P1 1WHEREAS, The first week of March 2014 is recognized
2nationally as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week; and
3WHEREAS, The most recently released DSM-V Manual
4(Diagnostic Statistical Manual Version Five) classifies Problem
5Gambling as an addiction and is in the same category (chapter) as
6alcohol and substance abuse disorders. Previously, it had been
7classified as an impulse control disorder along with kleptomania
8and pyromania. Problem Gambling compromises, disrupts, and
9ultimately destroys the gambler’s personal life, family
10relationships, and vocational pursuits; and
11WHEREAS, The Office of Problem Gambling has moved under
12the State Department of Public Health, thus expanding resources
13to increase awareness and create a sense that Problem Gambling
14is not only an addiction, but also a public health issue in which
15some problem gamblers and others are affected by problem
16gambling behavior; and
17WHEREAS, Since 2010, the Office of Problem Gambling has
18provided treatment services to over 5,300 problem gamblers and
19others affected by problem gambling behavior; and
20WHEREAS, Health care providers, governmental agencies,
21nonprofit organizations, community leaders and organizations,
22mental health agencies, the recovery community, gambling industry
23personnel, government leaders, law enforcement personnel, and
P2 1the general public are working together to change the outcome for
2those affected by problem gambling; and
3WHEREAS, The Bureau of Gambling Control within the
4Department of Justice, the California Gambling Control
5Commission, the California State Lottery, California Friday Night
6Live Partnership, California Gaming Association, Media Solutions,
7NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, and National Pacific American
8Families Against Substance Abuse, have joined the Office of
9Problem Gambling and the California Council on Problem
10Gambling to endorse a problem gambling awareness campaign;
11now, therefore, be it
12Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the
13Assembly recognizes the week of March 2, 2014, to March 8,
142014, inclusive, as Problem Gambling Awareness Week, and the
15agencies and organizations described above be commended for
16their concerted effort to raise public awareness of problem
17gambling; and be it further
18Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
19of this resolution to the author for distribution.
O
99