THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY SANTONI, BEYER, BRIGGS, BROWN, CALTAGIRONE, CONKLIN, DENLINGER, DONATUCCI, EVERETT, FAIRCHILD, FREEMAN, GEIST, GEORGE, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, HELM, HENNESSEY, KORTZ, MANN, MATZIE, MURT, OBERLANDER, M. O'BRIEN, PARKER, READSHAW, ROSS, SCAVELLO, SIPTROTH, SONNEY, STABACK, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TRUE AND VULAKOVICH, MARCH 2, 2010

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAMING OVERSIGHT, MARCH 2, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Observing the week of March 7 through 13, 2010, as "Problem

Gambling Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Individuals across the nation and in this

Commonwealth enjoy the recreational aspects of legalized gaming;

and

WHEREAS, For some individuals and families, gambling can

cause a significant disruption; and

WHEREAS, The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG)

reports that 2% to 3% of the United States population will have

a gambling problem in any given year; and

WHEREAS, Problem gambling should be considered a public

health issue affecting individuals of all ages, races and ethnic

backgrounds and having a significant societal and economic cost;

and

WHEREAS, Problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is

effective in minimizing the harm to both individuals and society

as a whole; and

WHEREAS, The conference committee report on Senate Bill 711

(Act No.1 of 2010) requires the Department of Health, in

consultation with other appropriate agencies and the single

county authorities, to develop a strategic plan for the

prevention and treatment of compulsive and problem gambling; and

WHEREAS, Numerous individuals, professionals and

organizations have dedicated their efforts to public awareness

of problem gambling and to the availability and effectiveness of

treatment; and

WHEREAS, The NCPG is coordinating the eighth annual national

"Problem Gambling Awareness Week" campaign, which seeks to

educate the public about the impact of problem gambling and the

availability of treatment options; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives observe the week

of March 7 through 13, 2010, as "Problem Gambling Awareness

Week" in Pennsylvania; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to continue its outreach

efforts and to work with Pennsylvania gaming licensees to

develop and implement problem gambling programs at licensed

facilities and further promote community-based programs in this

Commonwealth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all the

citizens of this Commonwealth to learn more about problem

gambling and the programs available to help individuals and

families who have been adversely affected by this issue.