By Eric Halperin
WCMH – NBC4
There’s a different kind of table set up at Hollywood Casino in Columbus this week, and it’s meant to help those who are battling a gambling addiction or who might be at risk.
The table, set up by Maryhaven, is located not far from some of the casino’s games. It has resources with information for those who may need help.
“This is where problems do accrue,” problem gambling counselor and Administrative Coordinator of the Gambling Intervention Program at Maryhaven Abdullah Mahmood said. “We’re here at the forefront. The majority of Ohioans can gamble without any sort of problem; however, there’s a small minority of Ohioans that do develop problem gambling somewhere.”
The table has been up since Monday and will be at the casino through Friday. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Tuesday was screening day.
“We want to be at the casino, we want to put out that information that we’re here, that we can help,” Maryhaven Gambling Prevention Coordinator Janet Thode said.
She has been sitting at the table and talking with folks who’ve stopped by. Three- or five-question questionnaires are also available. They’re meant to get people to think more about their gambling habits, according to the experts from Maryhaven.
“If they answer any one of them yes, that indicates they might be at risk,” Thode said.
The state’s most recent gambling survey came out in 2022. About 19.8% of Ohio’s adult population is at some level of risk for problem gambling, according to the survey. It showed 10.9% at low risk, 6.1% at moderate risk, and 2.8% at problem gambler. The 19.8% is up from 10.3% in 2017.
“We see that number growing with time,” Mahmood said. “As we know, it’s accessible, it’s available, it’s ready and now it’s within our mobile devices with sports betting. So with the increased accessibility, it means there’s going to be increasing problems as well.”
The Maryhaven table at the casino is not staffed all the time. Thode and Mahmood said they’ve noticed quite a bit of resources taken while they’re away, which they said is encouraging because it means the information is getting out there.
“It gives me a lot of hope,” Mahmood said. “Even if it’s just to kind of engage or spark dialogue or plant little seeds, or even if they have a family member or loved one they know is struggling with gambling, it further reinforces that we’re here, we’re here to support, that help is available.”
Those seeking help about problem gambling can call the 24/7 Ohio Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-800-589-9966.