Problem gambling is a growing, yet often overlooked, public health issue that impacts millions of people. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 2.5 million adults suffer from severe gambling problems, with an additional 5 million to 8 million facing mild to moderate difficulties due to their gambling behavior.
The organization estimates that the annual national social cost of problem gambling is $14 billion. These costs include job loss, bankruptcy, gambling-related healthcare spending, and other consequences to families and communities.
The council’s Innovation & Impact Webinar on February 25 focused on the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline, which is managed by United Way 211, and its critical role in connecting individuals to resources. Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: From Call to Support to Service featured panelists Michelle Snowden and Matt Finley from United Way of Greater Cleveland and Olivia Burris of the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network exploring strategies for prevention, treatment, and responsible gambling, as well as emerging trends in gambling behaviors.
How 211 Supports Problem Gambling Assistance
One of the key highlights of the webinar was the vital role United Way 211 plays in supporting individuals struggling with gambling-related challenges. In addition to tracking caller data to identify trends and improve service, trained navigators utilize an up-to-date list of available resources to assist people in vulnerable situations so they receive the help they need when they need it, according to Matt Finley, an associate director with United Way 211 and one of the panelists.
“Some of the calls we receive overnight are people calling from a casino parking lot in their car who are in an emotional state. Ensuring that our staff is trained to have a productive and encouraging conversation is important to provide the help the caller needs,” Finley said during the webinar. “When we talk to individuals on the gambling hotline about financial issues, we can refer them to their local 211 so they can find assistance to get help for their financial problems.
“Even if we take a non-problem gambling call, that is an opportunity to let people know the gambling helpline exists. So while we may not be able to help someone at that moment, we can remind them if they find themselves in a situation where they need help, they know the number to call and that we are here for them.”
Easier Access, Changing Demographics
As more states legalize online sports betting, the number of online searches for gambling addiction-related terms has increased. Since 2018, when the Supreme Court legalized sports betting, there have been 23% more searches nationwide, and the number was almost three times higher in Ohio (67%), which legalized sports betting in 2023. The ability to bet online, rather than in person, also had a greater impact on people seeking help. That is all according to a study in the American Medical Association’s peer-reviewed journal.
These numbers align with caller data that United Way 211 has collected through Ohio’s problem gambling hotline (1-800-GAMBLER) which continues to see a shift in why people are calling and the demographics of the callers, according to Finley.
- The most common requests in 2024 were for gambling counseling and treatment, along with people seeking gambling addiction support groups.
- The highest call volume came from those in the 25-34 age group and has continued to shift toward more male callers, who made up almost 65% of callers in 2024.
- The percentage of people who cited sports gambling as the reason they were calling has significantly increased since 2023, from a quarterly average of 8% in 2022 to almost 39% in 2024.
Help is Available
In addition to calling 1-800-GAMBLER, additional resources available for people dealing with gambling issues include:
- The Problem Gambling Helpline of Ohio offers information and peer support for individuals and family members, along with access to self-exclusion programs for casinos, racinos, and online betting platforms.
- The Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network offers free online support at no cost for those living in rural areas or without local treatment options. Staffed by licensed clinicians and support navigators, the network provides guidance on what to expect in counseling and available programs.
- United Way 211 provides supportive, non-judgmental conversations for callers who may be in an emotional crisis, access to financial assistance programs, and referrals to family support groups.
What is Problem Gambling?
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide effort dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.
Anyone who gambles can be at risk for developing a gambling problem, and warning signs include:
- Thinking about gambling all the time.
- Feeling the need to bet more money and more often.
- Going back to try to win your money back, aka “chasing losses.”
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down on gambling.
- Gambling despite negative consequences.
- In extreme cases, problem gambling can cause bankruptcy, legal problems, job loss, family issues, and thinking about suicide.
If you or someone you know is concerned about gambling, call Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or call 2-1-1. The service is free, confidential, and available anytime and anywhere.
A Pathway to Treatment
This webinar reinforced the critical role of United Way 211 and the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline in providing essential support to individuals facing gambling-related challenges. Whether through immediate crisis intervention, counseling referrals, or long-term recovery resources, these services help Ohioans find a pathway to treatment and recovery.
