Have You Googled “Do I Have a Gambling Disorder”? or “How to Stop Gambling”?
Published: April 21, 2025
It’s never been easier to place a bet. Since sports betting was legalized in 2023, Ohioans can wager on nearly any sport, at nearly any time, with just a tap on their phones. But as legal betting becomes more widespread, new research suggests it may have more serious health implications than we realize.
A new study found that online searches for gambling-related help have spiked 23 percent nationwide since 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA and paved the way for legal sports betting markets. Google searches like “Am I addicted to gambling?” and “Help me find help with gambling addiction” surged in states that launched legal sports betting, says study co-author John Ayers. He calls gambling disorder a growing public health concern.
Responsible gambling advocates and problem gambling specialists in Ohio are working to ensure gambling-specific resources are available. If you or a loved one is searching for answers, start with these resources.
“Do I have a gambling problem?”
For some, gambling or betting is just an entertaining hobby. But others may develop a gambling disorder, which is a medical condition that makes their betting hard to control. Take the Rate Your Risk quiz to help you gauge your risk level and decide if you’d like to take next steps — whether it’s simply staying aware of the risks or seeking a medical diagnosis and treatment.
“What are the warning signs of a gambling problem?”
Gambling disorders (also known as a problem with gambling) aren’t always easy to spot. Knowing what to look for can be the first step to taking control. If you borrow money for betting, hide how much time you spend betting, or feel restless when you’re not gambling, you may be experiencing a gambling disorder. Learn more about the warning signs.
“How do I keep my gambling healthy?”
If you bet, make a plan before every wager. Setting limits, recognizing the risks, and knowing when to stop can help ensure you don’t spend more time and money than you planned. Get more responsible betting tips.
“How do I stop gambling?”
If you need a break from betting, Time Out Ohio lets you voluntarily ban yourself from Ohio’s casinos, racinos, and sports gaming for the duration of your choice. It also provides subscriptions to GamBan, which bans your device from more than 60,000 gambling websites and apps worldwide.
“Can gambling affect my mental health?”
Studies show people experiencing a gambling disorder are twice as likely to experience depression or anxiety. RecoverMe offers free counseling and guided meditation to help you manage your mental health — available for free through Time Out Ohio.
“How do I budget for gambling?”
Besides setting limits, there are other steps you can take to protect your financial well-being. Time Out Ohio offers subscriptions to GamFin for free financial counseling, which can provide help with budgeting and navigating betting-related financial issues.
“Gambling treatment near me.”
If you feel your gambling is causing harm in your life, gambling disorder counseling, peer support meetings, and family support groups can offer safe and supportive spaces to work through it. Use the online directory to help you find local assistance in your community.
Lastly, if you have more questions about your betting, call the free Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-598-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741. Support is available any time with no judgment or strings attached. You can now also access virtual telehealth services at no cost through the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network.