A year ago, sports betting in Ohio was officially legalized and as it gained popularity throughout 2023, the need for support grew as well.
According to the 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey, which was conducted before sports gambling was legalized in the state, 2.8% of Ohio residents met the criteria for a gambling use disorder. According to the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, that number grew throughout 2023 and is expected to grow even further in the coming years. In a recent press release, the PGNO stated that the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline received 1,492 calls in January of 2023 from Ohioans looking for support services. That number was almost three times higher than the 456 calls received in January of 2022. According to the PGNO, helpline calls remained consistently higher in 2023, compared to previous years.
“As opportunities to legally bet expand, we see a corresponding rise in calls to the Helpline,” Derek Longmeier, PGNO executive director, said. “We hear from callers that they are often reluctant to pick up the phone — and we’re here to assure all Ohioans that making the call is easy, confidential and will allow for a variety of support services to the individual experiencing the gambling challenge as well as loved ones calling on behalf of someone else.”
Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine signed legislation allowing sports gambling a year ago — which was made possible by a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court Decision striking down a federal ban on states legalizing sports wagering. At the time, Ohio was joining more than 30 other states where fans could bet on sports.
The legislation created three types of licenses that are overseen by the state’s Casino Control Commission. Those licenses govern mobile wagering such as on a phone app; gambling in sportsbooks run by casinos, racinos and professional sports teams; and bars, restaurants and other retail sites with self-service kiosks.
The state’s Legislative Service Commission estimated that sports betting eventually will become a multibillion-dollar industry in Ohio.
According to revenue reports from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, a total of $779,768,671 of taxable revenue was brought in through October of 2023.
Along with the growing popularity of mobile betting apps such as FanDuel and DraftKings, just to name a few, local businesses are starting to get involved as well. The Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Racecourse was a prime location for localized sports betting and the Ohio Casino Control Commission approved Phantom Fireworks for a Type B sports betting license in May, with a plan to bring a sportsbook to the Covelli Centre.
After its first year of legalization in Ohio, sports gambling shows no sign of slowing down.