CLEVELAND, OH – In light of recent media reports which indicated collegiate athletes in Ohio were the target of hate speech by sports bettors, the Ohio Lottery is reminding sports bettors that harassment of college and professional sports athletes is prohibited, and any sports bettor caught harassing an athlete after a losing bet will be placed on the involuntary exclusion list and prohibited from placing any future bets.
The Ohio Lottery would like to remind all Type-C proprietors that they should not accept bets from anyone on the involuntary exclusion or prohibited lists.
Bettors should know the risks of gambling, keep gambling within their limits, and keep it fun. Anyone struggling with a gambling problem can contact the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.
Bettors can learn more about responsible gambling at Keep it Fun, Ohio.
Lottery sports gaming launched on January 1, 2023, at over 700 type C locations, with more proprietors planning for phased launches in 2023.
The General Assembly passed House Bill 29 on December 8, 2021, legalizing and regulating sports gaming in Ohio. The bill allows sports gaming through licensed operators of online sportsbooks and brick-and-mortar establishments and through terminals at certain lottery retail locations. Each proprietor and Type C host location was licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
The Ohio Lottery has contributed over $29 billion to education since 1974. For more information about the Ohio Lottery and its contribution to education, visit www.ohiolottery.com/supportingeducation.
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