OHIO — Calls to Ohio’s Problem Gaming Hotline increased for a fifth consecutive year as the state’s casinos and racinos set records for revenue, according to Ohio for Responsible Gaming.

What You Need To Know

  • For the fifth straight year, calls to the state’s Problem Gambling Hotline increased in 2021

  • The increase comes as casino and racino revenue in Ohio hit all-time highs

  • Advocates are expressing concern that additional Ohioans will struggle with problem gambling as the state expands sports gaming

The group said it expects the upcoming legalization of sports gaming in Ohio could cause increases in problem gambling. The organization says that casino and sports gamblers have the highest rates of at-risk or problem gambling. 

"When sports betting becomes legal in Ohio, gambling access will be available any time of day or night and potentially on anything from NBA games to Russian table tennis," said Derek Longmeier, executive director, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio.

The group has previously expressed concerns about Ohio allowing easy access to sports betting. The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, however, says it keeps a neutral stance on issues such as legalization. 

"We anticipate sports betting to grow exponentially over the next few years," Longmeier said. "Preparing now will help mitigate the impact of problematic gambling and protect Ohioans."

Ohio law will permit sports gaming online, at sports gaming facilities and through terminals located in bars and restaurants. Terminals are expected to be ready by spring 2023.

The bill would allow betting on any professional or collegiate sport, any Olympic or international sports competition event, any motor race, any horse race or any other special event the Ohio Casino Control Commission authorizes. The law would generally prohibit betting on high school sports.

In February, the Cavs announced a partnership that will open a sports gaming facility inside the atrium of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Meanwhile, spending at casinos and racinos in Ohio continues to grow.

According to data from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, revenue from Ohio’s four main casinos broke a yearly record garnering $983 million in revenue, breaking 2019’s figure of $850 million. Ohio’s four casinos first opened in 2012 with annual revenues generally hovering around $800 million until the pandemic curtailed casino operations in 2020. 

Meanwhile, revenue at Ohio’s seven racinos topped $1.3 billion in the 2021 calendar year. 

Both Ohio’s casinos and racinos recorded their highest monthly revenues ever in April 2021. 

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