Problem Gambling in Ohio Overview
Ohio law requires ODADAS to promote, assist in the development of, and coordinate or conduct programs for gambling addiction. The constitutional amendment that brought casinos to Ohio also includes ODADAS as the authority expected to address problem and pathological gambling. This amendment includes a requirement that two percent of the tax on the casinos’ gross revenue go to the State Problem Casino Gambling and Addictions Fund to support efforts to alleviate problem gambling and substance abuse and related research in Ohio.
To date, ODADAS collaborates with the Ohio Lottery Commission, local communities, alcohol and other drug treatment providers, county ADAMHS Boards, faith-based entities, and others to reduce problem gambling and to establish and improve gambling treatment and prevention services for Ohioans. With funding support from the Ohio Lottery Commission, ODADAS funds six problem gambling programs statewide in conjunction with alcohol and other drug addiction treatment services. The programs are in Athens, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Youngstown. In addition, ODADAS coordinates a one-day problem gambling prevention and treatment conference each year during Problem Gambling Week in March.
Ensuring that the addiction services field is ready and able to serve Ohioans with problem or pathological gambling is another role of ODADAS. For this reason, the Department has been providing statewide and regional trainings for addictions counselors so that Ohio has adequate staffing levels to address problem gambling behaviors as they arise.
What is Problem Gambling?
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, the term "problem gambling" refers to the urge to gamble, despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.
This definition may also include the condition known as "pathological gambling,” a progressive addiction whereby a person gambles compulsively to such an extent that the activity has a severe negative effect on his/ her job, relationships, mental health and/or other important aspects of life. People who suffer from pathological gambling may continue to gamble even after they have developed social, economic, interpersonal or legal problems as a result of the gambling.
Problem gambling is a widespread. Two million (1 percent) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling in a given year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Another four to six million (2-3 percent) would be considered problem gamblers; that is, they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling, but meet one of more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior. Based on national prevalence data, in Ohio it is estimated that 264,000 adults and approximately 38,000 adolescents exhibit problem gambling behaviors.
Problem Gambling Diagnostic Questions
Are you concerned that you have been or are currently a problem gambler? Here are some warning signs. Do you:
- Find yourself reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble?
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to feel the excitement?
- Become restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
- Gamble as a way of escaping from problems or relieving guilt, anxiety or depression?
- Often return another day in order to get even or chase your losses after gambling?
- Lie to family members, friends, therapist or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling?
- Participate in illegal activities (e.g. forgery, fraud or theft) in order to finance your gambling?
- Jeopardize or lose a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling?
- Rely on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
- Attempt to control, cut back or stop gambling but are unable to do so?
If you scored 1-2, you are at-risk; 3-4, you are a problem gambler; 5 or more, you are a compulsive gambler. Please consider seeking help by calling 1-800-788-7254.
Read Ohio's Strategy to Address Problem Gambling and Prevent Problems Associated with Gambling here.
Getting Help
Gambling Addiction Treatment (Ohio locations)
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Health Recovery Services
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Athens
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740-592-6720
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Recovery Resources
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Cleveland
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216-923-4021
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Chemical Addictions Treatment (CCAT)
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Cincinnati
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513-638-2228
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SASI
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Toledo
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419-243-7274
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Meridian Community Care
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Youngstown
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330-797-0070
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Maryhaven
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Columbus
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614-445-8131
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Resources for the Public:
Ohio Helpline: 1-800-589-9966
Ohio For Responsible Gambling: (www.org.ohio.gov).
Gamblers Anonymous: (www.gamblersanonymous.org) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
Gam-Anon: (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.
Your First Step to Change Online Workbook: (http://basis.typepad.com/basis/selfhelp_tools.html) This guide will help you understand gambling, figure out if you need to change, and decide how to deal with the actual process of change
The National Council on Problem Gambling: 202-547-9204 http://www.ncpgambling.org
State of Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services: 614-466-3445 www.ada.ohio.gov
Face the Odds: http://facetheodds.org/contact/index.php
Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions Self-Assessment
Resources for the Behavioral Health Professional:
Problem Gambling Frequently Asked Questions for ADAMH Boards and Prevention and Treatment Service Providers
Problem Gambling Prevention Resource Guide
Problem Gambling Prevention Growing Prevention Science
BBGS Screening Tool
NODS Screening Tool
SOGS Screening Tool
SOGS-RA for Adolescents