PRINTER'S NO. 567
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
54
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY YUDICHAK, CAPPELLETTI, SCAVELLO, BROWNE, MARTIN,
FONTANA, BREWSTER, COSTA AND STREET, APRIL 9, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 9, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of March 2021 as "Problem Gambling
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Individuals across the 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 the lives of these individuals
and their families; and
WHEREAS, The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG)
reports that 2% to 3% of the United States population, which
equates to between 6 million and 9 million Americans, are
considered problem gamblers; and
WHEREAS, Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting
individuals of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds in all
communities and has a significant societal and economic cost;
and
WHEREAS, Problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is
effective in minimizing the harm to individuals, families and
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society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Only a limited number of individuals affected by
problem gambling seek treatment options and utilize existing
problem-gambling 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 NCPG is coordinating the annual "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 Senate designate the month of March 2021
as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate urge the Pennsylvania Gaming
Control Board to continue its outreach efforts and work with the
Pennsylvania gaming industry to develop and implement problem-
gambling programs and further promote community-based programs
in this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate urge the Department of Health in
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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 Senate recognize that problem gambling is
a public health issue impacting residents in this Commonwealth
in a harmful way that needs to be addressed in a reasonable and
responsible manner; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate 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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