Counselors concerned with problem betting as football playoffs near

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Gambling addiction counselors are concerned this football playoff season might come with more problematic gambling.  

It's been almost two years since legal sports betting has been available in Ohio and its presence has been hard to miss.  

“It’s not even just what your favorite sport is anymore; a lot of people just gamble on whatever is available," Doug Royer said.  

Royer struggled with a gambling addiction before sports betting came to the state, so when it got here, he said he was careful.  

“My past has not been that great with gambling so it just kind of, you know, went off like a light bulb in my head to say this can be another problem if I don't watch it," he said. 

Abdullah Mahmood, administrative coordinator of the Gambling Intervention Program at Maryhaven, hopes others are careful, too. He said there is usually an increase in problematic sports gambling around big games like the College Football Championship, NFL Playoffs, and March Madness. He's worried that with the new expanded college format, those issues might start sooner.  

“With the playoff picture here, with the pro football playoff picture being four weeks away, we see more people getting more skin in the game, they’re placing more bets," he said.  

Mahmood is reminding people of some of the warning signs like chasing losses or lying about losses to loved ones. 

“For those people who are thinking about picking this up, just be weary, be cautious, and this industry is built on losers, right. Vegas wasn't built on winners," he said. 

The problem gambling helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER. It can be reached anytime by those experiencing issues themselves or loved ones.  

“I would say just be careful and know when to stop and if you have a problem, reach out," Royer said.