It is the ease of placing a bet and the bombardment of advertisements that worry Kevin Ford the most when it comes to the temptation to place a wager on a sporting event.
Ford is the Substance-Use Disorder director and Kansas Certified Gambling Counselor at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend.
“Sports-betting ads are so pervasive right now; they are everywhere,” Ford said. “If you have a mobile phone and are on the internet, placing a wager is now at your fingertips any time of the day or night.
“Television ads are especially enticing because celebrities and pro athletes tell you how easy it is and how much fun you’re going to have.”
Ford shared a few Kansas statistics that indicate more people are calling a gambling hotline than before sports betting was legalized in 2022.
In 2022, state statistics report 263 calls, with 35 of them related to sports betting. The following year, 673 calls were made and 120 were sports-related.
“Several of these calls were made in the Center’s service area,” Ford said, referring to Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. “These numbers aren’t big yet but they are increasing and I predict they will continue to do so.
“The question I ask myself is ‘how many are not calling?’”
Ford noted that in his experience, “gamblers are intellectually aware that this has to stop but they can’t fight the uncontrollable urge to make that wager.”
Sports-betting ads suggest gamblers call 1-800-GAMBLER when they find themselves in trouble. The Problem Gambling Helpline on the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) website is 800-522-4700.
“I encourage gamblers to consider making that call,” Ford said. “The KDADS gambling team is available and they suggest that people ‘know when enough is enough.’”
Treatment
Much of the treatment for gambling addicts involves talk therapy. This treatment is at no cost to the individual because revenues from casinos and the lottery are earmarked for this purpose.
“During treatment, counselors and clients look at that feeling of being powerless,” Ford commented. “In many cases, financial counseling also is appropriate because people ask for help when they get into serious money trouble.
“In addition, spouses sometimes don’t know what has been going on, which leads to anger and frustration.”
Gambling treatment includes the same techniques as those involved in substance-use disorder.
“Problem betting is akin to an alcoholic taking a drink,” Ford explained. “If you don’t have easy access to Gamblers Anonymous, please seriously consider finding open meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous.
“Gamblers can learn about their addiction at these open meetings. This could be an important ingredient in their recovery.”
Warning signs
Ford shared KDADS information about the warning signs of problem gambling. They include:
• A preoccupation with gambling
• Talking only about wins, not losses
• Sports betting is a way to escape from problems
• Hiding losses from family members
• Borrowing money to place bets
• Withdrawing from loved ones or constantly checking on bets
• Inability to stop or cut back
The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
