New York Sen. Addabbo to Participate in Problem Gambling Online Debate

March is recognized as the Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a period when different initiatives across the United States will take place, raising awareness of gambling addiction and problem gambling. One such important initiative will be an online Zoom meeting sponsored by New York Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo. The upcoming meeting will see the Senator join a discussion about problem gambling. Participants in the meeting can remain anonymous, engage in discussion and learn more information on problem gambling.

While Sen. Addabbo is a supporter of the expansion of online gambling in New York, he recognizes the importance of responsible gambling and the concerns related to problem and at-risk gambling. The upcoming online discussion he will participate in is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The event will take place between 6 PM and 7 PM via Zoom. The date selected for the upcoming online debate isn’t random. This is because March 12 is designated as Gambling Disorder Screening Day.

The educational and interactive discussion on problem gambling will involve a number of interesting topics. Participants will receive more information regarding the signs of addiction as well as options for voluntary self-exclusion from gambling activities. Moreover, the discussion will dive into the medical side of gambling addiction, along with gambling addiction screening methods. Another important topic as part of the upcoming discussion will be “S.E.E It – Support, Educate and Engage to Reduce Gambling Harm.”

According to a statement released by Sen. Addabbo, the discussion can be joined via Zoom meeting ID: 867 9190 5653 with a passcode 874928.

A Leading Expert in Addictions Will Join the Discussion

The upcoming educational and interactive discussion on problem gambling will be joined by a leading expert. Besides Sen. Addabbo, the debate will include a special guest, Prof. David Nutt, the director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit in the Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London. The professor is renowned as a leading expert in addictions and will undoubtedly play an important role in the interactive discussion on problem gambling.

Early in January, Sen. Addabbo stayed true to his promise after he officially filed an iGaming and iLottery bill in New York. The bill, Senate Bill 8185, proposes the establishment of an online gambling market in the state where iGaming operators would be subject to a 30.5% tax on gross gaming revenue. Similar to other states, online gambling activities would only be permitted for individuals aged 21 or older.

More recently, Senate Bill 8185 has undergone amendment, proposing the establishment of a competitive iGaming market in the state. The changes also require iLottery and iGaming operators to establish relations with union workers.