Montgomery County Tackles Problem Gambling Amid NCAA Basketball Tournaments
As excitement builds around the NCAA basketball tournaments this March, Montgomery County in Ohio is taking proactive steps to address a growing concern: problem gambling. With the Dayton area set to host top-tier players and fans, local organizations are intensifying efforts to promote responsible gambling practices, particularly among college students.
The Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS) has partnered with The Big Hoopla, a major organizer of NCAA-related events, to tackle the issue head-on. Supported by a grant from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, the collaboration aims to educate young adults about the risks of gambling and provide mental health resources for those struggling with addiction.
Dr. Tristyn Ball, director of Prevention and Early Intervention at ADAMHS, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “Our primary goal is to bring problem gambling prevention programs to local colleges and universities. At the same time, we’re working to expand mental health services, ensuring counselors are trained to address gambling-related concerns,” she explained.
The initiative comes at a critical time. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 75% of college students have gambled—legally or illegally—in the past year. Alarmingly, nearly 6% of college students nationwide are dealing with serious gambling problems, with college-aged males identified as one of the most vulnerable groups.
The Rise of Sports Betting in Ohio
The push for responsible gambling coincides with a dramatic surge in sports betting across Ohio. In 2024 alone, residents wagered nearly $8.9 billion, marking a 16% increase from the $7.7 billion spent in 2023, the first year sports betting was legalized in the state.
“Sports betting is still relatively new here, and its rapid growth is concerning,” Dr. Ball noted. “We need innovative, evidence-based strategies to protect those most at risk and ensure gambling remains a safe activity.”
The “More Than A Bet” Campaign
A key component of the grant-funded initiative is the “More Than A Bet” campaign, which highlights the toll sports betting can take on college athletes. During the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament, over 54,000 social media posts were flagged as potential harassment targeting players.
“These athletes are young adults who are just trying to do their best on the court,” Dr. Ball said. “Our campaign aims to educate the public and put an end to this kind of harassment.”
A Call for Awareness and Action
As Montgomery County braces for an influx of basketball fans, the partnership between ADAMHS and The Big Hoopla represents a timely and necessary effort to curb problem gambling. By focusing on prevention, education, and mental health support, the organizations hope to create a safer environment for both fans and athletes.
For residents and visitors alike, the message is clear: gambling should be fun, not harmful. With March Madness in full swing, Montgomery County is setting an example for how communities can tackle this growing issue head-on.
— Reported by Nexio News
