Ohio Launches Telehealth System for Problem Gambling Support

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has introduced the Ohio Gambling Treatment Network (OGTN), a telehealth service designed to provide free mental health support to Ohio residents dealing with problem gambling. The service is available statewide and aims to bridge the gap in areas lacking access to qualified gambling counselors.

In an interview with PlayUSA, PGNO Executive Director Derek Longmeier emphasized that the primary goal of the OGTN is to expand the availability of mental health professionals trained to address problem gambling. “OGTN is designed as a safety net for individuals who live in communities without local access to a qualified gambling counselor,” Longmeier said. “Our primary goal is to build the workforce of local providers qualified to provide gambling counseling.”

 

Expanding Access to Mental Health Support

The OGTN is funded by various state health and gambling departments and offers free consultations for individuals concerned about their gambling habits. According to Longmeier, when Ohio launched sports betting in January 2023, only about one-third of Ohio’s counties had qualified mental health professionals specializing in gambling disorders. However, through the efforts of the PGNO, that number has increased to cover around half of the state’s counties.

The network’s counselors are held to high standards, with Longmeier noting that all OGTN clinicians must either hold a state gambling endorsement or be certified through the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board. Additionally, they must have extensive experience treating individuals diagnosed with gambling disorders.

 

Unique Telehealth Solution for Problem Gambling

The OGTN is notable as one of the only telehealth networks in the country dedicated solely to problem gambling counseling. The PGNO consulted with telehealth providers both in Ohio and across the country to ensure the system would adequately meet the needs of Ohioans facing gambling-related issues.

While problem gambling is often seen as a financial issue, Longmeier stressed that its impact is far more significant. Many individuals suffering from gambling addiction face mental health challenges. According to a press release about the OGTN’s launch, 80% of problem gamblers experience depression or anxiety, 75% struggle with alcohol, 40% have drug issues, and 40% have contemplated suicide.

Ohio’s introduction of sports betting has been met with significant enthusiasm. The state became one of the few in the country to surpass $1 billion in sports bets within a single month. However, this increase in betting activity has raised concerns about the prevalence of problem gambling in the state. The PGNO estimates that 1.8 million Ohio residents are at risk of developing a gambling disorder.

Ohioans seeking help with problem gambling can access support through the OGTN’s website, Ohiogtn.org, or through the national Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

 

“OGTN is designed as a safety net for individuals who live in communities without local access to a qualified gambling counselor.”

 

Looking Ahead

The OGTN’s focus over the next year will be to further expand the number of mental health providers available to treat problem gambling in Ohio. The PGNO remains committed to addressing both the quantity and quality of care, ensuring that qualified professionals are available to provide essential mental health support to those in need.

As the state’s sports betting industry continues to grow, the PGNO hopes the OGTN will serve as a crucial resource for individuals dealing with gambling addiction, offering a lifeline to help address the mental health and financial consequences of the disorder.