With the college basketball conference tournaments and the NCAA’s big dance right around the corner, it is only fitting that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Kentucky and across the country.
In September, the state rolled out legalized sports betting and participation has been greater than it was estimated when the legislation was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear. In fact, calls, texts and chats with trained counselors who answer Kentucky’s Problem Gambling Assistant Program (1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-426-2537) significantly increased in the final quarter of 2023 and remain higher than before the legislation, which established the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) and is funded by 2.5% of the taxes the state receives from sports betting, was passed.
“The number of disordered and problem gamblers in Kentucky likely is the same now as it was before, it’s just there is more awareness that gambling can be addictive and that people can get help if they suspect a problem,” KYCPG Executive Director Michael R. Stone said. “There has been a lot of pubic awareness due to the reporting on the sports betting legislation and its start-up. This all serves to spur to the surface those who may be impacted and who are wondering whether there may be a problem. They were there all along, but now there is less stigma and shame knowing their problem is shared by others; that it is a medical/mental health issue and not a moral failing to hide.”
According to the KYCPG, the state receives more than $300 million in taxes, fees and transfer payments annually from the $2 billion gambled per year. Surveys indicate there are approximately 47,000 to 64,000 Kentuckians who are disordered gamblers — characterized by continuing to gamble in spite of serious, negative consequence —and roughly 102,000 to 165,000 who are problem gamblers. It is estimated that disordered gamblers cost the state at least $430 million in combined social costs from social service costs, unemployment insurance, crime and criminal justice costs, bankruptcy and lost productivity.
Problem and disordered gambling is preventable by following responsible gambling practices and recovery is possible for those who want help. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER to talk to a certified counselor and visit http://www.kygamblinghelp.com for a self-screening.
Ashland Daily Independent. March 14, 2024.
State education funding methods need a hard look
Just when you think you’re getting a break from those negative political ads after this week’s Ohio primary, brace for more. Why do politicians use harsh political ads? They work.
Many Americans say they detest negative ads. They’re designed for several reasons: to discourage you from voting while the candidate is trying to fire up their own base; also a candidate who’s running behind is trying to tear down the other candidate – sort of a Hail Mary pass.
Many are paid for by political action committees (PACs). They operate behind the scenes with dark money. The PAC is not required to disclose donors.
Political campaigns get the lowest unit rate from local television and radio broadcast stations. This means candidates get the most favorable advertising rate during the weeks just prior to the election.
Broadcast stations are required to do this because Congress passed a law requiring them to do so.
With the Ohio primary behind us, we’ll all have to endure the West Virginia primary ads, which are already in overdrive. The West Virginia primary is May 14.
We’ve already seen ads telling us so-and-so wants to have the Chinese take over local classroom curriculum. Another one says the other candidate is for same-sex bathrooms. The beat goes on. Some of these political ads make the frequent lawyer ads look much more bearable.
Ohio has a U.S. Senate race in November as does West Virginia. We expect the West Virginia Senate election to be tame compared to an ultra expensive Ohio race for Senate. But West Virginia’s marquee race is for Governor, which will likely feature Huntington Mayor Steve Williams as the Democrat against the winner of the hotly contested GOP primary.
Then, there’s a presidential election. The November election includes the candidates for Congress and state representative in all three states.
So next time you sit on your couch with remote control in hand, brace for more political ads with politicians shooting guns or hearing that the other candidate favors decriminalizing illegal drugs.
The first thing every Tri-Stater learns upon retirement is the Farmer, Cline and Campbell jingle lawyer ad, which runs during daytime hours. After November, we’ll see more civilized broadcast advertising… we hope.
