The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has introduced a new initiative to address the growing need for accessible mental health support for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.
The Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN) is a telehealth system designed to provide free mental health support to Ohio residents dealing with problem gambling disorders or concerns.
This service aims to bridge the gap in mental health care accessibility, particularly for those living in areas without local access to qualified gambling counsellors.
Commenting on this development, Derek Longmeier, Executive Director of the PGNO, stated: “Our focus for OGTN is greater than the name implies.
“OGTN is designed as a safety net for individuals who live in communities without local access to a qualified gambling counsellor. Our primary goal is to build the workforce of local providers qualified to provide gambling counselling.”
Last year, Ohio also became the first state in the US to offer free-of-charge gambling-blocking software – a move made in collaboration with Time Out Ohio (TOO).
This development saw TOO (known for allowing individuals to self-ban from Ohio's physical casinos and racinos) teaming up with Gamban to offer state-wide access to software that blocks online gambling sites and apps across all devices.
Off the back of this move, individuals are able to sign up for Gamban to block the user from accessing online gambling, or use both TOO and Gamban to encompass all forms of gambling both online and offline.
