The cost of gambling addiction

Wager sensibly this weekend, Council on Problem Gambling advises

May 3, 2013

Rob Gwinn of Louisville checks his tickets at the betting window on the opening night of the Spring Meet at Churchill Downs on Saturday. April 27, 2013 / David Lee Hartlage/Special to The Courier-Journal

Written by The Courier-Journal

With wagering activity expected to be high for Kentucky Derby weekend, race fans are being advised not to bet more than they can afford.

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling cautioned in a news release on Friday that the Derby “creates an exciting race with overtones of a desperate cavalry charge. ... The normal or casual horse race fan sees this as an exciting event, with the chance of a little reward for picking the winning horse.”

But such big horse races can be a issue for problem gamblers, the council said, providing the “action he or she craves. It is the problem gambler’s opportunity to feel alive.”

The council estimates that 250,000 Kentuckians either are addicted gamblers or demonstrate behavior that places them at risk of developing an addiction. It suggests a conservative estimate is that gambling addiction costs the state at least $81 million annually.

Michael Stone, executive director of the state Council on Problem Gambling, said, “Practicing responsible gambling behavior can minimize the possibility of gambling addiction.”

Studies indicate pathological gamblers have high rates of suicide, bankruptcy and abusive behavior, he said.

The council is a Kentucky non-profit corporation funded by memberships and donations. Corporate members include casinos, racetracks and the Kentucky Lottery Corp.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130503/BETTERLIFE05/305030116/Wager-sensibly-weekend-Council-Problem-Gambling-advises