As the NCAA Basketball Tournament draws close, and Problem Gambling Awareness Month begins, the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN) has announced that it is preparing to assist players who might deal with problem gambling.

According to Derek Longemeier, Executive Director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, the stats of issue gambling in the Buckeye State are such that a person in five adults are considered at danger. This is roughly 20 percent of Ohio's population or 1.8 million people.

"March Madness can be a best storm for those who don't set limits and stick to them. There are several video games and live wagering alternatives readily available on several betting websites all happening at the same time. It's simple for fun to spiral into crisis," Longemeier said.

"Those who believe they have an issue are starting to request assistance quicker. If you or an enjoyed one are experiencing gambling-related damage, assistance is only a call away. It's never prematurely to connect," he added.

Ohio's gambling hotline enables players to seek group therapy, private counseling, self-help groups, or monetary management support as and when they need it.

The Start of Problem Gambling Awareness Month

In addition to the OGTN's statement, March 1 kick-started Problem Gambling Awareness Month across the United States. Last week, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced this year's theme of "Seeking Understanding," stating that the objective is to "increase awareness of issue betting as a severe yet typically misunderstood psychological health condition."

MGM Resorts and its online sportsbook BetMGM have actually already revealed their campaign for the month. The company revealed it would broaden on its problem betting partnerships in March, consisting of previous partnerships with the Kindbridge Research Institute, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and the University of Nevada.

The OGTN is ready to assist throughout March Madness

To those who follow the NCAA Basketball Tournament, March is also called March Madness. It is scheduled to begin with Selection Sunday on March 16 and run through up until the NCAA national championship on April 7 in San Antonio, Texas.

Bets on the tournament are prepared for to reach $3 billion throughout the United States, and the American Gaming Association (AGA) expects the value of legal wagering to get two times the worth of the legal bets positioned throughout the Super Bowl. The AGA likewise revealed that in 2024, Americans wagered $150 billion on legal sportsbooks.

The OGTN is taking this chance to highlight issue betting on a state level.

Longemeier commented, "March Madness can be a best storm for those who don't set limits and stay with them. There are several games and live betting alternatives offered on multiple betting sites all occurring at the same time.