Problem Gambling Addiction Program

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Problem Gambling Addiction Program is a pilot program designed to address criminal charges that stem from problem gambling. This is one of the first such court programs in the state, and the largest in the country.

“A primary goal of our Court is to help individuals overcome the difficulties that brought them into the justice system,” says Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan. “By treating a person’s problem gambling addiction, we hope to eliminate the source of these criminal acts.”

The Problem Gambling Addiction Program was established as Ohio began legalized in-person and online sports betting on January 1, 2023.

The Court is collaborating with Recovery Resources and Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG) partners to develop this program. ORG partners include the Ohio Lottery Commission, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). OhioMHAS serves as the resource partner for the initiative and the lead agency responsible for prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

“We are pleased to see this Problem Gambling Addiction Program launched in Cuyahoga County,” said OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss.“Governor Mike DeWine’s focus on addressing mental illness and addictions for overall wellness has changed thousands of lives for the better. This program will encourage recovery for those with gambling problems.”

Candidates for the Problem Gambling Addiction Program will be referred by the Judge assigned to their case.

Stream the news conference from October 2022.

Gambling can be a serious problem

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, the term refers to the urge to gamble, despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. People who suffer from the condition of pathological gambling may continue to gamble even after they have developed social, economic, interpersonal or legal problems as a result of the gambling. According to the 2017 Ohio Gambling Survey, 10.3% of the general adult population can be categorized as low-risk, moderate-risk, or problem gamblers. An estimated 0.9% of Ohio adults are problem gamblers.

Any Judge in our Court can refer a case to Problem Gambling Addiction Program

Specially trained Court probation officers, known as Gambling Recovery Officers, will administer the Problem Gambling Addiction Program. A gambling assessment will be used to identify those individuals who may have problem gambling. They will work in conjunction with Recovery Resources, and certified counselors will use programming to help individuals break the negative cycle of gambling. The program can accommodate 50 clients.

Unlike most other specialty courts and programs, these cases remain on the dockets of the referring Judges.