Ohio, other states considering ways to curb gambling addiction following launch of sports betting

The states that have legalized sports betting are reporting record levels of wagering and revenues, but with that growth comes questions about gambling addiction and whether regulators and sportsbooks are doing enough to fight it (Source: “States Are Learning on the Fly About Sports Betting Addiction,” Pew Stateline, March 22).

Two dozen states, including Ohio, have active online sports betting, and other states are on the verge of joining them. As legalized gambling spreads, state legislatures, regulatory agencies, addiction experts, sportsbook operators and sports leagues all say they are working to address gambling addiction. 
 
Ohio launched its legal sports betting market Jan. 1. Immediately, its addiction helpline saw call volumes triple, said Mike Buzzelli, associate director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio.

The state saw the same trends as other states: younger men rather than the older, mixed-gender cohort of casino bettors. Additionally, he said, people were reaching the breaking point sooner than before sports betting became legal.