Ohio Rolls Out Free Responsible Gambling Solution

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 8, 2023

• 
• 

Ohio Lottery’s responsible gambling arm, Time Out Ohio (TOO), has introduced free software. The aim is to assist those grappling with gambling addiction. Empowered by the UK-based tech company Gamban, this distinctive software provides statewide users with the ability to take charge of their gaming choices.

Users can establish specific parameters for idle time, preventing platform usage across all devices. Ohio leads the nation by being the first state to launch free software dedicated to blocking digital gambling.

This initiative underscores Ohio’s dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices.TOO, known for enabling self-exclusion from physical casinos, continues to expand its innovative initiatives to address evolving challenges in the gambling landscape.

Ohio provides a protocol for those opting for self-exclusion from traditional gambling establishments, requiring users to forfeit gambling chips, vouchers, or tickets upon initiation and be escorted out. Re-entry during an active ban may result in criminal trespassing charges.

Operating in the digital realm, the Gamban software facilitates the opt-out process, requiring users to input personal details along with information about their computer and mobile devices to effectively block access to gambling sites.

The software functions by blocking access to gambling sites on various devices through a dynamic list covering over 80,000 global gambling sites. Gamban offers a one-year blocking feature to all users, with a specific focus on limiting access rather than hindering sports information platforms or gambling advertising.

Amanda Blackford, in her role overseeing Operations and Responsible Gaming at the Ohio Lottery Commission, highlighted the importance of Gamban and all the benefits it brings to users around the world.

Blackford stressed the vital role Gamban plays for those grappling with online gambling issues. Unlike Time Out, which focuses on legal-based blocking, Gamban goes beyond. It extends protection to illegal markets and areas beyond the Ohio Commission’s jurisdiction.

In media interviews, Matt-Zarb Cousin, Gamban’s co-founder, delved into the changing dynamics of online sports betting, highlighting the elimination of past obstacles between individuals and betting opportunities.

Cousin shared that since its launch, the company has onboarded 84 users in Ohio, with plans to expand to more states shortly.

Cousin expressed a positive view on legalized and regulated online gambling. He added that the state is taking the right steps to help all its users become more responsible and conscious about their gaming patterns.