Nick McWilliams reporting – As record-setting bets are placed statewide, a local non-profit is hoping to set the record straight when it comes to problem gambling and addiction.
Sports betting recently went live in Ohio, with over 11.3 million transactions over the first weekend online betting was allowed in the state, the most in all legal states over the New Year’s period.
Gambling disorders or compulsive gambling is a progressive problem, which affects as many as six million people nationwide. By that measure, just over 300,000 Ohioans can be affected.
Numbers are expected to rise with the recent legalization in Ohio, and gambling addiction has one of the highest rates of suicide when it comes to forms of addiction.
Signs of addiction include, but are not limited to, gambling be a constant part of people’s plans, an inability to stop placing bets, progressively worsening need to be gambling, persistently trying to regain lost money, lying about the issue, needing financial support from others, and loss of relationships due to the need to gamble.
While presenting a viable hobby for residents, Ohioans are also warned that sports gambling can accentuate existing mental health issues or even less to new health concerns.
For more, including counseling resources, visit www.empowertusc.com.
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