Problem Gambling Awareness Month Highlights Growing Gambling Trends Across Ohio

The National Council on Problem Gambling has officially commenced the Problem Gambling Awareness Month. In Ohio, the growing impact of gambling on families and businesses will be the focus of several events during this Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, Prevention chief, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said the COVID-19 pandemic has led many Ohioans to search for ways to entertain themselves at home – with gambling being one of those ways.

She added, “Most Ohioans simply aren’t aware that 1 out of every 10 adults are at risk of having gambling problems.”

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2% of the population has some gambling problem. Frohnapfel-Hasson says Ohio data suggests more than 90,000 Ohioans may be experiencing a gambling addiction. Children are also at risk, with 14.7% of youth ages 12-17 having gambled money or personal items. Children who gamble before the age of 12 are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.

“People with gambling problems also have a higher risk of drug dependency, alcoholism, mental health issues, and suicide rates. Every Ohioan sees the impact of addiction,” Derek Longmeier, executive director for Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, said.

The state created an award-winning awareness program called Before You Bet that offers community toolkits, online quizzes, and free resources to educate people of any age about responsible gambling.

The 18th Annual Ohio Problem Gambling Conference will also bring together hundreds of national experts, state leaders, and local innovators in problem gambling prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and research. The event will occur virtually every Tuesday and Thursday in March.

“Betting is part of our landscape. The more we all learn the warning signs when things get out of hand, the better for our families, friends, and communities,” Longmeier said.