Bill Seeking to Strengthen Problem Gambling Awareness, Treatment Progresses in NY

A new bill seeking to form the so-called Problem Gambling Advisory Council has now been sent to the assembly for further consideration, which, if successful, will see it arrive at the governor’s desk before long.

Senator Joseph Addabbo has been accustomed to making waves in New York’s gambling landscape, with the lawmaker’s latest draft bill making it through the Senate with an overwhelming support by lawmakers and hoping to hit the desk of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

New Body to Help with Problem Gambling Awareness and Treatment in NY

The bill seeks to establish the Problem Gambling Advisory Council as a body that will improve awareness, prevention, and treatment options for people who struggle with gambling-related harm and it comes at a pivotal time for the industry.

March is fitting Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a campaign that seeks to highlight the dangers of excessive gambling and how even when engaged receptively, gambling can be a dangerous operation.

The new body would seek to promote awareness for gambling addiction specifically, as well as engage with actively preventing its proliferation and incidence while taking measures to address and aid the population that is already experiencing gambling-related problems.

Another common task for the new body would be to better coordinate cooperation between state agencies and operators, allowing various organizations to work together to advance responsible gambling and address gambling-related harm in the state.

The Problem Gambling Advisory Council will similarly seek to provide annual reports directly to the government’s office and lawmakers, and thus help pitch important points about the best course of action in terms of policy decisions.

Sen. Addabbo has welcomed the passage of the bill, arguing that it was an important step forward for addressing what is an important issue and part of the gaming industry.

“This bill is an important step forward in ensuring that, as gaming evolves in New York, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents,” he explained.

Awareness Among Young People Crucial for Addressing Problem Gambling

Sen. Addabbo has been mostly seen as a friend to the gambling industry. He has spearheaded legislation to legalize iGaming, sports betting, and poker in the state and has fought back against sweepstakes social casinos.

However, apart from pushing for a liberalization of the gambling market, Sen. Addabbo has similarly sought to address the problems associated with gambling.

He teamed up with the New York Council on Problem Gambling and The Safe Foundation to host educational sessions at Richmond Hill High School, as awareness and prevention are the two most important and effective tools in preventing long-term addiction.

“Educating our youth about the dangers of gambling addiction is not just a responsibility; it’s an investment in their future,” Sen. Addabbo concluded at the time.