Calls to Ohio's gambling helpline have tripled as state legislators jump on the sports betting bandwagon, and calls have remained steady as more residents become addicted.
The Buckeye State is just one of many states that are furiously expanding sports betting. Unfortunately, many citizens are paying the price.
In January 2022, authorities recorded The state's gambling addiction hotline received just 456 calls. But by January 2023, that number had jumped to nearly 1,400, according to WTR-TV.
A senior businessman was making a bet in his home office and lost the game. (Hilurg/Getty Images)
With the expansion of gambling, wealthy Ohioans now have 24/7 access to legal gambling from their homes or wherever they are on their cell phones.
However, this universal access has proven to be too great a temptation for many who have fallen into addiction. And the number continues to grow.
Derek Longmire of the Ohio Problem Gambling Network (PGNO) says the numbers are alarming.
“One of the core things we focus on is setting limits,” Longmire says. “It will be both the amount of money you spend and the time you spend. So if you don’t have to go to a physical location to participate in a bet, you can easily see how much money or time is being spent. lose.”
Longmire also worries that sports betting is becoming a problem for teenagers.
A fictitious gambling site using fictitious data. (Gregory/Getty Images)
The Ohio Legislature began expanding sports betting in 2021, and lawmakers salivated over the tax revenue the expansion would generate.
Buckeye State, according to WLW-TV reaped It is expected to generate $700 million in new tax revenue in 2023.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction in Ohio, call 1-800-589-9966 or visit GamblingHelpOhio.org for more information.
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