Ohio is set to become the latest state to introduce land-based gambling. Four casinos and seven racinos will be opening up in the state in the near future. While this will have a positive impact on the local economy, experts are worried about the social effects that it will have on citizens. A recent study shows that 2.8% of Ohioans are problem gamblers, and number that will certainly increase with the state’s foray into the gambling market.
The study has found some interesting statistics, in addition to discovering that 250 000 local residents are problem gamblers. For example, women are half as likely as men to develop gambling addictions while individuals aged 18 to 24 present the highest population of problem gamblers in the state. When it comes to race, 9.6% of African Americans are problem gamblers while just 4.5% of Caucasians have gambling addictions.
Hamilton country hosts the largest population of problem gamblers in Ohio. Researchers believe that this is due to the fact that it is closely located to casinos in Indiana.
The study was carried out by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. The results of the survey will be used to help officials understand how problem gambling rates will change over the course of the next few years, with the introduction of new gambling services across the state.