Mental health experts classify problem gambling as an addiction on par with substance abuse which is why states across the U.S. are expanding gambling control resources. Per a recent update from Ohio, the legalization of casinos and sports betting is a financial boost for Ohio, but it also poses great temptation for those dealing with gambling addiction as calls to the state’s helpline are on the rise. To combat this, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has a “Voluntary Exclusion List” for those needing an extra tool in their struggle, part of the “Time Out Ohio” program. Those with gambling issues can ban themselves from Ohio’s casinos, racinos, and sports gaming for one year, five years, or a lifetime.
For this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest gaming news coming from the state of Ohio along with more notes and information regarding Ohio wagering.
While gambling in these states gives the areas more income to use for state services, it was also important for each area to recognize the potential downsides as well and make that known to consumers. “We launched (the Voluntary Exclusion List) just prior to sports betting becoming legal,” Jessica Franks, the commission’s director of communications, told a local outlet in the state. “We felt it was important that they had the ability to sign up.” Additionally, the state offered a previous version of an exclusion list, which currently has 5,000 participants, Franks said.
Although the list is voluntary, once people register and are spotted in a casino or racino, they can be charged with criminal trespassing, and any funds they win could be confiscated. Surrendered funds are used to fund state problem-solving and addiction services. The Voluntary Exclusion List is not a public record so the names remain private. However, Ohio for Responsible Gambling, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, collects statewide data that includes registrants’ home counties and their ages. This helps determine how, how often, and when people are gambling to develop prevention strategies and explore what type of clinical-care resources and recovery programs should be offered.
Additionally, the report points out that the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 9 million Americans struggle with gambling. Of that number, about 1% have a severe addiction. According to statistics compiled by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, 67,713 Ohioans were screened for a gambling addiction last year, and 1,139 received treatment. Additionally, it also reported that 9,448 calls were made to the state’s Problem Gambling Helpline last year, an increase of 66% compared to the previous year.
The same article also shares some overall gambling statistics from Ohio. For example, the state commission’s 2022 Gambling Survey also found that of the state’s 9.2 million residents, 1.8 million (19.2%) are at some risk for gambling addiction. Also, an estimated 2.8% are considered high-risk gamblers. Those aged 25 to 44 make up the largest percentage of Ohio gamblers at 39.7% followed by people 45 to 64 at 30.9% and people 65 and older at 17.9%. Moreover, the largest form of problem gambling involves online gaming, at 10.6%.
Michael Buzzelli, associate director of Problem Gamblers Network of Ohio, said the Voluntary Exclusion List has shown to be effective. “There’s a lot of research being done, but what we do see is a reduction in the urge to gamble,” he said. “Most people don’t return to the casino, so it can have an impact. It should be done with clinical therapy or support such as Gamblers Anonymous.”
The problem appears to be growing, based on its helpline calls, he said, adding that mental health experts consider excessive gambling a substance-use addiction. “It is an addiction, right alongside alcohol-use disorder or cocaine-use disorder. It is classified as the exact same thing as a substance addiction, which would fall under a mental illness, absolutely,” he said.
The article also points out that more women are gambling in the state of Ohio. According to the state’s findings, the percentage of female gamblers in Ohio outpaces men from 52.4% to 46.7%, including sports betting more and more. “It’s certainly opening up,” Buzzelli said. “Historically, women were more involved in playing lottery products, slot machines, and bingo, and it may well still be the case. With so many more forms available – you’re seeing all genders.”
After you are all up to date on the latest gaming news coming from Ohio, make sure to check out the excellent array of resources available to you at SBS. Of course, for even more information on the topic covered here, make sure to check out the Ohio sports betting guide which goes over all of the latest gaming updates from the state and beyond. On a separate note, if you are eligible and looking for some higher-stakes wagering, you should definitely peruse the VIP sports betting sites breakdown. On this page you can learn more about the nuances of VIP betting and if it might make sense for you. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps breakdown is a fantastic page to check out for all of the latest on mobile betting sites and beyond.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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