Pause Before You Play

Ohio initiative to raise awareness of problem gambling, and provide tips & tools to help gamblers be responsible and have fun.

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

Happy World Environment Day! A reminder to appreciate the environment — not just for the present, but to improve our futures. Change the Game Ohio supports this day by sharing different ways families can spend time outdoors to help children appreciate nature as much as they appreciate their screens, and to experience the benefits of the great outdoors. Learn more here: https://t.co/1xAtLzD2o3

#WorldEnvironmentDay #ChangeTheGameOhio

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Whether you're headed to the Memorial Tournament or watching from home, make setting financial limits part of your game plan if choosing to bet. Set a budget before the first tee-off and stick to it to help keep the experience enjoyable. Learn more about setting limits here: https://t.co/Jsx5yWuIvm

#MemorialTournament2026 #PauseBeforeYouPlay

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The NBA Finals are starting! And basketball fans can’t wait to see who’s going to win it all. Be a winner in your own game by following these quick tips for low-risk betting. Make sure to set limits on the time and money you spend, understand the risks of betting, and know when to take a timeout. Visit our website for more tips: https://t.co/Jsx5yWuIvm

#PauseBeforeYouPlay #NBAFinals

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Could you use a break from gambling or betting? 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 @gambanapp, GamFin, and @recovermeapp1 for some no-cost gambling management and mental health resources. Learn more: https://t.co/aZyuiAEBb8
#PauseBeforeYouPlay #TimeOutOhio #ResponsibleGambling

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If you participate in # sportsbetting, use a simple game plan to keep your cool like this local fan. Start by setting limits, recognizing the risks, and knowing when to stop. Or make a plan that works for you — find ideas here: https://t.co/LF7HHOEI0Y
#BetResponsibly #PauseBeforeYouPlay

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Children may not be able to legally gamble, but gambling mechanics can be found throughout many youth games — causing high rates of gambling disorders among those under 18. Check out our website to get in the know and help prevent youth gambling: https://t.co/TbWKmSi9WN
#ChangeTheGameOhio #HelpPreventYouthGambling

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

It takes true strength and bravery to serve our country. Take this #MemorialDay to remember our heroes who gave their lives in service and honor the sacrifices they made.
#PauseBeforeYouPlay

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

Looking to talk to someone about your gambling? 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 https://t.co/xpSTpptEE7.
#PauseBeforeYouPlay #MakeTheCall #OGTN #YouAreNotAlone

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

If you gamble or place bets, you may be at risk of experiencing a gambling disorder. Consider taking our simple, two-minute quiz to help you gauge your risk level. Take the quiz now: https://t.co/KXEjbf3JUy
#PauseBeforeYouPlay #TakeTheQuiz #RateYourRisk

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From a parent’s perspective, #YouthGambling can feel like a mystery. But the choice to gamble can appear much clearer to teens nowadays. For this year’s #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we’re breaking down the reasons why kids are #SportsBetting and #gambling with experiences from gambling disorder survivors like Rob Minnick with ODAAT Gambling Awareness in this week’s blog. If you are a parent, guardian, or caregiver, read our blog [LINK TO BLOG] to learn how you can help protect your child.
#HelpPreventYouthGambling #ChangeTheGameOhio

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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 https://t.co/420yuB47ZL
#ArmedForcesDay #HonoringService #Army #Navy #Marines #AirForce #CoastGuard #NationalGuard #SpaceForce

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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

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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: https://t.co/TPuxOv7pvx gambling/813794/

More information & resources for educators: https://t.co/WmjGCEya66

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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. 💐

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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: https://t.co/zzRbdtnO1w

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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

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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 https://t.co/LF7HHOEI0Y.
#PauseBeforeYouPlay

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

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: https://t.co/a6DZx4fR3H
#MentalHealthMatters #PauseBeforeYouPlay

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

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: https://t.co/7bTZjQrdrT

#PauseBeforeYouPlay #TimeOutOhio #ResponsibleGambling

[Pause Before You Play @PBYP_OH]

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: https://t.co/kZRPgkbcGe

#ChangeTheGameOhio #HelpPreventYouthGambling