The month of March is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month a nationwide campaign that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates over 600,000 adults experience gambling-related issues in New York State.
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr, who is the Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, is making sure people are getting the help they need for gambling addiction through a zoom discussion scheduled for Tuesday, March 12.
“For some, gaming is a casual pastime, but for others it becomes all-consuming, and they need help,” Addabbo said.
Addabbo is hosting a virtual discussion on the topic of gambling on the same day as National Gambling Screening Day. The senator’s discussion aims to educate the public on problematic gambling and provide available resources to organizations that can help.
The New York Council on Problem Gambling, Resorts World NYC Casino, and the National Council on Problem Gambling is collaborating with Senator Addabbo to help spread awareness. Participants are expected to hear from leading experts in problem gambling and find the resources they need to learn how to combat their addiction.
“If we can help individuals from taking this preventable trip down the road to self-destruction, especially through early detection, then we have accomplished something important,” Addabbo said, adding that he has just as much of a duty to help those with gambling issues.
Senator Addabbo will be joined by Professor David Nutt, director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit in the Division of Brain Sciences at the Imperial College of London, during the virtual discussion. Nutt is considered one of the world’s leading experts on addiction and is expected to talk about his recent findings about gambling addiction.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to share our research on the brain mechanisms underpinning gambling addiction as they will help explain why it is so hard to break its grip and hopefully lead to new treatments,” Nutt said.
The gambling scene has seen improvements in these past few years. Mobile sports wagering in New York State reached its second anniversary in January and within the same month, the total mobile sports wagering handle reached $35.7 billion. Mobile sports betting generated a total net revenue to schools of $1.57 billion, according to numbers shared by Addabbo’s office.
Also in recognition of the positive impact on revenue for the state, Senator Addabbo says he remains mindful of the unintended consequences associated with gambling and will continue to address these issues with fellow lawmakers.
The virtual meeting is held through Zoom. A link to the event is also available on Senator Addabbo’s website. Senator Addabbo represents the neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, and Woodhaven.
