Pause Before You Play

Today, we celebrate all those who serve in our #ArmedForces. As we honor their bravery, it’s also important to recognize that many #Veterans are impacted by gambling disorders. If you know someone who serves, now is a great time to check in on them. Learn what the signs of a gambling disorder may look like and how you can help at pausebeforeyouplay.org/toolkit/vetera… #ArmedForcesDay #HonoringService #Army #Navy #Marines #AirForce #CoastGuard #NationalGuard #SpaceForce

The experts aren’t lying: physical fitness is one of the best ways to improve mood and decrease stress. With May being #NationalPhysicalFitnessAndSportsMonth, now is a great time to start a new fitness routine or engage in a sport — once you get started, you won’t want to stop! #PauseBeforeYouPlay #HealthMatters

Did you know approximately one in three teen boys (ages 11-17) gambled last year? With sports betting growing more popular among teens, a recent article by K-12 Dive explains that prevention programs within schools could be key to protecting kids from the risks of gambling. From addressing digital literacy in health class, to teaching financial literacy in math class — there are many ways that schools can help #PreventYouthGambling. Read the article or check out our website to learn more. #ChangeTheGameOhio Read the article: k12dive.com/news/what-do-s… gambling/813794/ More information & resources for educators: ChangeTheGameOhio.org/for-educators

To all the mothers out there, #PauseBeforeYouPlay and #ChangeTheGameOhio wish you a beautiful and relaxing #MothersDay! Thank you for everything you do — today and every day. 💐

During key developmental years, Gen Alpha is surrounded by screens. Many “child-friendly” games on these screens mimic gambling mechanics — putting 2% to 7% of youth at risk of gambling disorders (Yale Medicine). With today being National #ChilderensMentalHealthAwarenessDay, it serves as a reminder for caregivers to recognize the harm that screen time can have on a child’s mental health. Join #ScreenFreeWeek with #ChangeTheGameOhio and discover alternative spring activities for your family to enjoy: PausebBeforeYouPlay.org/2021/05/reduce…

Screen-free week isn’t just about a digital break. Studies show a direct link between high screen time and poor health. Children’s and teens’ mental health can be heavily impacted, and some adults experience physical symptoms like eye strain, neck pain, and an increased risk for early neurodegeneration. Discover how a #ScreenFreeWeek can benefit your physical and mental well-being: [INSERT BLOG LINK] #PauseBeforeYouPlay

The #KentuckyDerby is full of excitement. If choosing to place bets this year, be a front-runner and stay on track by setting limits, recognizing the risks, and knowing when to stop. For more information on responsible betting, check out pausebeforeyouplay.org/play-responsib…. #PauseBeforeYouPlay

Before we spring into summer, May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth — reminding us to prioritize our mental health and wellbeing. Just like physical health, there are proven ways to strengthen your mind and protect yourself from daily stressors. Read the blog to learn more: pausebeforeyouplay.org/2024/05/three-… #MentalHealthMatters #PauseBeforeYouPlay

If you’ve considered taking a break from #sportsbetting or #gambling, but could use support — Time Out Ohio can help you set limits on gambling in Ohio’s casinos, racinos, and sports gaming for a duration of your choice. Or, try out @gamban, GamFin, and @recovermeapp1 for some no-cost gambling management and mental health resources. Learn more: TimeOutOhio.com #PauseBeforeYouPlay #TimeOutOhio #ResponsibleGambling

Tech-savvy teens are continuing to find online gambling loopholes. If you care for a teen, it’s important to know how this can appear and how you can start the conversation to help prevent against gambling-harms. Learn more at the blog: pausebeforeyouplay.org/2026/04/how-to… #ChangeTheGameOhio #HelpPreventYouthGambling

Looking for a change of “screen-ery”? Books are a great and healthy alternative! If you have a child under five, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio will mail your family one free book every month. Sign up through this link: OhioImaginationLibrary.org #ChangeTheGameOhio #HelpPreventYouthGambling #WorldBookDay #ImaginationLibrary

Earth Day serves as a great reminder that supporting our planet also supports ourselves. Use this day as an excuse to #unplug from screens and step outside. Find an #EarthFriendly activity you enjoy and bring your family and friends with you to celebrate. Even the smallest seed can have a big impact. Happy #EarthDay! #PauseBeforeYouPlay #ChangeTheGameOhio

Only 8% of individuals experiencing a gambling disorder seek help, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to call the confidential #ProblemGamblingHelpline at 1-800-589-9966 or text 988. Local, trained, and understanding specialists are available 24/7. Ohio also offers virtual telehealth services at no cost through the #OhioGamblingTelehealthNetwork. For more information, visit the link: OhioGTN.org #PauseBeforeYouPlay #MakeTheCall #OGTN #YouAreNotAlone

According to Mass.gov — gambling disorders impact about 4-8% of youths. Signs of this can include decreased academic performance, abnormal changes in mood, aggressive or defensive behavior, and less interest in activities. If you care for a child and are concerned they are impacted, get more information on #YouthGamblingPrevention here: ChangeTheGameOhio.org/for-parents Read the article: Mass.gov/info-details/t… #ChangeTheGameOhio #YouthGamblingAwarness

If you’re looking for an activity to boost your mood, try volunteering! Not only will you be strengthening your community and helping those in need, studies show that #volunteering is a great way to release dopamine, which reduces stress and other health risks like heart disease and depression. Join the fun this #NationalVolunteerMonth and find opportunities near you through this link: Ohio.gov/residents/topi… #PauseBeforeYouPlay

If you feel gambling is having a negative impact on your life, take the two-minute quiz from #PauseBeforeYouPlay. This quiz helps you gauge if sports betting is putting you at risk of a gambling disorder. #TakeTheQuiz now: PauseBeforeYouPlay.org/play-responsib… #RateYourRisk #BetResponsibly

The 90th Masters Tournament is teeing off. If you’re choosing to participate through #betting, here’s tips to help reduce your risk of betting-harms: set limits, recognize the risks, and know when to stop. For an in-depth guide to #ResponsibleBetting, visit the link: PauseBeforeYouPlay.org/play-responsib… #MastersTournament

Gambling mechanics are sprinkled throughout some of the most popular “child-friendly” games, including #Roblox and #Fortnite. Cincinnati gaming expert, Jon Cortes, says “When money stops feeling real, risk doesn’t either,” leading to excessive spending and in some cases, a gambling disorder. The best thing you can do to protect your child is stay aware and teach financial literacy as early as possible. Learn more in the article linked below. Read the article: local12.com/news/consumer-… Get more information about preventing youth gambling: ChangeTheGameOhio.org #ChangeTheGameOhio #HelpPreventYouthGambling

March Madness is coming down to one final match. No matter which team you’re rooting for – make responsible #betting a priority, if choosing to participate. For more information on the impacts of #SportsBetting, check out the link: PauseBeforeYouPlay.org/the-issue #MarchMadness #PauseBeforeYouPlay #MakeYourGamePlan

Did you know… fans that know how to chill have the most fun? If you’re thinking about betting for the upcoming #NCAAChampionship game, take a moment to make a game plan first to keep betting from messing with the #MarchMadness excitement. Find more information here: PauseBeforeYouPlay.org/play-responsib… #PauseBeforeYouPlay #BetResponsibly