Super Bowl LX (60) will take place on Sunday, February 8, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Each year the game is accompanied by an increase in betting activity. The American Gaming Association estimated that approximately $20 billion was bet on last year’s game. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, Approximately 2 to 2.5 million U.S. adults (about 1%) meet the criteria for a severe gambling disorder annually, while another 4 to 8 million (2-3%) experience mild or moderate, significant gambling problems. In total, nearly 20 million Americans reported at least one problematic gambling behavior in the past year.
In addition, gambling problems are often unrecognized, and many people may not be aware of them. In many people, a gambling problem also co-exists alongside other problems such as an alcohol disorder or substance misuse.
“As more states continue to legalize sports betting, the chances are even greater for individuals to develop a gambling addiction,” said Madonna Marable, Recovery Services Senior Manager, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County. “The ease of mobile betting increases the temptation to bet more than you can afford to lose, which makes it easier to hide your betting from concerned loved ones.”
Problem Gambling in Ohio:
Every five years since 2012, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, in partnership with Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG), has distributed the Ohio Gambling Survey, which is designed to gather information about how adults are gambling: how often they are gambling, what characteristics they have, and what characteristics may relate to gambling behaviors.
This survey was completed most recently in 2022. It found an estimated 254,000 Ohioans are afflicted with gambling disorder, and 1.8 million Ohioans are at some risk of gambling disorder.
Recovery Services
Public Health’s Recovery Services program offers free help for gambling problems. To schedule an appointment with one of Public Health’s counselors call (937)461-5223 or visit phdmc.org.
Gamblers may take this confidential self-assessment quiz to help them understand if they may have a problem, Rate Your Risk
Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem
- Frequent Betting
- Financial Issues
- Lying About Gambling
- Chasing Losses
- Avoiding Responsibilities
- Increased Bet Sizes
- Preoccupation with Betting
- Emotional Distress
