The number of times that people contacted the Ohio problem gambling helpline in 2023 was up 55% year-on-year. The total number of calls during the 12-month period reached 10,637, according to the organization Ohio for Responsible Gambling, an increase from 6,835 in 2022. Legal sports betting launched in the state on January 1, 2023.

other states experienced the same trend after legal sportsbooks went live

Problem Gambling Network of Ohio Associate Director Michael Buzzelli acknowledged that the number of calls were expected to increase as other states experienced the same trend after legal sportsbooks went live. He still remarked that “such a dramatic increase was surprising” and that a lot of work must be done to develop a safer environment for bettors.

A new study also highlights that the rate of problem gambling in Ohio has tripled since 2012, reflecting a nationwide trend. The study, conducted by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in collaboration with Ohio for Responsible Gambling, found that more than 1.8 million residents fall into some sort of at-risk category.