An Ohio Casino Control Commission report shows the state’s sports betting handle surpassed $6 billion in its first year of operation, with 98% of the handle coming from online sportsbooks. About $780 million was generated in sports betting revenue, with the state collecting about $100 million in taxes.
This surge in online gambling activity, however, has been accompanied by a significant increase in calls to the state’s gambling helpline, prompting the Commission to collaborate with online sportsbook operators to modify apps to make users more aware of their wagers and the time spent on these platforms.
“The monthly call average tripled in the first few months of sports betting,” Michael Buzzelli of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio told Spectrum News 1. Buzzelli emphasized the importance of accessible treatment. “The point is if gambling’s available and accessible, then gambling treatment has to be just as available and accessible.”
While the numbers have since stabilized, they remain at about double the pre-sports betting era, with around 800 calls a month. This spike has been partly attributed to the aggressive marketing campaigns by sports betting operators to attract sign-ups.
Jessica Franks of the Casino Control Commission said tax revenues would help enhance gambling addiction services.
“What we want to make sure is that there’s a lot of tools and information out there so that if people do choose to do so, they can do so responsibly,” she told WOSU 89.7 in Columbus.
Ohio’s gambling laws allow for up to 25 online operators, each capable of running two sportsbooks. The OCCC also has set up kiosks in bars, taverns and grocery stores with the appropriate liquor licenses.
