Ohio For Responsible Gambling taking part in Responsible Gaming Education Week – SBC Americas

Ohio For Responsible Gambling is taking part in the national effort during American Gaming Associations (AGA) Responsible Gaming Education Week 2021 (RGEW) to increase problem gambling awareness among gaming industry employees and customers.

AGAs Responsible Gaming Education Week, taking place from September 19-25, educates consumers on responsible gameplay and highlights responsible gamings central role in gaming and sports betting.

Lori Criss, Director of Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, stated that RGEW provides an opportunity to offer education to employees of the gaming and hospitality industry, as well as highlight responsible gaming resources available to all Ohioans.

Criss commented: Gambling is a source of entertainment for many, but it can be problematic for some. With so many enticing new ways to access gambling, we want to make sure Ohioans can identify common red flags for friends, families, and coworkers.

Derek Longmeier, Executive Director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, declared that people with gambling problems have a 15 times higher risk of suicide and higher levels of drug and alcohol abuse. Problem gambling also impacts friends and families, with nine out of ten people impacted by someones problem gambling suffering their own social and emotional stress.

Every Ohioan faces the consequences of problem gambling whether they know it or not, he said.

With more forms of gambling on track towards becoming legal in Ohio, Criss noted its essential for people to know where to get help for those who might be struggling. Two campaigns have helped spread awareness:

Longmeier highlighted the variety of options allowing bettors to self-exclude from gambling, including technology banning products like GamBan, GamBlock, or GAMSTOP to block access to online gambling providers. Ohioans can also exclude themselves from gambling locations in the state and from receiving a propertys mail and email advertising.

Anyone can visit http://www.beforeyoubet.org to access free tips and resources. Ohios Problem Gambling Helpline is available any time of day or night at 1-800-589-9966.

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Ohio For Responsible Gambling taking part in Responsible Gaming Education Week - SBC Americas