Nearly 1 in 5 Ohioans are at risk of a
gambling disorder and its consequences.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 3, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- As the world acknowledges the importance of
addressing mental health topics, new data from Ohio for
Responsible Gambling (ORG) shows how
gambling disorders can have wide-ranging impacts on
those who gamble and the community around them.
"There's a strong connection between a person's
gambling activity and their mental health. Nearly 40%
of those experiencing a gambling disorder will
consider suicide. There's also a higher correlation of depression,
anxiety, alcohol, and drug abuse," said Dr. Chris Tuell, Clinical Director of Addiction
Services at the Lindner Center of HOPE.
More than 1.8 million adult residents in Ohio can be categorized as at risk for problem
gambling (low, moderate and Disordered
Gambling). Ohio's
Problem Gambling Helpline data also showed the number
of callers seeking clinical care increased 67% from 2022 to
2023.
"Many seeking help aren't legally allowed to bet; children who
gamble before the age of 12 are four times more likely
to develop gambling harms later in life. Care
providers aren't aware of the strong correlation between gaming,
gambling, and mental illness," said Derek Longmeier, executive director, Problem
Gambling Network of Ohio.
The state of Ohio continues to
expand upon free resources to help.
- Pause Before You Play encourages individuals to set limits on
time and money spent when betting on sports or other
forms of gambling.
- Change the Game Ohio explores the common types and consequences
of youth gambling and offers practical advice for
parents, care providers, and educators. There's a tool to gauge if
something fun has turned into something formidable for the child in
your life.
- TimeOutOhio.com is a Self-Ban Program for any Ohioan wanting to
be excluded from Ohio
gambling sites or properties, or sports
gambling sites from their computers and phones.
- Gamban, now available for free to all Ohioans, is a
downloadable application that prevents a device from accessing more
than 60,000 gambling websites and apps (legal and
illegal) worldwide.
Anyone concerned about their gambling habits should
call Ohio's Problem
Gambling Helpline which connects individuals with
local resources that are free and confidential. Trained specialists
will answer 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.
For More Information, Contact:
Sarah Irvin Clark, Irvin PR,
614-296-4057
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SOURCE Ohio for Responsible
Gambling