By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published: May 19, 2012
Ohio conducted a telephone survey asking citizens how they gamble and whether they think gambling and video slot machines will have a positive effect on the state. (Akron Beacon Journal/ file photo)
Ohio will release a major study next month that highlights the habits and attitudes of residents toward gambling.
The $1.2 million study, funded by the Ohio Lottery, will serve as a benchmark as state leaders analyze the impact of four Las Vegas-style casinos and seven racinos opening in the state.
“We wanted to know what the situation was before these new establishments opened,” said Scott Anderson, problem gambling coordinator for the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.
The study was based on a telephone survey of 3,600 Ohioans and conducted by Kent State University. Officials are now analyzing the data.
People were asked not only how they gamble (bingo, lottery tickets or casinos, for example), but also whether they think casino gambling and video slot machines will have a positive effect on Ohio.
The survey results will help state leaders focus treatment services.
The state plans to update the survey in a few years to see if habits or attitudes have changed.
The first casino, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, opened Monday. Hollywood Casino Toledo is scheduled to open May 29. Opening dates haven’t been set for the Cincinnati and Columbus casinos.
Addiction officials are preparing for an increase in problem gamblers in Ohio. Nationwide, about 1 percent of the population has a severe addiction, with another 4 to 5 percent having a problem.
“Although most people can control their gambling entertainment, there’s that small percentage we want to be prepared for and have the services available for them,” said Karen Russo, problem gambling coordinator with the Ohio Lottery Commission.
Bigger profile needed
The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and Ohio Lottery have collaborated for years to make treatment services available. But the agencies said they have to raise their profile now.
“We know from other states that there’s an initial jump [in problem gambling] because of the novelty,” Anderson said. “Over time, we’ll see a gradual increase in people presenting for treatment.
The good news is we’re ready.
“It’s important to note that gambling isn’t new to Ohio — only the casinos are new,” he added.
It’s often difficult to know whether someone has a gambling addiction. Alcoholics may stumble or smell of alcohol, for example.
“There’s no test for it,” Anderson said. “I can’t hold a cup of urine up to the light and see diamonds, clubs and spades. It’s kind of an under-the-radar thing. It’s not as visible as the other addictions.”
The Ohio Lottery, Ohio State Racing Commission, Ohio Casino Control Commission, and Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services have formed a new initiative known as Ohio for
Responsible Gambling.
The effort will offer information and resources to problem gamblers through the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 800-589-9966 or www.org.ohio.gov.
The groups also have launched a television and radio advertising campaign called “Silence the Addiction” that highlights the dangers of problem gambling and promotes the hot line.
The $1.2 million study, funded by the Ohio Lottery, will serve as a benchmark as state leaders analyze the impact of four Las Vegas-style casinos and seven racinos opening in the state.
“We wanted to know what the situation was before these new establishments opened,” said Scott Anderson, problem gambling coordinator for the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.
The study was based on a telephone survey of 3,600 Ohioans and conducted by Kent State University. Officials are now analyzing the data.
People were asked not only how they gamble (bingo, lottery tickets or casinos, for example), but also whether they think casino gambling and video slot machines will have a positive effect on Ohio.
The survey results will help state leaders focus treatment services.
The state plans to update the survey in a few years to see if habits or attitudes have changed.
The first casino, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, opened Monday. Hollywood Casino Toledo is scheduled to open May 29. Opening dates haven’t been set for the Cincinnati and Columbus casinos.
Addiction officials are preparing for an increase in problem gamblers in Ohio. Nationwide, about 1 percent of the population has a severe addiction, with another 4 to 5 percent having a problem.
“Although most people can control their gambling entertainment, there’s that small percentage we want to be prepared for and have the services available for them,” said Karen Russo, problem gambling coordinator with the Ohio Lottery Commission.
Bigger profile needed
The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and Ohio Lottery have collaborated for years to make treatment services available. But the agencies said they have to raise their profile now.
“We know from other states that there’s an initial jump [in problem gambling] because of the novelty,” Anderson said. “Over time, we’ll see a gradual increase in people presenting for treatment.
The good news is we’re ready.
“It’s important to note that gambling isn’t new to Ohio — only the casinos are new,” he added.
It’s often difficult to know whether someone has a gambling addiction. Alcoholics may stumble or smell of alcohol, for example.
“There’s no test for it,” Anderson said. “I can’t hold a cup of urine up to the light and see diamonds, clubs and spades. It’s kind of an under-the-radar thing. It’s not as visible as the other addictions.”
The Ohio Lottery, Ohio State Racing Commission, Ohio Casino Control Commission, and Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services have formed a new initiative known as Ohio for
Responsible Gambling.
The effort will offer information and resources to problem gamblers through the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 800-589-9966 or www.org.ohio.gov.
The groups also have launched a television and radio advertising campaign called “Silence the Addiction” that highlights the dangers of problem gambling and promotes the hot line.
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