— Advocacy

Become an Advocate

As shown by Ohio's statewide surveys, increased access to gambling results in an increased rate of problem gambling. It is our responsibility to advocate for those who are negatively impacted by gambling and ensure any gambling expansion includes consumer protections to mitigate harm and funding for prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio

The official meeting schedule for the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio has been released, which includes hearings with the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC), and Ohio Racing Commission (ORC) on the impacts and future of gambling in Ohio.


The Study Commission legislators need to hear from the behavioral health field and PGNO needs your help! You don’t need to be a legislator or representative to submit testimony, you can download the template below to submit before the hearings!

PGNO Testimony Template

2022 Ohio Gambling Survey

Opportunities for gambling continue to increase throughout Ohio and nationally through both regulated and unregulated avenues. PGNO uses data from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline to guide our advocacy and training. Through advocacy and education we can help protect individuals by assisting the creation of reasonable efforts to mitigate harm and maximize effective resources for those impacted.

Contact Your Legislators

Legislators are elected to represent their constituents. Your voice matters in the process of passing legislation that will benefit your community.


Here are some tips for communicating with your state representative and senator:

  • If legislation is imminent, reaching out to your legislator via phone or e-mail can be most effective.
  • Meet with your legislators and build connections. If an issue relating to your message is proposed, your legislator may come to you for advice.
  • When contacting your legislators, it is important to voice your opinion, be specific, provide relevant facts, share your personal message or story, ask for action, and be respectful.

Find Your Legislators

You can find your state and federal legislators by clicking the links below.

Need help?

You can use this email script or phone script as a starting point.

Join Our Advocacy Network

Our mission is to create a dedicated network of support for those impacted by gambling. As a statewide, membership-based non-profit, this mission would be impossible without the support of our members which includes professionals in the fields of prevention, treatment, recovery, regulation, and operation.


In order to show the strongest voice for those impacted by gambling, we need your help by becoming a PGNO member. Not only does a large membership show the support of our work—but your membership dues also provide the resources to ensure we are engaged advocates for all legislation regarding gambling expansion.

Become a Member
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