Ohio for Responsible Gambling has encouraged state residents to take advantage of educational resources about responsible gambling. The organization has highlighted risks factors associated with problem gambling to mark the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Month.
One of those is a link between suicide and problem gambling.
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Prevention Chief Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson noted a connection between the two.
She said: “There’s a strong connection between a person’s mental health and gambling activity. For those living with gambling disorder, up to 38% will consider ending their lives.”
Derek Longmeier, the Executive Director of Ohio’s Problem Gambling Network, echoed Frohnapfel-Hasson’s sentiment. He said gambling addiction affects friends and loved ones as well.
Longmeier commented: “The challenges of problem gambling and suicide go far beyond the person placing a bet.
“Families, children, businesses and schools all feel the loss and pain that comes with a person’s gambling addiction.”
Longmeier noted the need for early detection. He went on to lists signs concerned friends and loved ones should watch for in connection with gambling addiction. He said certain signs include anxious or agitated behavior, a sudden decrease in work performance and extreme mood swings.
Other signs pointing to a potential addiction are isolation or withdrawing from social situations, lying or concealing how much money and time someone uses to gamble and using funds purposed for food and rent to gamble.
Sports betting in Ohio will launch January 1, 2023. State lawmakers passed House Bill 29 toward the end of 2021, setting statewide legalized sports betting in motion.
This month also kicks off the first Reponsible Gambling Education Month, which is supported by the American Gaming Association.
