(WKBN) The number of calls to Ohios Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-589-9966) has gone up for five straight years.<\/p>\n
There has been lottery betting for years and more recently, horse betting and casino gambling have been added across the state.<\/p>\n
A study found that 15 percent of people who gamble in Mahoning County are at risk for developing a problem, which is 5 percent higher than the state average.<\/p>\n
Ohio is adding sports gambling this year, which means bettors have more availability and accessibility, which could mean more problems.<\/p>\n
We just want to be aware of it because we want to mitigate harm as soon as we can and be able to let people know this can become a problem and that theres help out there. I do expect for those calls to the help hotline continue to increase, said Stephanie Geer, coordinator of Meridian Problem Gambling.<\/p>\n
The state has expanded programs to help with gambling education and awareness, including one called Change the Game Ohio which targets youth gaming.<\/p>\n
Ohios hotline is available 24\/7 for people seeking help with problem gambling.<\/p>\n
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As gambling access increases, reminder that Ohio help hotline is 24\/7 - WKBN.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" (WKBN) The number of calls to Ohios Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-589-9966) has gone up for five straight years. There has been lottery betting for years and more recently, horse betting and casino gambling have been added across the state Continue reading