Mayfield Heights man first in state to ban himself from Ohio casinos

CLEVELAND - A northeast Ohio man is the first person in the state to ban himself from the four casinos set to open in the state.

Justin Gale sat down with ONN'S Cristin Severance to talk about why he wanted to make it a crime for him to enter a casino. Sitting on a bench in Public Square, 52-year-old Gale is as close as he ever wants to be to the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland.

"I gambled compulsively non-stop for 35 straight years," said Gale.

The Mayfield Heights man started gambling at age 15. He said his addiction started by asking adults to place bets for him at the race track. He said lost much more than money.

"Family, friends, marriages. When you are a compulsive gambler, the gambling always comes first," said Gale.

At age 50, the office professional said he hit emotional and financial rock bottom.

"Am I still going to be this way when I'm 70, 80?" Gale said.

Gale enlisted the help of a counselor and support from friends to finally quit and soon he heard about the "voluntary exclusion" program. Anyone can apply through the Ohio Casino Control Commission to be banned from the casino's for one year, five years or life.

Gale chose the lifetime ban.

"I knew that was a good barrier to have in place for me. So I knew it had to be part of my program," said Gale.

If Gale does go into a casino, he could be arrested for trespassing and would have to forfeit his winnings.

"I know if I step inside I could be arrested. I don't want to be arrested," said Gale.

There are 10 other people on a waiting list, hoping to be banned from the Ohio casino's as well.

"It's really snowballing as people find out about it," said Gale.

Gale said that's the whole point of telling his story and not hiding his identity. He wants to put a name and a face to gambling addiction and the fight to overcome it.

"I know I can't let my guard down for a second because I could place a bet at any moment," said Gale. Gale hasn't placed a bet for 507 days and counting.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission expects up to 10,000 people will participate in the"voluntary exclusion program" once all four casino's are open in the state.

For more information on how to fill out an application email Laura Clemens at Laura.Clemens@casinocontrol.ohio.gov .

The Ohio problem gambling hotline is 1-800-522-4700.