WVXU: Gambling addiction is on the rise in Ohio. Advocates are working to meet the demand

With the growing number of young people developing gambling addictions, Stewart said UC wanted to be a part of the solution.

He said they anticipated the sharp rise in gambling addiction among young people. So, last year, the university added coursework focused on treating problem gambling. He hopes the graduates can go on not just to serve college campuses, but to fill in gaps to care across the state.

“Certainly the major metropolitan areas in the state have individuals who are trained in this area,” he said. “But now the goal is … whatever county I live in, is there something close to me that I could be able to have as a local resource to support me?”

In its first year, sports betting brought in around two hundred million dollars to the state. 2% of that tax revenue goes back into treatment. Advocates like Stewart hope to use it to help as many people as possible, and to bring more awareness to its prevalence across Ohio.

“We don't want people to think, it doesn't happen in my community, it doesn't happen in my family, because it very well could be happening very close to you,” he said.

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Lead photo/Susan Haigh/AP