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Ohio Lottery Recognizes Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Monday, March 2, 2020
CLEVELAND – The Ohio Lottery, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling, dedicates the month of March to problem gambling awareness to educate the public about problem gambling warning signs and how to get help.

The Ohio Lottery provides funds for prevention and treatment of problem gambling, with specialized trainings and treatment centers across Ohio. In addition, the Ohio Lottery dedicates funding for responsible gambling and problem gambling awareness campaigns.
“The Ohio Lottery has always been committed to responsible gambling programs. We encourage our players to have fun while staying within their limits, and we reinforce that message year-round,” Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald said. 

This year, the Ohio Lottery has launched a new responsible gambling campaign called Keep it Fun, Ohio. Through a statewide media campaign, social media posts and a new website www.keepitfunohio.com, Ohioans learn ways to keep gambling within the limits and how to spot a gambling problem. The website boasts the “Costulator”, a gambling calculator that lets individuals see the reality of the total amount they spend on lottery games for 1 week, 1 month or 1 year.  The site also offers a direct line to help for those struggling with a gambling addiction.

Last March, the Ohio Lottery and Ohio Casino Control Commission launched the statewide Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP). The program allows individuals who believe they currently have or may be at risk of developing a gambling problem to enter into an agreement to refrain from entering all seven racinos and four casinos. Nearly 1,300 individuals have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling properties in the last year.

Gambling may be a problem when it:
  • Causes financial problems;
  • Harms relationships with friends or loved ones;
  • Interferes with work, school or other activities; and/or
  • Impacts physical or mental health.
To get help, please call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966. Confidential Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To learn more about Problem Gambling Awareness Month visit https://www.ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/programs/pgam/

Additional information on problem gambling and treatment options in the State of Ohio can be found on our website at www.ohiolottery.com/Resources/Play-Responsibly or by visiting  www.gamblinghelpohio.org.
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