Make 2024 the Healthiest Year Yet with these Responsible Betting Tips
Published: December 26, 2023
Are you looking forward to a new year? January 1st can be a great time to recalibrate and think about your goals, whether that’s finding healthy recipes, establishing better sleep habits, or solidifying your workout routine. When it comes to gambling or betting, Pause Before You Play is here to help you consider making it more responsible if you choose to participate in 2024.
But before getting into the upcoming year, let’s take a look back at 2023. It was quite a busy year for the betting industry. Ohio officially legalized sports betting, becoming one of 30 states in the U.S. to do so. With that, more Ohioans are engaging with betting, which can pose risks for certain individuals.
Here are some tips and resources to help you or someone you know engage responsibly with gambling or sports betting.
- Before you play, know what resources are available to you. Pause Before You Play has a wealth of resources that can help you rate your risk level for gambling, find gambling-related news that’s timely and relevant, and access support if you need it. There’s even a library of customizable and co-brandable assets that gambling and behavioral health professionals can use to spread awareness to various communities.
- If you choose to play, pause and consider the facts. When it comes to betting, it’s important to remember that as much as it can feel like an all-or-nothing effort, it’s ultimately just a game left entirely up to chance. Remembering facts like this helps you enjoy the activity for what it is and not get wrapped up in winning over everything.
- Don’t get caught up in the game. Tracking the time when you gamble, remembering to keep betting as a social activity, and engaging in other non-gambling hobbies you enjoy are all great tips to help keep gambling fun for everyone.
- Recognize the signs of a potential problem. Familiarizing yourself with common warning signs can help identify if you or someone you know may be experiencing challenges related to gambling. These include borrowing money for gambling, withdrawing from relationships or hobbies, or feeling restless or irritable when not gambling.
If you’ve tried all of these tips and are still struggling with your gambling or betting, know that you are not alone and that help is available 24/7. When you call Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741, you’ll be met with trained and understanding specialists who offer free and confidential support with no strings attached.
Thank you for helping make a difference in responsible gambling in 2023. Stay tuned for more resources and information in the New Year! And as we roll into 2024, make sure to follow along on our social channels: Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.