Ohio Problem Gambling Campaign for HAS FY26-27

  PURPOSE
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to raise awareness on the impacts of problem gambling through this Request for Proposal (RFP). OhioMHAS seeks proposals that will provide Ohio Problem Gambling Campaigns Outreach in the state of Ohio.)  BACKGROUND
Ohio began laying the groundwork for responsible gambling education and problem gambling prevention in 2009, following the passage of a constitutional amendment that introduced four Las Vegas-style casinos to the state. By 2012, as these casinos opened, dedicated funding became available to build a statewide system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services for both adults and youth. In the following years, the state expanded its gambling landscape by adding seven racinos and legalizing sports gaming in 2023.This rapid growth in gambling options—combined with marketing strategies rooted in addiction science—contributed to increased gambling participation and a sharp rise in gambling-related harm. According to the 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey, one in five Ohio adults (about 1.8 million people) is at risk for problem gambling, and an estimated 2.8% (or nearly 255,000 individuals) likely meet the criteria for Gambling Disorder. Among youth ages 14–17, 15% are reported to be gambling, while young adults ages 18–25 are identified as the most at-risk age group statewide.This RFP aims to have a comprehensive approach to raise awareness of risks of gambling for both youth and adults in the state of Ohio.)  SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES
1. Leverage the applicant’s expertise in problem gambling, responsible play, and youth gambling prevention to lead and facilitate collaborative meetings with OhioMHAS and state partner agencies (i.e., The Ohio Lottery and Casino Control Commissions).  The applicant will be responsible for guiding the strategic development of campaigns and its components to maximize impact. This includes ensuring all campaigns and associated assets are thoroughly researched, collaboratively developed, and refined in partnership with OhioMHAS and stakeholders, resulting in effective campaigns. This RFP seeks a data-driven approach to raise awareness of problem gambling among individuals in Ohio who are at risk or affected. 2.  Support agencies, coalitions, and organizations in their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about problem gambling by facilitating access to relevant information and resources.  Additionally, assist coalitions in developing customized branding to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of their outreach initiatives.  3. Report on campaign outcomes in a timely manner by submitting required monthly reports, including qualitative data when applicable.  Prepare and deliver a comprehensive annual report 30 days following each fiscal year (June 30) detailing all campaign activities conducted during the fiscal year, total campaign metrics and reach, and providing visual documentation of community engagement such as conferences, events, and fairs that are a part of the overall campaign efforts.DELIVERABLES Applicants will provide a 24-month media plan that will support two problem gambling awareness campaigns through a strategic and creative approach that aligns messaging and outreach to maximize impact.  A clear timeline in the form of a waterfall chart will be developed to highlight key project milestones, enabling quick visibility of progress and deadlines. Compensation must be based on completion of deliverables.  OhioMHAS will take approximately 30 days from the date of the fully executed contract to review and approve the plan or suggest any modifications. Once approved, the campaign deliverables outlined in the plan will be considered binding, ensuring accountability and clarity throughout the campaign execution.Additional deliverables for campaigns may include, but are not limited to campaign strategy, work plan, creative assets, websites, social media content, media content, public service announcements, community presentations and events, resource directories, distribution plan, as well as timely evaluation and reporting. These deliverables will ensure the campaign is visible, accessible, and measurable across channels.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTOR
OhioMHAS seeks a qualified ad agency that has experience in public health and behavioral change campaigns, especially around problem gambling, responsible play and prevention.  The agency should demonstrate success in developing multi-channel campaigns, collaborating with state and community partners, customized branding, and provide timely, data-driven reports, including monthly metrics and a comprehensive annual report.  Agencies with a background in prevention, public health messaging, and community outreach are encouraged to apply. Contractor shall not be subject to an “unresolved” finding for recovery under Section 9.24 of Ohio Revised Code.