The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) is hosting its 25th annual conference in Owensboro this week in an effort to spread awareness about problem gambling and how to access treatment services.
KYCPG is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase awareness of problem gambling, promote prevention and research, and advocate for the availability of treatment.
“As a council, we do not take sides on the issues of pro/con for gambling. We advocate for the treatment of the disordered gambler,” said Council President Dr. RonSonlyn Clark, who also serves as the Senior Director of Substance Abuse Services at RiverValley Behavioral Health.
According to Executive Director Mike Stone, prior to the pandemic, the KYCPG board voted to move the annual conference around the state to spread the awareness message that problem and addicted gambling is a public health issue.
“The conference is KYCPG’s signature event during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month,” Stone said. “Owensboro was chosen as the first site due to the number of certified gambler counselors and their statewide leadership in addressing the issue.”
The conference is open to the public. The keynote speaker is William Coley of Dayton, Ohio. He is a former Ohio state senator and past president of the National Conference of Legislators from Gaming States.
The conference will feature several other speakers, both from national and local levels. Jody Becktold of Pennsylvania will be talking about her book The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook. George Brenner of Indiana will be presenting on “Motivational Interviewing and Gambling” and Owensboro’s Clark Owensboro will be presenting on “Trauma and its Affects on Disordered Gambling.”
KYCPG will also recognize the RiverValley Behavioral Health Crisis Line specialists, as the group has provided the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline services since 1999.
In the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, the definition of pari-mutual wagering was changed, which permits Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines in Kentucky. That has led to the expansion of HHR facilities across the state.
Following the recent news that Ellis Park was expanding to Owensboro — and with a wide selection of historical racing machines — some community members publicly voiced concerns about gambling becoming an issue.
Stone said Ellis Park is a KYCPG corporate member, “which signifies recognition of the social responsibility of the gambling industry to support problem gambling awareness and services.”
“KYCPG does not oppose gambling, nor does it endorse gambling,” Stone said. “Gambling exists. KYCPG’s concern is that there are protocols in place to promote responsible gambling and provide assistance to those who may develop a gambling problem or addiction.”
In Kentucky, finding help for individuals with a gambling problem or addiction starts with a phone call or text to 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). A telephone counselor who has been trained on gambling addiction and responding to suicidal callers can provide referral to certified gambler counselors, community mental health centers, or Gamblers Anonymous.
The call or text is free and is completely confidential.
Individuals also may go to kygamblinghelp.org, a website provided by KYCPG for awareness information and a self-screen for gambling addiction. KYCPG stresses that recovery from a gambling problem is possible once someone realizes and admits they need help.
