Responsible Gambling Resources
Sports betting should be fun, recreational, and within your means. If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, or wellbeing; help is available now, free and confidential.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these resources are available right now. Calls are free, confidential, and operated by trained counselors.
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-589-9966Free, confidential, 24/7. Operated by the Ohio for Responsible Gambling network; a collaboration between the Ohio Casino Control Commission, Ohio Lottery, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
National Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)Free 24/7 text, chat, and call support from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Available nationwide including Ohio.
Crisis Text Line
Text 4HOPE to 741741Ohio-specific mental health crisis text line. Trained counselors available 24/7 for any mental health concern including gambling-related distress.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of these patterns in your own betting; or someone close to you; it\'s worth seeking professional support.
- Betting more money than you can afford to lose
- Increasing your wagers over time to feel the same excitement
- Chasing losses by betting more aggressively after a losing streak
- Hiding the amount you bet from family, friends, or partners
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund sports betting
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or stop
- Sports betting affecting your work, school, or relationships
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
If you answered yes to two or more of these, the National Council on Problem Gambling recommends taking the brief self-assessment at ncpgambling.org or calling the Ohio helpline.
Built-In Responsible Gambling Tools
Every licensed Ohio sportsbook is required by the Ohio Casino Control Commission to provide responsible gambling controls. You can find these in your account settings under "Responsible Gaming" or similar.
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposit amounts. Every Ohio sportsbook offers this in account settings. Limits cannot be increased without a 24-hour waiting period.
Wager Limits
Cap your maximum stake per bet or per period. Useful for preventing impulse-driven oversized bets.
Time Limits
Set maximum time spent in the app per day or session. The app locks you out automatically when reached.
Loss Limits
Cap the maximum amount you can lose in a defined period. The most aggressive bankroll-protective limit.
Cool-Off Period
Pause your account for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or 90 days. Automatically resumes after the period ends.
Self-Exclusion
Block yourself from a specific sportsbook for 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime. Cannot be reversed during the exclusion period. Apply via the operator's responsible gambling settings.
Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP)
State-administered exclusion that blocks you from ALL Ohio sportsbooks and casinos simultaneously. Apply through the Ohio Casino Control Commission website. Available for 1-year, 5-year, or lifetime terms.
Healthy Betting Habits
- Set a budget before each session. Decide how much you\'ll wager; and how much you\'ll lose at most; before placing a single bet. Treat it like an entertainment expense, not an investment.
- Never chase losses. Doubling up after a losing streak is the fastest way to drain a bankroll. Walk away when you hit your loss limit.
- Bet only what you can afford to lose. Never wager rent, grocery, or bill money. If you need it for essentials, it shouldn\'t be in a sportsbook account.
- Take regular breaks. Continuous betting impairs judgment. Set time limits in the app and step away regularly.
- Don\'t bet under the influence. Alcohol and emotional states distort risk assessment. Avoid betting when drinking or upset.
- Keep gambling fun. The moment it stops being entertainment and becomes a source of stress, it\'s time to step back.
- Track everything. Knowing your real win-loss record (most bettors lose long-term) anchors realistic expectations.
- Talk about it. Discussing your betting openly with people you trust prevents secrecy patterns that often accompany problem gambling.
Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program
The Ohio Casino Control Commission operates the Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP); a single state-administered process that bars you from all Ohio casinos, racinos, and licensed sportsbooks simultaneously.
This is the most full self-exclusion option in Ohio. Once enrolled, all licensed operators are required to refuse you service, void winnings, and forfeit deposits if you attempt to bet.
How to enroll: Apply online at the Ohio Casino Control Commission website (casinocontrol.ohio.gov) or in person at any Ohio casino or racino. Identification is required. Enrollment is available for:
- 1 year; minimum term
- 5 years
- Lifetime; cannot be reversed under any circumstance
Lifetime exclusion is permanent. There is no removal mechanism, and attempting to bet after enrollment is a criminal offense in Ohio.
Help for Family & Friends
If someone close to you may be struggling with gambling, support is available for you too:
- Gam-Anon Family Groups: Free support meetings for family and friends of compulsive gamblers. Find Ohio meetings at gam-anon.org.
- Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 1-800-589-9966 for guidance on how to approach someone you\'re worried about. Counselors trained in family interventions.
- NCPG Family Resources: Educational materials at ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-for-family.
Additional Resources
- Ohio for Responsible Gambling; state coalition with screening tools and treatment locator
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG); national resources, screening tools, treatment locator
- Ohio Casino Control Commission VEP; enroll in statewide voluntary exclusion
- Gamblers Anonymous; 12-step recovery program with Ohio meetings
- problemgambling.ohio.gov; Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services portal