Problem Gambling Awareness Month underway as Ohio reports $1.1 billion in sports bets in January

As Ohio reported initial results from legalized sports betting in January, the Problem Gambling Awareness campaign kicks off in the month of March.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission reported that more than $1.1 billion was wagered in January.

"Gambling for the majority of folks is a fun, you know, responsible entertainment activity," said Michael Buzzelli from the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. "But, there are individuals that are negatively, and severely negatively impacted by it."

JACK Casino in downtown Cleveland reported the second most in-person wagers, which totaled more than $3.5 million. The Ohio Casino Control Commission says the vast majority of sports bets were placed online or with a mobile app.

"Phone calls have absolutely amped up," said Buzzelli.

In January, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio received three times as many phone calls to their help line opposed to a month prior. Neil Fischer reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/problem-gambling-awareness-month-kicks-offohio-reports-11-billion-wagers-january/95-0dabfd30-8513-4c57-83ed-74cf56443a29 --

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