With the Kentucky Derby fast approaching on September 5, problem gambling experts in the Bluegrass State share their increasing concerns that gambling-related harm may be more difficult to cope with this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Michael R. Stone, who heads the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG), spoke on the matter and stressed that making spontaneous large bets on a horse or people chasing their losses could prove problematic but are hardly his main concerns.
Similar one-time episodes are easier to moderate in his opinion, with such bettors continuing on with their lives shortly after. Mr. Stone is more concerned about people who already struggle with addiction. Such individuals may find it harder to cope with their problem, he thinks. The coronavirus pandemic and its associated lockdown give problem gamblers, who work from home, easy and unrestricted access to gambling websites.
The head of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling stressed that there has been no increase in the number of gamblers who develop problem tendencies during the coronavirus pandemic. However, some surveys show that there is an increase in the severity of the addictions. People who already have one such issue find it tougher to refrain from participating in gambling, according to Mr. Stone.
The chief executive of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gaming revealed that the problem gambling helpline in the Bluegrass State has seen a higher number of text messages and calls since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
Between 25,000 and 30,000 Kentuckians Are Problem Gamblers
Some of the affected gamblers ascribe the increasing severity of their problem to the fact they have more free time on their hands. Others attribute the greater acuteness of their condition to the fact they are forced to work remotely from their homes. In turn, this provides them with unrestricted access to virtual gambling.
In light of the approaching 146th annual Kentucky Derby this Saturday, Mr. Stone also gave some guidelines to bettors who fear they may be developing a problem. According to him, people should first ask themselves whether and when it is appropriate for them to wager. Also important is to pay attention to how much money and time they can afford to spend on such activities, he stressed.
The KYCPG chief executive went on to reveal that roughly 1% of the residents of the Bluegrass State are likely to struggle with debilitating problem gambling. This corresponds to 25,000 to 30,000 of the state’s residents, Mr. Stone said.
In his words, the numbers may not seem that frightening but the damaging effects on the problem gamblers’ lives, those around them, and society, in general, can be quite significant. As for the 146th annual Kentucky Derby, it starts this Saturday at 2:30 pm ET, as usual, at the Churchill Down racetrack in the state’s largest city Louisville.
