Ky. must help addicts, not limit sports gambling

I read with interest the Sept.18 commentary by community columnist Carson Benn, “Expanding Ky. sports wagering not a wise bet,” As the debate over expanded gambling continues, some facts need to be emphasized.

As Benn alludes to, Kentucky is a gambling state, as are 48 of the 50 in the United States. Gambling has become normalized and governments have become dependent on revenue from gambling.

Gambling has expanded in Kentucky the past five years through historical racing machines, which are electronic gambling devices similar to slot machines; Keno, introduced by the Kentucky Lottery; and electronic pull tabs at charitable gaming venues.

More than $2 billion is legally spent on gambling in Kentucky each year. The state receives more than $250 million each year in transfers, taxes or fees from legal gambling. Gambling often is linked to economic development. State revenue from gambling funds many good things, including college scholarships.

These are positives. As Benn notes, additional gambling expansion in Kentucky is being sought by some. In addition to his focus on sports gambling, there is discussion of more historical racing and full-scale casinos or racinos. Gambling will continue to seek ways to expand as legal businesses seek to increase revenue.

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling is not anti-gambling. KYCPG is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of problem gambling as a public health concern and to advocate for help for those who cannot gamble in a healthful manner.

Most people gamble for entertainment with no negative consequences. But there is a small percentage who are addicted, or are at risk of developing a problem.

According to surveys, problem gamblers total about 250,000 people in Kentucky, and the social cost is estimated conservatively at $80 million annually from crime, bankruptcy, lost productivity and social services.

Yet, Kentucky lacks in services for problem and addicted gamblers and their families. Kentucky — like 39 other gambling states, including six of the seven border states — should set aside a small portion of the revenue the state receives to establish a problem and addicted gambling prevention and treatment program.

That can be done by earmarking less than $1.5 million annually in funding, about one-half of one percent of the revenue the state receives each year.

Why, knowing the destruction gambling can cause, does KYCPG not oppose gambling?

To take a position would obscure the key point that there are, and will continue to be, problem and addicted gamblers, regardless of expansion. Gambling exists, regardless of legislation. The question is how to help problem gamblers and promote responsible gambling.

As our nation has seen previously, prohibition is not an effective answer.

KYCPG urges individuals to understand the odds and operations of gambling venues. It suggests individuals use a three-question responsibility test before gambling:

▪ Whether it is an appropriate opportunity to gamble, with discretionary money and free time.

▪ When to gamble with no consequential emotions or desperation involved.

▪ How much to gamble; setting limits for time and money.

Most gambling venues in Kentucky promote the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. A more comprehensive program could be implemented by the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities through existing networks of certified gambler counselors and mental health centers.

Problem and addicted gambling is a medically recognized behavioral disorder that impacts a significant number of people and that results in a significant social cost. Prevention can help some avoid a problem. Treatment is needed for those who are addicted.

Establishing a publicly funded program of prevention and treatment is the responsible and ethical response to a public health concern abetted by the legalization and continued expansion of gambling.