SAFE: Governor Issues Proclamation to Prevent Problem Gambling

March has been designated Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation that outlines support and services across the state and highlighted the importance of data-driven research and policymaking to combat the often-undetected addiction. In recognition of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Gambling Disorder Screening Day, landmarks across the state was illuminated yellow on March 10.

National Problem Gambling Awareness Month was created by the National Council on Problem Gambling. This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encouraging healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.

Governor Hochul’s proclamation notes:

“New York State has established a strong public health response to gambling harms by expanding access to specialized peer and recovery supports, improving data collection and expanding research, and providing the addiction workforce free tools and evidence-based practices, as well as launching targeted public awareness campaigns to prevent and decrease risks of gambling harms and inform New Yorkers of the connections to supports that are available…”

“New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) oversees a comprehensive statewide continuum of prevention, treatment, harm-reduction, and recovery supports for individuals and families affected by gambling harms, with initiatives that are data-driven to ensure effective targeted outreach approaches and culturally appropriate services are available.”

“These efforts are strengthened through growing partnerships across the state and nation and working closely with the New York Gaming Commission to analyze data from the voluntary self-exclusion program and mobile sports wagering platforms to inform policy and improve services.”

NYS OASAS is committed to focusing on this addiction that too often goes unnoticed. The organization is working with partners across the state to strengthen their support and resources by expanding services, improving data collection, and advancing research to reduce risk and prevent harm. Help is available across New York State, and OASAS encourages all New Yorkers who gamble to do it responsibly and reach out to us for support when they need it.

New York Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Michelle Hadden said, “The Council is pleased to partner with both OASAS and the NYS Gaming Commission on the important work of raising awareness of gambling harms and ensuring support is accessible and effective. Focusing on the individuals and families in NY facing these challenges remains our top priority and gambling harm prevention efforts are an essential part of protecting our youth from risk."

Many locations around the State participated in the coordinated yellow lighting on March 10 that included 1 World Trade Center, Empire State Plaza, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and the Kosciuszko Bridge to name a few.

The Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) consists of OASAS, the Gaming Commission, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling. The RPP brings all stakeholders together to address problem gambling, including bridging the gap between gaming facility operators and problem gambling treatment providers. The RPP works to ensure that all gaming entities in the state comply with all rules and regulations and provide access to help for individuals who need it. The RPP continues to work to advance New York’s ongoing commitment to prevent and treat problem gambling.

Those seeking help can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or call New York State’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY at 467369.

SAFE is the only alcohol and substance use prevention, intervention and education agency in Glen Cove and seeks to prevent addiction. Please visit SAFE’s Problem Gambling page at www.safeglencove.org to learn more about the dangers of gambling addiction.