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Ohio offers Voluntary Exclusion List for problem gamblers as calls to helpline rise

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Ohio offers Voluntary Exclusion List for problem gamblers as calls to helpline rise

The legalization of casinos and sports betting is a financial boost for Ohio, but it also poses great temptation for those dealing with gambling addiction as calls to the state’s helpline are on the rise.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has a “Voluntary Exclusion List” for those needing an extra tool in their struggle, part of the “Time Out Ohio” program.

Those with gambling issues can ban themselves from Ohio’s casinos, racinos and sports gaming for one year, five years or a lifetime.

“We launched it just prior to sports betting becoming legal,” said Jessica Franks, the commission’s director of communications. “We felt it was important that they had the ability to sign up.”

The state offered a previous version of an exclusion list, which currently has 5,000 participants, Franks said.

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What is Ohio’s Voluntary Exclusion List?

Although the list is voluntary, once people register and are spotted in a casino or racino, they can be charged with criminal trespassing, and any funds they win could be confiscated. Surrendered funds are used to fund state problem-gambling and addictions services. 

The Voluntary Exclusion List is not public record so the names on there remain private.

But Ohio for Responsible Gambling, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, collects statewide data that includes registrants’ home counties and their ages to determine how, how often and when people are gambling to develop prevention strategies and explore what type of clinical-care resources and recovery programs should be offered.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 9 million Americans struggle with gambling. Of that number, about 1% has a severe addiction.

According to statistics compiled by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, 67,713 Ohioans were screened for a gambling addiction last year, and 1,139 received treatment. It also reported that 9,448 calls were made to the state’s Problem Gambling Helpline last year, an increase of 66% compared to the previous year.

Ohio’s gambling statistics

The state commission’s 2022 Gambling Survey also found that:

  • Of the state’s 9.2 million residents, 1.8 million (19.2%) are considered to be at some risk for gambling addiction. An estimated 2.8% are considered high-risk gamblers.
  • Those age 25 to 44 make up the largest percentage of Ohio gamblers at 39.7%, followed by people 45 to 64 at 30.9% and people 65 and older at 17.9%
  • The largest form of problem gambling involves online gaming, at 10.6%.

Michael Buzzelli, associate director of Problem Gamblers Network of Ohio, said the Voluntary Exclusion List has shown to be effective.

“There’s a lot of research being done, but what we do see is a reduction in the urge to gamble,” he said. “Most people don’t return to the casino, so it can have an impact. It should be done with clinical therapy or support such as Gamblers Anonymous.”

The problem appears to be growing, based on its helpline calls, he said, adding that mental health experts consider excessive gambling a substance-use addiction.

“It is an addiction, right alongside alcohol-use disorder or cocaine-use disorder. It is classified as the exact same thing as a substance addiction, which would fall under a mental illness, absolutely,” he said.

More women gambling in Ohio

According to the state’s findings, the percentage of female gamblers in Ohio outpaces men 52.4% to 46.7%.

“It’s certainly opening up,” Buzzelli said. “Historically, women were more involved in playing lottery products, slot machines and bingo, and it may well still be the case. With so many more forms available ― you’re seeing all genders.”

More women also are getting involved in sports betting, mostly through mobile apps because they’re easy to use, as well as online poker, he said.

“Other states that have had sports betting for a number of years, they’re seeing higher rates of individuals entering treatment,” he said. “We’re seeing that as well. It’s just the overall normalcy of it, the marketing and bombardment of advertisements for sports betting. They show all the winning. All this stuff can really add up.”

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Problem gambling red flags include spending more time gambling and more money than you planned. Other symptoms include mood changes, irritability and anxiety.

“You may notice people needing to borrow money,” he said, “For rent, food, car payments; things that used to get paid that are now going unpaid.”

Another warning sign, Buzzelli said, is when sports is longer fun.

“People get into sports betting because they like watching sports,” he said.

He recommends that gamblers set a budget and consider pursuing other hobbies and interests.

“We absolutely encourage people to reach out to the Casino Control Commission,” he said.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

Have a gambling problem?

Time Out Ohio offers Gamban, a free phone and computer app that once activated, prevents a devicefrom accessing more than 60,000 gambling websites and apps (legal and illegal) worldwide. GamFin also offers financial counseling for problem gamblers.

In 2023, Ohio introduced “Pause Before You Play,” a statewide awareness campaign aimed at encouraging people to place limits on their sports betting. The outreach also includes a component for teens.

The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day at 800-589-9966. For local treatment resources or a link to telehealth, visit: Gamblinghelpohio.org 

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