Ohio Takes Bold Step Contracting Gamban to Curb Gambling Problems: Exclusive Commentary by Gamban Co-Founder

Exclusive insights from Gamban co-founder on Ohio's innovative online gambling addiction solution

In a groundbreaking move, Ohio has become the first state in the United States to introduce free software aimed at blocking digital bets as part of The Ohio Lottery's 'Time Out Ohio' program, designed to assist individuals grappling with gambling problems. This innovative initiative, which already allows individuals to self-exclude from physical casinos for various durations, is now extending its reach to the online realm with cutting-edge software from UK-based company Gamban. Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, provided an exclusive commentary to Gambling.Re, shedding light on the significance of this collaboration.

Zarb-Cousin expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery Commission, commenting to Gambling.Re, "We are delighted to be working with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery Commission to make Gamban free of charge through the statewide self-exclusion platform TimeOutOhio.com."

Zarb-Cousin drew attention to the success of the TalkBanStop project in Britain, emphasizing the global applicability of the concept of combining blocking software with self-exclusion. He noted, "This means both regulated and unregulated sites and apps are blocked for the person wanting to self-exclude."

Moreover, Zarb-Cousin underlined the importance of a layered approach in combating problem gambling, stating, "As part of the layered approach, Gamban will also promote other tools relevant to each jurisdiction, such as transaction blocking, localized treatment services, and peer support."

Highlighting the success of this evidence-based model in multiple jurisdictions, including Norway and Finland, Zarb-Cousin expressed a desire to see this approach adopted more widely, concluding to Gambling.Re, "We would like to see this evidence-based and evaluated model emulated in as many jurisdictions as possible to help improve outcomes."

In an era where mobile sports betting is rapidly expanding across the U.S., Ohio's proactive stance and collaboration with Gamban exemplify a forward-thinking approach towards mitigating the harms associated with online gambling. As other states observe this pioneering effort, the hope is that they will follow in Ohio's footsteps to implement similar measures aimed at fostering responsible gambling practices and protecting vulnerable individuals.