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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Ohio’s legalization of sports betting has coincided with a sharp rise in gambling-related help calls, especially among college students.
- Younger players are showing faster progression to problem gambling and prompting increased calls for industry safeguards.
Since Ohio launched legal sports betting in January 2023, calls to Maryhaven’s Columbus gambling helpline have more than doubled, jumping from about 500 monthly to peaks near 1,500.
Counselors say university-aged players, particularly Ohio State students, are a prime demographic. Players report betting hundreds on single games and quickly returning to losses despite promises to stop.
Abdulla Mahmood, Maryhaven’s gambling program coordinator, warned that with apps in hand “the drug is in your pocket.” He described a rapid telescoping effect among young adults, where harmful gambling behaviors can escalate within weeks or months rather than years. Entry points include family, fraternities and targeted advertising,
Consequences often lead to isolation and deception. The story ends with resources for help, including Ohio and national helplines.
Harmful gambling can escalate quickly with young players
The takeaway is practical: easier access and aggressive marketing increase exposure and risk for younger players.
Bettors under 25 are more likely to escalate to harmful play quickly, so self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and responsible gambling features matter more than ever.
Operators face both reputational and regulatory pressure: spikes in problem gambling reports can trigger stricter compliance, higher responsible gambling spend, and closer scrutiny of advertising practices aimed at younger audiences. States and regulators may demand clearer age-verification, advertising limits, and stronger partnerships with treatment providers.
For players, the signs to watch include isolation, secretive behavior about money, and lying to friends or family. Taking advantage of built-in limits, hotlines, and university resources can reduce harm.
Based on reporting by Jason Craig for The Lantern.
