March is widely known as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) across the country, and Pennsylvania lawmakers have sponsored a bill that that would officially recognize the efforts throughout the state.
Sixteen co-sponsors brought House Resolution 52 to light earlier this month, which has been referred to the Gaming Oversight Committee. The Keystone State has always been a big proponent of responsible gambling.
However, March is the month where the state would drive home resources available for problem gambling. The bill states:
“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.
“Problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to individuals, families and society as a whole.”
Multiple PA organizations to come together for PGAM
There are organizations in Pennsylvania that band together, especially in March, to provide resources and tools towards responsible gambling. Some of those include:
- Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
- Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP)
- Pennsylvania Lottery
Gov. Josh Shapiro‘s istration held a press conference earlier this week to kick-off the start of PGAM. The gathering featured David Yeager, a former veteran in long-term recovery from problem gambling. He spoke about the importance responsible and problem gambling in a statement:
“While not all of us are impacted by problem gambling, those of us who are often don’t realize it’s a treatable addiction until severe damage is done. Much more education and awareness are needed to help those struggling realize there’s help available.”
DDAP provides treatment and preventative tools to enforce responsible gambling. One of the first steps is recognizing symptoms, DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said:
“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn about the signs of problem gambling and to use that knowledge to help spread the message that treatment and resources are available. Knowledge is power, especially in of prevention.
“With the right treatment and s for problem gambling, recovery is not only possible, but also probable. Understanding that treatment and resources are available to help is often the first step on the road to recovery.”
The Pennsylvania Lottery helps fund the national 1-800-GAMBLER line, which is available 24 hours, 365 days a year. The PGCB offers several self-exclusions programs for individuals, too.
PGCB and DDAP responsibilities according to PGAM bill
All four organizations each contribute a piece to the responsible gambling puzzle in Pennsylvania. HR 52 gives the PGCB and DDAP the following tasks, which state:
“That the House of Representatives urge the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to continue outreach efforts and to work with the Pennsylvania gaming industry to develop and implement problem gambling programs and further promote community-based programs in this Commonwealth.
“That the House of Representatives urge the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Department of Revenue, through efforts of the Pennsylvania Lottery in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and individuals, professionals and organizations dedicated to public awareness and treatment of problem gambling to tly create, develop and promote public awareness campaigns regarding the recognition and prevention of problem gambling.”
Responsible gambling is always on the minds of the aforementioned organizations and operators. March makes it a period of time to highlight the significance.
