The NFL season kicked off last weekend, and this year, Ohio fans can do more than cheer from the sidelines. They can put money on the line.
This is the first full NFL season since , and that has some worried about a rise in problem gambling.
鈥淪ports betting will absolutely become more problematic,鈥� said Derek Longmeier, the executive director of the . 鈥淭he more opportunities there are to gamble, the more individuals will participate in gambling. And then, as a result of that, more individuals will also develop gambling problems.鈥�
鈥淪ports betting will absolutely become more problematic.鈥�Derek Longmeier, the executive director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
Calls to Ohio鈥檚 problem gambling helpline have already surged since the state legalized sports betting in January, in the first seven months of the year, compared to the same time frame last year.
And Longmeier expects that number to rise even higher now that football season is underway. A record plan to gamble on NFL games this year.
鈥淲e certainly expect more sports betting in the fall,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd as a result of that, we also expect more calls to the helpline.鈥�
That鈥檚 partly because more people are asking for help, Longmeier said, but it鈥檚 also because sports betting advertisements in Ohio are required to list the number for the problem gambling helpline 鈥� 1-800-589-9966 or 1-800-GAMBLER.
鈥淭hat has just allowed for more visibility and more people are picking up the phone and utilizing the resources that are available,鈥� he said.
As calls to the helpline increase, the demographics of callers are also changing.
They鈥檙e more likely to be younger, and therefore more familiar with sports betting technology and apps, Longmeier says, but that鈥檚 not all.
鈥淎s we look at those who are engaging in mental health and treatment services, they're tending to be younger too. So I think it really is a good cultural shift of recognizing that, if someone has a problem, it's okay to ask for help,鈥� he said.
But Longmeier worries an even bigger surge in problem gambling is still on the horizon in Ohio.
Among other states that have legalized sports betting, demand for gambling help rose especially high two years after legalization, after people had more time to develop gambling habits.
Longmeier says Ohio鈥檚 Problem Gambling Network is preparing for that surge now.
鈥淲e are working with counselors throughout the state to ensure that they have the qualifications and competencies needed in order to treat gambling not only effectively, but also as cutting edge as it can be,鈥� he said.
That鈥檚 because now, gambling doesn鈥檛 necessarily look like a lever at a slot machine.
It鈥檚 as ubiquitous as a football game and a cellphone app.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, contact the at 800-589-9966.