Spotting the Signs of Sports Gambling Addiction

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Sports betting in Ohio became legal this week and has become another avenue for people with addictive tendencies to fall into trouble. Muskingum Behavioral Health Gambling Addiction Counselor Gail Schultice noted how gambling has become more prominent in Ohio and how loved ones might spot the signs of addictive behavior.

“Gambling in and of itself can be a fun recreation for folks,” Schultice said. “When it becomes a problem; they’re unable to pay their bills, they start lying to their family members, they start lying to employees/employers, start stealing money that isn’t theirs, either from work or from family members or themselves, that is supposed to be to pay rent or mortgage, things like that.”

Gambling addiction can become a distraction when people become obsessed with what to gamble on, where to gamble at, and what strategies might prove beneficial.  

“There is a gambling hotline number that they can access a hotline,” Schultice said. “We do offer treatment here. They can call us at (740)454-1266 and ask to be assessed for a gambling problem. We can help them work through that.”

Now that sports betting has become more accessible here in Ohio, people need to remember that these betting facilitators are promoting it for their revenue. 

If you have concern for someone who may display signs of gambling addiction you can contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.