With the January 1st launch date of legalized sports betting in Ohio, the chances will increase that more people may become addicted to gambling.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, “nationally between 1% and 3% of the general adult population, or over 5.1 million people, experience a gambling problem every year. In addition, gambling problems are often hidden, and many people may not be aware of them.”
In many people, a gambling addiction also co-exists alongside other problems such as an alcohol disorder or substance abuse.<
“As more States continue to legalize sports betting the chances are even greater for individuals to develop a gambling addiction,” said William Roberts, 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 and makes it easier to hide your betting from concerned loved ones.”
Help yourself and your friends by knowing the signs of problem gambling:
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying about time or money spent on gambling
- Betting more over time to feel the same sense of excitement
- Exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
- Spending a lot of time gambling or thinking about gambling
- Hiding bills or debts
- Becoming irritable when not gambling
Gamblers may take this confidential self-assessment quiz to help them understand if they may have a problem, https://www.beforeyoubet.org/the-quiz/
Public Health’s Recovery Services program offers FREE help for gambling disorders. To schedule an appointment with one of Public Health’s counselors call 937-461-5223 or visit www.phdmc.org.
