COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio experts say they’re seeing an uptick in the number of people accessing the state’s problem gambling resources, but that may not be a bad thing.
Abdullah Mahmood is the administrative coordinator of Maryhaven’s Gambling Intervention Program. He said the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline saw a 55% increase in contacts in the last year since sports betting was legalized.
“The access on your mobile phone makes it easier to gamble,” Mahmood said.
Mahmood also said the increase in contacts to the hotline may be a good sign. He said the hotline is engaging with gamblers earlier in their addiction, meaning they’re seeking help sooner.
“Historically we saw people reaching out for help after 15 years, 10 years of gambling,” he said. “So, with the increased accessibility comes more visibility for the helpline, which increases those calls in individuals getting help as well.”
Ohioans are looking for help from national resources, too.
Data shows that people in Ohio called, texted or chatted with the National Problem Gambling Helpline 5,604 times between Dec. 1 and April 24. This put Ohio as number eight on the list of top 10 states where messages to the national hotline originated from. California was the highest with 21,151 communications to the hotline in the same period.
THURSDAY ON 10TV NEWS
10TV’s Clay Gordon spoke with an Ohioan who is in treatment for his gambling addiction after losing thousands of dollars. His story will air on 10TV on Thursday at 6 p.m.
If you or someone you love struggles with a gambling addiction, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.
