risk gamblers.
The most affected age group falls between 25 and 44 years old, making up 39.7% of gamblers in the state. Notably, online gaming represents the largest form of problem gambling, affecting 10.6% of individuals.
The state has also seen a notable shift in gender trends. In recent years, 52.4% of gamblers in Ohio have been women, overtaking men for the first time. While historically more involved in lotteries and slot machines, women are increasingly engaging in sports betting, driven largely by the convenience of mobile apps.
As Michael Buzzelli, Associate Director of the Problem Gamblers Network of Ohio, explained,
“With so many more forms available — you’re seeing all genders.”
Beyond the numbers, personal stories of addiction underscore the devastating toll gambling can take on individuals and families. Marilyn Bodi Reed, an Ohio resident, shared her journey from what began as a fun pastime with her husband to a devastating addiction that led her to lose over $200,000 and nearly cost her life.
“I tried to take my life twice — and I didn’t want to die,”
she said, reflecting on how gambling consumed her to the point of financial ruin and despair. Her story illustrates how gambling, often called the “silent addiction,” can spiral out of control without friends or family even realizing the extent of the problem until it’s too late.
To combat this growing issue, Ohio has introduced innovative solutions like the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN), offering free virtual counseling for residents without local access to specialized treatment. The state also partnered with Gamban to provide gambling-blocking software, helping residents block access to online gambling platforms across all devices.