COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gambling intervention programs are bracing for an uptick in calls during the 2024 NFL season. Maryhaven in Columbus says the trend gets worse as the football season continues.
“We saw an uptick in calls, last year in which in the first season where Ohioans could legally bet on football, legally bet on that season, we saw an uptick in calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline across Ohio,” said Abdullah Mahmood, the administrative coordinator of the gambling intervention program.
Mahmood said he is already seeing more wagering advertisements and it could lead to addiction.
“Maybe this is the first time in which a person who has turned 21 this past year thinks to themselves, and now I can legally bet on sports,” said Mahmood. “However, historically, maybe you are limited to a credit line illicitly betting on sports. Now you can use your credit card. You can use, you know, your checking account to where you can take out other loans, other ways to gamble with and with that develops more and more problems.”
Maryhaven partners with a central Ohio nonprofit to provide financial coaching and consulting on financial issues caused by gambling. There are confidential resources available by calling 614-324-5425 or the Ohio Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-589-9966.
Mahmood listed these signs to see if you or a loved one may start developing a gambling issue.
- Being glued to the phone instead of watching the game
- Taking frequent breaks to step away from my family and friends during the game
- Lying or only disclosing winnings