Senate Resolution No. 1955

BY: Senator FERNANDEZ

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2024 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
problems that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2024 as Problem
Gambling Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, March 2024 will be observed as Problem Gambling Awareness
Month to create awareness around problem gambling in accordance with
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Problem gambling can impact anyone regardless of
background, social or economic status, cultural background or level of
education; and

WHEREAS, A survey conducted by the New York State Office of
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) found that five percent
of adults, or 668,000 individuals, exhibited problem gambling behaviors
within the past year; and

WHEREAS, A survey of seventh through twelfth grade students revealed
that ten percent, or 140,000 students, showed signs of problem gambling
in the past 12 months and ten percent of those students were in need of
treatment for problem gambling; and

WHEREAS, As mobile sports betting continues to grow in New York
State, we must take steps in making sure those who participate in sports
gambling do not become addicted, and if they do, they have the proper
resources for recovery; and

WHEREAS, New York has seen record-breaking amounts of revenue since
the introduction of mobile betting as well as the State's collection of
more than $1.55 billion in taxes on such bets; and

WHEREAS, The growth and expansion of mobile betting in the State of
New York requires that we ensure that the education and resources are
available for people to responsibly engage in gambling, and to prevent
and mitigate problem gambling; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2024 as Problem
Gambling Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to urge its
citizens to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the
availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.