Importance of Responsible Operators and Responsible Gambling
Published: August 19, 2024
Many states have legalized multiple forms of gambling, but that doesn’t mean all the gambling advertising you might see is legal. In fact, Ohio has created very specific rules for advertisements and commercials that make it illegal for betting operators to market to individuals under 21 or use the words “free” or “risk-free” in relation to gambling. These operators must also include an easily visible link to provide help to individuals experiencing a gambling disorder.
In addition to following laws regarding gambling advertising, it is extremely important for operators to play a role in promoting responsible gambling. CAF discusses multiple measures that can be implemented by online gambling operators to create a responsible gambling environment. In addition to this, Ohio provides many resources and toolkits that educate individuals about how to gamble responsibly and provide help to those who are experiencing a gambling disorder.
- Self-Ban Programs: These programs allow individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a certain period of time. Time Out Ohio allows people to voluntarily agree to refrain from accessing Ohio’s casinos, Ohio’s racinos, and Ohio sports gaming for the duration of their choice.
- Deposit and Time Limits: Individuals can set limits on the amount of money they can deposit into their gambling accounts in a specific timeframe and set restrictions on the duration of gambling sessions, which can prevent excessive or prolonged gambling activities. Setting limits, recognizing the risks, and knowing when to stop is a big part of the Pause Before You Play campaign, an initiative that builds public awareness about responsible gambling practices and provides toolkits to educate the community about how to gamble responsibly.
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: Create awareness about the risks associated with gambling and the importance of responsible gambling through advertisements, websites, and social media platforms. An important campaign to prevent youth gambling in Ohio is Change The Game Ohio, which educates parents, educators, and professionals about youth gambling and how to prevent it from occurring.
- Collaboration with Support Services: Work together with gambling counseling services, helplines, and support groups to offer help to those experiencing gambling-related harm. An organization for Ohio operators to partner with is the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network, a system of counseling providers that offers virtual support for all Ohioans at no cost.
- Innovations in Technology: Utilize technology such as AI-based tools to identify gambling behavior and detect patterns that could indicate a gambling disorder. Create features in game design that encourage greater participation in self-regulation measures and introduce timely interventions.
Interested in more responsible gambling resources? Individuals can take the quiz from Pause Before You Play to gauge their risk level for a gambling disorder, download community toolkits to educate themselves and their community, and access tips and resources on how to gamble responsibly.
And if you or someone you care about needs help, don’t hesitate to call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline where trained and understanding specialists are available 24/7 to take your call, with no strings or commitments attached. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741 today.