Ohio Launches Free Telehealth Counseling Industry

Ohio Launches Free Telehealth Counseling to Tackle Problem Gambling

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 18 September 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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In September, the national suicide prevention month, the state of Ohio launched a free telehealth counseling program for problem gambling. The initiative is part of the Ohio Gambling Treatment Network (OGTN), and it’s led by the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO). Its main goal is to provide help to at-risk groups, especially in parts of the state with limited access to such services.

The OGTN has made sure to employ only highly qualified clinicians certified through Ohio’s state gambling endorsement or the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board. The network wants to guarantee that everyone, regardless of location and status, has access to professional assistance in a timely manner.

One Small Step for Ohio – One Giant Leap for the Safety of Gamblers

While gambling can be enjoyable if practiced mindfully and within proper limits, the dangers of addiction often loom large. Problem gambling can lead to serious financial and emotional harm for both individuals and their families. In more severe cases, it may have potentially catastrophic consequences.

Earlier this year, an official Ohio survey concluded that 1 in 5 residents of the state are at risk of problem gambling. An estimated 1.8 million people are at risk of developing some kind of gambling-related issues. According to different sources, the calls to the Ohio Problem Gambling Line have surged by 55% following the legalization of sports betting in 2023.

As explained by the Executive Director of the PGNO, Derek Longmeier,

OGTN is designed as a safety net for individuals who live in communities without local access to a qualified gambling counsellor. Our primary goal is to build the workforce of local providers qualified to provide gambling counselling.

In addition to counseling, the new Ohio telehealth program will provide a range of free and easily accessible resources, including educational materials, podcasts, and self-help groups. It will also provide support for the family and friends of people affected by gambling addictions, including relationship counseling and stress management tools.

In 2023, Time Out Ohio (TOO) teamed up with Gamban to provide free-of-charge software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps for a period of 6 months to 5 years. All these efforts are focused on protecting residents of the state and creating a safe gambling environment for everyone. And while entirely eradicating the problem is hardly possible, we hope for the best.

The Importance of Responsible Gambling

Back in January 2023, a responsible gambling campaign launched alongside legal sports betting in Ohio. Keeping players safe was always a top priority for lawmakers and officials in the state. Still, it’s also the responsibility of every one of us to gamble within limits and seek help if needed.

If you or anyone you know is exhibiting signs of compulsive gambling (chasing losses, lying about the extent of your gambling activities, and so on), please reach out for assistance. You can contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or any of the other organizations operating in the territory of the state.