As the NCAA Basketball Tournament draws close, and Problem Gambling Awareness Month starts, the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN) has actually announced that it is preparing to assist players who might have problem with problem betting.
According to Derek Longemeier, Executive Director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, the stats of problem gambling in the Buckeye State are such that one in five grownups are considered at threat. This is approximately 20 percent of Ohio's population or 1.8 million individuals.
"March Madness can be a best storm for those who do not set limitations and adhere to them. There are several video games and live betting options available on multiple wagering websites all taking place at as soon as. It's simple for fun to spiral into crisis," Longemeier stated.
"Those who think they have a problem are beginning to ask for assistance more rapidly. If you or an enjoyed one are experiencing gambling-related harm, help is only a telephone call away. It's never ever prematurely to reach out," he added.
Ohio's gambling hotline permits players to look for group treatment, individual counseling, self-help groups, or financial management assistance as and when they need it.
The Start of Problem Gambling Awareness Month
In addition to the OGTN's announcement, March 1 kick-started Problem Gambling Awareness Month across the United States. Recently, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) revealed this year's theme of "Seeking Understanding," stating that the aim is to "increase awareness of problem gaming as a major yet frequently misunderstood mental health condition."
MGM Resorts and its online sportsbook BetMGM have already revealed their campaign for the month. The company revealed it would broaden on its issue gambling partnerships in March, consisting of previous partnerships with the Kindbridge Research Institute, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and the University of Nevada.
The OGTN is all set to assist during March Madness
To those who follow the NCAA Basketball Tournament, March is also called March Madness. It is arranged to start with Selection Sunday on March 16 and run through up until the NCAA national championship on April 7 in San Antonio, Texas.
Bets on the tournament are expected to reach $3 billion across the United States, and the American Gaming Association (AGA) expects the value of legal wagering to get twice the worth of the legal bets placed during the Super Bowl. The AGA likewise revealed that in 2024, $150 billion on legal sportsbooks.
The OGTN is taking this chance to highlight issue gambling on a state level.
Longemeier commented, "March Madness can be a best storm for those who do not set limitations and adhere to them. There are numerous games and live wagering options readily available on numerous betting websites all occurring simultaneously.
