Resources for Problem Gamblers
It all started when...
While the reasons as to why an individual experiences a gambling problem vary, the one consistent theme is that the problem negatively affects the individual as well as his friends and family. With the increase in availability of gambling, simply staying away or quitting can be difficult, however it is important to keep in mind that Treatment Works and Recovery is Possible!
Think you might have a problem, but aren't sure? These self-assessment tools will help:
- Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions
- South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS)
- Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)
Treatment Services
For a professional assessment and treatment resources near you, visit GamblingHelpOhio.org. There are over 80 outpatient gambling counselling and treatment organizations available.
In Ohio, problem gambling treatment services are free. Contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800.589.9966 to speak to a referral specialist.
In-patient treatment services are available for Ohio Veterans and Residential Gambling Treatment Programs are available nationally.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous offers a variety of meeting options, varying from Closed (only those with a gambling problem, or those who think they may have a gambling problem are eligible to participate) to Open (which may include spouses, family, and friends of the gambler). To find a GA meeting in your area, visit GamblersAnonymous.org/GA/Locations.
Gamblers Anonymous will have accommodation for all Gamblers Anonymous members who have been told that their regular meeting facilities have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board of Trustees Telephone Conference Call Committee has been operating a weekly Telephone Conference Call meeting for the last 6 years. With the approval of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the committee has volunteered to hold daily meetings. Accordingly, there will be a telephone conference call meeting every day of the week at 9:00 PM EDT, lasting for 2 hours. These meetings are designated as approved Gamblers Anonymous meetings. These meetings are scheduled to continue for a 2-week period but may be extended additional weeks if required.
Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP)
This program, coordinated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) and Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC), offers individuals the ability to self-exclude themselves from all Ohio casino facilities for one year, five years, or their lifetime. To enroll, you will be asked to complete the Request for Voluntary Exclusion form in the presence of a trained staff member of the OCCC. Once the request is validated, you are not permitted access to any Ohio casino facility during the length of the self-imposed ban.
Individuals seeking to enroll in the VEP, as well as those seeking to remove themselves from the program, can do so in person at the Commission’s offices located at each of the casino properties as well as the Main Office in downtown Columbus. Remote options are also available - please call 614-387-5854 for more information.
Additional information about the VEP is available on the OCCC's website. For questions regarding the VEP, please contact Cory Brown at Cory.Brown@CasinoControl.Ohio.gov or by phone at 614-387-5854 or Susan Diamond at Susan.Diamond@Lottery.Ohio.gov.
