Relates to compulsive gambling assistance

BILL NUMBER:S3394A

Title of bill

An act to amend the mental hygiene law and the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to compulsive gambling assistance

Purpose

To provide educational materials to individuals who may have as issue with problem gambling.

Summary of specific provisions

This legislation will require the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to develop a problem gambling education program that all individuals, prior to being removed from any self-exclusion list must complete.

Justification

The public health and social costs associated with compulsive gambling are widely known and have even been acknowledged by the American Gaming Association (AGA), which represents the commercial casino entertainment industry; The AGA has stated that it recognizes the importance of the industry taking action to address issues associated with problem gambling. One method used to promote responsible gaming and address compulsive gambling is called a "self-exclusion list." Self-exclusion lists are used nation-wide by many gaming facilities to encourage responsible gaining. In most states, including New York, gaining facilities must offer the ability for an individual to voluntarily place themselves on a self-exclusion list which will prevent them from entering, placing a wager, or collecting winnings from a gambling facility. In addition, if an individual is seen on the premises of a facility, they may be escorted off the casino's property, and if necessary, with the use of local law enforcement. In states with more comprehensive problem gambling assistance frameworks, the exclusion provisions focus on helping individuals, connecting them with treatment providers and other supports, to address their issues with problem gambling.

In Pennsylvania, as of January 1, 2012, over 3,000 individuals have made requests to be placed on the state's self-exclusion list and thirty three percent, or approximately 900 of those people have sought treatment. Further, the state of Illinois requires that prior to removal from a self-exclusion list; a treating physician or qualified mental health professional who is a certified gambling counselor must provide a written recommendation on the self-excluded person's capacity to participate in gambling, without experiencing adverse behavioral health risks or consequences.

This bill seeks to enhance New York State's self--exclusion provisions by developing educational materials and programs to increase awareness for individuals who voluntarily self-exclude and are potentially dealing with a gambling addiction.

Prior legislative history

2011-12 A.10025A Referred to Rules S.7795 Referred to Rules

Fiscal implications

Undetermined

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.