Gambling helpline calls double in first month of legal sports betting in Ohio

CLEVELAND, OHIO — Calls to the statewide Problem Gambling Hotline during the first month of legalized sports betting in Ohio more than doubled over what had been the norm ahead of the Jan. 1 launch of sports wagering, according to data released this week by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

There was an average of about 48 calls per day in January, up from 20 a day in December and more than triple the 15 calls a day in January 2022.

Full details on the amount wagered have not yet been released. But what is known is that a lot of Ohioans at least took a look at their options; at least 2.25 million unique accountsused gambling apps in Ohio, according to cellphone data from GeoComply.

The Ohio Lottery Commission reported earlier that$850,000 in bets placed were placed at 772 kiosks, but details from for amount wagered at the big sportsbooks, casinos and racinos, plus their online apps, will come later.

As far as the increase in people calling for help to stop gambling, that was expected, based on the experience of other states that added sport betting ahead of Ohio, said Michael Buzzelli, associate director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio.

“We knew it was going to happen. We anticipated it because of the other states that had legalized and operated sports betting,” said Buzzelli referring to the nearly 1,500 calls to the helpline in January.

He said that other states saw a sustained uptick in problem gambling. “This is the new normal. ... The higher rates will stay,” Buzzelli predicted.

One concerned he raisedabout sports betting compared to traditional casino gambling is that it is everywhere. Not only are potential gamblers bombarded with advertising that often touts “risk free” promotions, but placing bets is easier and more convenient than ever before - from kiosks in bars and grocery stores to mobile apps on phones.

“It sounds cliche but it’s at our fingertips,” said Buzzelli. “And it’s also just rapid play. I mean we’re to the point where you can bet on not only how many points are scored on a particular quarter or period of a football or basketball game, but you can bet on every pitch in a baseball game.”

In addition to the overall increase in helpline call numbers of all ages, the largest jump was in calls from 18–34-year-olds, many of whom began gambling less than a year ago.
Buzzelli, however, said he was pleased that people are not waiting to ask for help.

“We encourage anyone; individuals, friends, loved ones, to make the call for information and resources,” he said.

Gretchen Cuda Kroen covers healthcare for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read.