What Is Time Out Ohio and Could It Help You?
Published: June 10, 2024
For many adults, responsible gambling is a fun way to play a game as a form of entertainment. But some individuals can experience a gambling disorder and could benefit from professional help or other forms of support.
If you find that you’re spending more time and money on gambling than you would like, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate. Familiarize yourself with the common warning signs that you or someone you know might be experiencing a gambling disorder:
Sometimes, a voluntary self-ban program like Time Out Ohio can help adults who are experiencing a gambling disorder. Time Out Ohio is administered by the Ohio Casino Control and the Ohio Lottery Commissions and can be a great resource for those who willingly want to make a change in their gambling decisions.
For those who might be learning about this for the first time, Time Out Ohio enables participants to ban themselves for one year, five years, or a lifetime from sports gaming, casinos, and racinos. Individuals who enroll can also receive a year subscription to GamBan, a service that blocks gambling and sports betting sites and apps, at no cost.
How Time Out Ohio Works:
- The Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (Ohio VEP) has been branded as Time Out Ohio. Time Out Ohio includes all aspects of the Ohio VEP, including all active participant agreements.
- Applicants must request enrollment voluntarily.
- Applicants’ personal information is confidential.
- Applicants can sign up for Time Out Ohio at any of the four casino and seven racino locations or through the online portal.
- Applicants cannot be under the influence of any substance at the time of enrollment request.
- Once enrolled in Time Out Ohio, these properties may expand bans across all properties outside of Ohio — national and international.
- The casino/racino/sportsbook operators are required to make all reasonable attempts to stop all direct marketing efforts to participants.
Still have questions? Pause Before You Play has previously written a blog answering common questions people have about the program.
If you or someone you know is questioning their gambling decisions, don’t hesitate to call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966. Trained and understanding professionals are standing by 24/7 to offer free, confidential help — with no strings attached.