Assemblyman wants full study on gambling addiction

By Matthew McKibben
Staff writer

April 14, 2014

A bill making its way through both houses would commission a comprehensive study on the social

impacts of problem gambling.

The bill introduced last year by Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (A.7836) would authorize and direct the commissioner of mental health to create a statewide evaluation regarding the extent of legal and illegal gambling by New York state residents. Sen. Martin Golden has signed on as the sponsor of the same-as bill (S. 6932).

According to Cymbrowitz – whose testimony was cited during a Gaming Commission forum on compulsive gambling last week – the purpose of the bill is to mitigate the social costs related to problem gambling.

"While it is important that New York state continue to conduct surveys that determine the prevalence of problem gambling and illustrate the need for prevention and treatment services, additional research that measures the social impact of problem gambling is sorely needed," said Cymbrowitz, chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

A survey conducted by the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services found that 5 percent of adults, 668,000 people, in New York exhibited problem gambling behaviors in the past year.

Cymbrowitz, D–Brooklyn, said research has found that proximity to casinos increases the rate of problem gambling among the local population. He added that if the legislation is passed, the information gained from the study would enable the problem gambling service providers and the service industry to implement strategies and interventions that target the specific issues of each community and its citizens.

"By having this information, New York state and its public officials will be able to develop a comprehensive plan comprising precise policies and regulations that aim to mitigate the social costs related to problem gambling," Cymbrowitz said.


http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-04-14-87569.113122-Assemblyman-wants-full-study-on-gambling-addiction.html