Responsible Gambling
Sports betting should be fun. If it stops being enjoyable, help is available 24/7.
Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call:
1-800-589-9966Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline (free, confidential, 24/7)
What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means treating betting as entertainment, not as a way to make money. It involves setting boundaries on how much time and money you spend, understanding the odds are against you in the long run, and knowing when to walk away.
Ohio legalized sports betting on January 1, 2023. With that access comes the responsibility to bet within your means. Every sportsbook licensed in Ohio is required to offer responsible gambling tools, and the state provides free support for anyone who needs it.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or someone close to you:
- •Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
- •Chasing losses by placing larger or riskier bets
- •Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- •Lying to family or friends about the extent of your gambling
- •Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back
- •Neglecting work, school, or relationships because of gambling
- •Using gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
- •Needing to bet increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
- •Failed repeated attempts to stop or control gambling
If you recognize two or more of these signs, consider reaching out for help. There is no shame in asking for support.
Helplines & Support
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-589-9966Free, confidential, 24/7. Available in English and Spanish.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
1-800-522-4700Call, text, or chat 24/7. National helpline for all U.S. residents.
Crisis Text Line
Text "GAMBLE" to 741741
Free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
Gamblers Anonymous
gamblersanonymous.orgFind local and online meetings. A fellowship of people who share their experiences to help each other recover.
Ohio Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
Ohio offers a Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) through the Ohio Casino Control Commission. When you enroll, you voluntarily ban yourself from all Ohio casinos, racinos, and online sportsbooks for a chosen period:
- 1.One year exclusion
- 2.Five years exclusion
- 3.Lifetime exclusion
During your exclusion period, sportsbooks are required to close your accounts and refuse your bets. Your information is kept confidential and shared only with licensed operators for enforcement purposes.
To enroll, visit the Ohio Casino Control Commission website or call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.
Setting Limits
Every Ohio-licensed sportsbook is required to offer tools that help you manage your betting. Use them proactively, not just when things feel out of control.
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much money you can add to your account. Once you hit the limit, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.
Time Limits
Set session duration reminders or hard limits. Most apps will notify you after a set time and can log you out automatically.
Loss Limits
Cap the total amount you can lose in a day, week, or month. If you reach your limit, the sportsbook will prevent you from placing additional bets.
You can also take a cooling-off period (temporary account suspension, typically 24 hours to 30 days) through any Ohio sportsbook's responsible gambling settings.
Resources
Before You Bet (Ohio)
Ohio's official responsible gambling education resource
National Council on Problem Gambling
Research, advocacy, and treatment referrals
Gamblers Anonymous
Find meetings (in-person and online), 12-step recovery program
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Self-exclusion enrollment, complaint filing, operator licensing info
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Problem gambling is treatable. You are not alone, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Recovery is possible at any stage.
Talk to someone today. The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 connects you with trained counselors who can help you find treatment options, support groups, and financial counseling, all free and confidential.
For family members and loved ones affected by someone else's gambling, Gam-Anon provides support groups specifically designed for people impacted by another person's gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting on January 1, 2023. All licensed operators are regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. You must be 21 or older and physically located in Ohio to place a bet.
How do I self-exclude from Ohio sportsbooks?
Visit the Ohio Casino Control Commission website or call 1-800-589-9966 to enroll in the Voluntary Exclusion Program. You can choose a 1-year, 5-year, or lifetime ban from all Ohio gambling facilities and online platforms.
Are helpline calls confidential?
Yes. Both the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-589-9966) and the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline (1-800-522-4700) are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Can I set deposit limits on Ohio sportsbooks?
Yes. Every Ohio-licensed sportsbook is required to offer deposit limits, wager limits, loss limits, and session time reminders. You can access these through each app's responsible gambling or account settings section.
Is gambling addiction treatment covered by insurance in Ohio?
Many Ohio insurance plans cover behavioral health treatment that includes gambling disorder. The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline can connect you with treatment options, including free and low-cost programs funded by the state.
Where can I find Gamblers Anonymous meetings near Cleveland?
Visit gamblersanonymous.org to search for meetings by zip code. There are several active GA groups in the Greater Cleveland area, plus many online meetings available daily.