Problem Gambling Awareness Month and March Madness, a larger meaning with betting in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and it’s taking a larger meaning this year.

Three months ago, Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law, legalizing sports betting and it's now taking effect in Ohio.

But your wager will have to wait.

“People think ‘oh, sports betting is legal now.,’” Derek Longmeier, Executive Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio said. “Part of that being in effect just allows for anybody that’s going to be offering sports betting to then go through the licensing process through the [Ohio] Casino Control Commission or the [Ohio] Lottery Commission.”

Full approval and licensing for casinos, sportsbooks and betting websites and apps are expected by the end of 2022.

But sports gambling still is happening across the country and with the Final Four this weekend, the American Gaming Association expects millions if not billions to be spent.

Their projections also have 45 million people to wager at least $3.1 billion across March Madness.

“[Problem Gambling Awareness Month] corresponds nicely with March Madness,” Longmeier said. “As we look at the calls to the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline, we know that this is the highest call volume throughout the year, during the month of March.”

Longmeier says the helpline receives 400-500 calls per month and 600-700 in March, which is why a portion of gambling revenue will go toward prevention and gambling support services.

“We worked very closely with the state legislature and two percent of the sports gaming revenue will be set aside to support problem sports gaming,” Longmeier said. “We see that as a critical piece and since there’s no federal funding to support those impacted by gambling.”

The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline works 24/7 and connects a gambler or a loved one to a counselor throughout the state.

From there, counselors can provide resources and assistance.

“For those who gamble in Ohio, 90 percent won’t have any type of problem,” Longmeier said. “But that means about 10 percent will, so we want to make sure that resources are available to those in that 10 percent and may need that help.”

The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-800-589-9966 and other problem gambling resources can be found on their website.