Get Help/ Give Help

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, here’s how to get help or give help. Call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966. You can also have a chat with a live Specialist 24/7.

No one chooses to have a gambling problem. It’s a disorder and one that you shouldn’t have to tackle alone. Asking for help is the first step to a better life.

One way to curb your gambling is to distance yourself from gambling facilities and gambling online apps. With our Time Out Ohio program, you can ban yourself voluntarily from Ohio casinos, racinos and sports betting for one year, five years or lifetime. To enroll, go to TimeOutOhio.com to complete an application or go to one of the seven racinos or four casinos in Ohio and an Ohio Lottery or Ohio Casino Control Commission member will assist you to complete the application. Additional support programs are also available at More Support - The Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (timeoutohio.com/more-support/).

If you have a friend or a loved one who shows some of the signs listed below, just call our hotline or use our Live Chat and we’ll help you get them the help they need.

Spotting the Signs.

Wondering if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem? Here are some warning signs to look for.

• Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins, minimizing losers.
• Spending much of your time gambling, thinking about or planning to gamble.
• Restless and irritable when not gambling.
• Borrowing for gambling.
• Hiding the time spent gambling or hiding bills and unpaid debts.
• Lying about how much time or money you have spent or lost gambling.
• Frequent unexplained absences.
• Giving up family time or missing work or school because of gambling or not stopping even if family members are concerned.

Getting them on the Path to Recovery.

• Before you raise the issue, remind yourself why suspect a problem.
• The best time to talk may be after a gambling episode when they’re feeling regret.
• Stay positive, understanding and supportive.
• When talking focus on the benefits of recovery and if the conversation turns argumentative, try again later.
• Getting your loved one to admit a problem is always the first step. In early stages, problem gamblers are in denial.
• Talking about addiction sooner rather than later can make a big difference in recovery.

Unite friends and family to refuse all requests for money, secrecy or deception.