PRINTER'S NO. 1747
No. 233 Session of 2008
INTRODUCED BY EARLL, MELLOW, LAVALLE, LOGAN, ERICKSON, BAKER,
FONTANA, DINNIMAN, FERLO, O'PAKE, PUNT, ORIE, M. WHITE,
ROBBINS, WASHINGTON, KASUNIC, C. WILLIAMS, GREENLEAF, COSTA,
KITCHEN, PICCOLA, D. WHITE, GORDNER, WOZNIAK AND TOMLINSON,
FEBRUARY 8, 2008
REFERRED TO COMMUNITY, ECONOMIC AND RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
FEBRUARY 8, 2008
A RESOLUTION
1 Observing the week of March 9 through 15, 2008, as "Problem
2 Gambling Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
3 WHEREAS, Individuals across the country and in this
4 Commonwealth enjoy the recreational aspects of legalized
5 gambling; and
6 WHEREAS, For some individuals and families, gambling becomes
7 a significant disruption; and
8 WHEREAS, The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG)
9 reports that 2% to 3% of the United States population will have
10 a gambling problem in any given year; and
11 WHEREAS, Problem gambling should be considered a public
12 health issue affecting individuals of all ages, races and ethnic
13 backgrounds in all communities and having a significant societal
14 and economic cost; and
15 WHEREAS, Problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is
16 effective in minimizing the harm to both individuals and society
1 as a whole; and
2 WHEREAS, Numerous individuals, professionals and
3 organizations have dedicated their efforts to public awareness
4 of problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of
5 treatment; and
6 WHEREAS, The NCPG is coordinating the Sixth Annual National
7 Problem Gambling Awareness Week campaign, which seeks to educate
8 the public about the impact of problem gambling and the
9 availability of treatment options; therefore be it
10 RESOLVED, That the Senate observe the week of March 9 through
11 15, 2008, as "Problem Gambling Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania;
12 and be it further
13 RESOLVED, That the Senate urge the Pennsylvania Gaming
14 Control Board to continue its outreach efforts and to work with
15 Pennsylvania gaming licensees to develop and implement problem
16 gambling programs at licensed facilities and further promote
17 community-based programs in this Commonwealth; and be it further
18 RESOLVED, That the Senate urge all the citizens of this
19 Commonwealth to learn more about problem gambling and the
20 programs available to help individuals and their families who
21 have been adversely affected by this issue.
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