View gambling as an addiction

View gambling as an addiction

New York waited until 1966 for Congress to pass legislation earmarking money for drug treatment and drug prevention programs. How many years will New York have to wait for Congress to accept the truth that gambling can also become an addiction?

Politics aside, I was shocked when the state Senate voted "no" for state funds to continue OTB in New York City. Politics aside, I commend those senators who did not buckle under extreme pressure and voted "no."

I am not naive enough to think the majority who voted "no" did so because they recognized the personal and social consequences inherent in gambling. They voted no because it was politically advantageous to them. What am I given for my "yes" vote?

What a shame that our elected officials will sell their votes for personal and political gain, and ignore the reality of people suffering gambling addiction in New York.

Lew Krupka

Director

Gambling Recovery Center

Guilderland