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Gambling: play games of chance for money; bet; take risky action in the hope of a desired result; an enterprise undertaken or attempted with a risk of loss and a chance of profit or success: to bet on an uncertain outcome.
Just about everyone has purchased a raffle ticket for a fundraiser to benefit a service organization or individuals who are undergoing catastrophic illness, for a good cause. It's just a few dollars. Some go to casinos to play their games of chance for entertainment. Some become overwhelmed by the excitement of gambling, get in over their heads, lose everything they have because they can't or won't stop: addiction.
Here we are, now, with legalized sports betting as of Jan. 1, joining about 30 other states. Take a look at a few headlines from across the state of Ohio:
"Cuyahoga County courts provide gambling addiction counseling as Ohio legalizes sports betting" (WEWS-TV).
"New problem gambling awareness campaign created to address legalized sports betting in Ohio" (PR Newswire).
"Gambling underreported: Sports betting opens door to addictions, area experts say" (Celina Daily Standard).
"Sports betting arrives in Ohio; experts urge restraint" (WCMH-TV).
"Pause Before You Play addresses gambling addiction as sports betting goes live in Ohio" (WKRC-TV)
And gambling access is as easy as downloading an app to your smart phone. And getting caught up in the excitement is also easy. Easy is NOT necessarily a good thing.
"Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system, much like drugs and alcohol can, leading to addiction," advises the Mayo Clinic. "If you have a problem with compulsive gambling, you may continually chase bets that lead to losses, use up savings, and create debt. You may hide your behavior and even turn to theft or fraud to support your addiction."
The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and Ohio for Responsible Gambling have been active for 20 years. The goal: preparing for the impact of sports betting on Ohioans.
Published reports show that sports betting is available across the country. Has it proven problematic?
"As sports betting grows, states tackle teenage problem gambling" (pewtrusts.org). "Between 60 percent and 80 percent of high school students report having gambled for money in the past year ... and 4 percent to 6 percent of high schoolers are considered addicted to gambling ..."
It is reported that more than 76,000 Ohioans identify as problem gamblers.
Here are some recommendations for responsible gambling:
• Set limits on how much you bet.
• Keep gambling a social activity.
• Pay your bills before gambling.
• Have other hobbies outside of gambling.
• Know the risks before you bet.
• Put family and friends before gambling.
For more information about Family Recovery Center's programs and services for substance abuse and related behavioral issues, contact the agency at 964 N. Market St., Lisbon; phone, 330-424-1468; or email info@familyrecovery.org. Visit the website at familyrecovery.org. You can find Family Recovery Center at Facebook. FRC is funded in part by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).