Lucas Co. has an estimated 3,700 problem gamblers
One in ten Ohioans will experience problems with gambling during their lifetime.
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - It’s an enormous industry that’s getting bigger. According to the American Gaming Association, the commercial gaming industry hit $53 billion in revenue last year, which was a new record. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Experts say gambling becomes a problem when it interferes with your daily life, and that happens to one in ten Ohioans.
That’s according to the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. Cory Brown is the program manager. “There is a big stigma when it comes to gambling and reaching out for help.”
The goal of Problem Gambling Awareness Month is to help change that. One part of the effort is making sure adequate resources are easily accessible. “There is individual and group therapy. There are peer support programs like Gambler’s Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery and Smart Recovery. "
Sports betting will come on line in Ohio next January, and brown expects that will increase the number of gambling problems in the state. “Based on the survey data, one in four who sports bet have also experienced problems with gambling in their lifetime. That is a lot higher than the one in ten who will deal with gambling problems across the board.”
Hollywood Casino Toledo is a part of the group helping problem gamblers year-round. Prevention and treatment specialists from the Toledo area toured the casino Monday. Staff members are also trained to spot concerns, and know how to get people help.
Matt Spitnale is the Director of the Compliance Department at Hollywood Casino Toledo. “Just making sure when people walk through the door they have resources to understand how to responsibly game. If they think they have a problem, afford them the resources to seek help and treatment with our partners.”
There’s also a confidential list you can put yourself on called the Voluntary Exclusion Program to keep yourself out of the 11 casinos and racinos in Ohio for a set period of time.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Zepf Center in Toledo helps people struggling with gambling addiction. The manager of gambling treatment and prevention at the non-profit says the state estimates Lucas County has 3,700 problem gamblers. You can call the agency at (419) 841-7701, or click here for the website.
If you need help now, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at (800) 589-9966.
You can also, click here.
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