PRINTER'S NO. 3706
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
855
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY CONKLIN, BIZZARRO, BROOKS, BURNS, SCHLEGEL CULVER,
DELLOSO, DONATUCCI, FREEMAN, HARKINS, HENNESSEY, KIM, KINSEY,
LONGIETTI, MARKOSEK, MARSHALL, McNEILL, MILLARD, MURT,
NEILSON, READSHAW, ROEBUCK, ROZZI, STAATS AND YOUNGBLOOD,
MAY 4, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAMING OVERSIGHT, MAY 4, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of March 2020 as "Problem Gambling
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania and recognizing the month of
March 2020 as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Month."
WHEREAS, Individuals across this country and in this
Commonwealth enjoy the recreational aspects of legalized
gambling; and
WHEREAS, For some individuals and families, gambling becomes
an issue affecting and disrupting their lives; and
WHEREAS, The National Council on Problem Gambling reports
that 2% to 3% of the United States population, or between 6
million and 9 million Americans, will have a gambling problem in
any given year; and
WHEREAS, Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting
individuals of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds in every
community; and
WHEREAS, Gambling has a significant societal and economic
cost; and
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WHEREAS, Treatment for problem gambling is effective in
minimizing the harm to individuals, families and society; and
WHEREAS, Only a limited number of individuals affected by
problem gambling seek treatment options and utilize existing
treatment programs; and
WHEREAS, Numerous individuals, professionals and
organizations have dedicated their efforts to public awareness
of problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of
treatment; and
WHEREAS, The proliferation of unregulated slot machine-like
devices in nearly every community across this Commonwealth,
especially in vulnerable communities, is contributing to
gambling addiction; and
WHEREAS, Unregulated gambling devices demand increased focus
on compulsive and problem gambling awareness and the education
of residents of this Commonwealth on gambling addiction as a
public health issue, which affects Pennsylvanians of all ages
and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, The National Council on Problem Gambling is
coordinating the annual "National Problem Gambling Awareness
Month" campaign in March 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 designate the
month of March 2020 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania and recognize the month of March 2020 as "National
Problem Gambling Awareness Month"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to continue its outreach
efforts and work with the Pennsylvania gaming industry to
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develop and implement problem-gambling programs and further
promote community-based programs in this Commonwealth; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the
Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Drug
and Alcohol Programs, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and
individuals, professionals and organizations dedicated to public
awareness and treatment of problem gambling, to jointly create,
develop and promote public awareness campaigns regarding the
recognition and prevention of problem gambling; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize that
problem gambling is a public health issue impacting residents in
this Commonwealth in a harmful way which must be addressed in a
reasonable and responsible manner; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all
residents of this Commonwealth to learn more about problem
gambling and the programs available to help individuals and
their families who have been adversely affected by this issue.
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