Addabbo Highlights the Importance of Gambling Awareness Month: A Call for Community Education and Support

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. expressed the importance of raising awareness of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. It provides an important opportunity to educate the public about problem gambling and its effects on people, families, and communities throughout the state.

“Whenever I look to work on gaming matters in our state, I make problem gambling a priority issue. I appreciate the role our gaming operators and their obligation to address problem gambling, as we work together to protect New Yorkers”, Addabbo stated.

Gambling can be a fun activity, but for some it can become a disaster. Problem gambling doesn’t just hurt the gambler, but also their families and society at large. New Yorkers who have gambling disorders can experience financial loss, stress, possible legal complications, or much worse.

Awareness is the first step to prevention and treatment. To this end, it is necessary to draw attention to the resources that exist for those affected by Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the help that is available such as counseling and support groups. It is crucial to create an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable seeking help without being judged by others.

“This month, I would urge all New Yorkers to talk about the importance of gambling responsibly and to find out more about the symptoms of problem gambling”, Addabbo said. “In addition, I would like to thank the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), the Safe Foundation and other community-based agencies for their efforts in increasing the public's awareness and for the help they provide to those in need. Their hard work is vital in preventing unhealthy gambling behaviors and for those who need help to recover.”

In acknowledging Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Addabbo is looking to pass a host of legislative bills from his next committee meeting about the issue, such as raising the age to 21 (up from 18) for gambling (S2610), adding more funding from mobile sports betting for gambling addiction programs (S2615), and protecting minors from gambling online with sweepstakes casinos (S5935).

Addabbo will also be hosting a Problem Gambling Awareness Month event at a local high school to educate students about the dangers of gambling. The Senator will be partnering with NYCPG and the Safe Foundation.

“As we mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month, we must continue to advocate for a society that not only educates itself, but also supports those who may be struggling with gambling addiction,” Addabbo said. “Let us all do everything we can to help the people of New York.”