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Want to be good at Ohio sports betting? Step one: Know your limits.
If you find that you can’t set limits and are betting money you can’t afford to lose, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) and Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC) offer an important tool: self-exclusion.
This program, which started out for casino and racino gamblers, will be available to sports bettors when Ohio sports betting launches on January 1.
How Ohio sports betting self-exclusion works
Self-exclusion programs are set up to offer a way for gamblers to ban themselves from betting. It’s a drastic measure that can help curb problem gambling. Self-exclusion programs are common in states that offer casino and sports betting gaming.
In Ohio, bettors can go to TimeOutOhio.com to exclude themselves from mobile and retail (in-person) sports betting. They can click the “Sign Up” button on the home page.
During the sign-up, users have to watch an informational video that sums up the program’s rules and limits. There are three different ban lengths:
- One-year
- Five-year
- Lifetime
The ban cannot be reversed.
Self-ban can extend to other states
Enrolling in the self-exclusion program means sports bettors are banned from all sports gaming facilities, and all sports betting provided by sports betting operators. A key factor here is that operators like DraftKings and FanDuel that run sportsbooks in Ohio could also ban you from their sportsbooks in other states.
Once the bettor watches the video and clicks a box acknowledging they watched the video, they can sign up for self-exlcusion. They’ll need a camera-ready device, government-issued ID, and Social Security number to complete the application.
Sign-ups must be voluntary and done when sober
Any bettor who signs up for the self-ban must do it voluntarily. For example, friends or family members cannot sign up the gambler without their knowledge.
Additionally, a gambler cannot be under the influence of alcohol or other substances when they sign up
Bettors forfeit benefits when they self-exclude
Once a bettor enrolls in the Time Out Ohio program, they forfeit any credits, comps, and promotions active on their accounts. If a self-excluded bettor enters a banned facility or uses a sports betting app, they forfeit any winnings or items of value that can be converted into a bet. That money will be used to fund Ohio problem gambling programs.
In addition to losing winnings, a bettor who enters a banned facility could face trespassing charges.
Exiting the program requires an application
Bettors who self-ban will need to fill out an application to exit the program near the end of their self-exclusion term. The program does not automatically unban the bettor once their exclusion ends.
Renewals are unlimited
If a bettor wants to re-enroll in the program, they’ll need to apply again. Bettors can self-exclude an unlimited number of times.
Where to go with questions
If a bettor has questions about the Time Out Ohio program, they can reach out to the following people:
- Cory Brown, OCCC: (614)387-5854
- Susan Diamond, OLC: (216)774-5738
Bettors can also find information at Time Out Ohio’s FAQ page.
