BILL NUMBER: SR 20	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senators Berryhill, Block, Cannella, Gaines, Hall,
Hill, McGuire, and Vidak

                        MARCH 25, 2015

   Relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



   WHEREAS, The month of March 2015 is recognized as National Problem
Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem Gambling
(established in 1972) and its 37 State Affiliates, including the
California Council on Problem Gambling (established in 1986); and
   WHEREAS, Problem gambling is not only an addiction, but also a
public health issue in which some problem gamblers and others are
affected by problem gambling behavior; and
   WHEREAS, Problem gambling is a treatable disease, and treatment is
effective at minimizing the harm to individuals, families, and
society as a whole. The Office of Problem Gambling and UCLA Gambling
Studies Program currently operate the California Gambling Education
and Treatment Services (CalGETS), which, since 2010, has provided
treatment services to over 7,000 problem gamblers and others affected
by a gambling disorder. While many individuals have received help,
only a limited number of individuals affected by problem gambling
seek treatment options and utilize existing problem gambling
programs; and
   WHEREAS, "Gambling disorder" is classified by the American
Psychiatric Association (APA) as an addiction with similarities to
the causes and consequences of alcohol and drug dependence; and
   WHEREAS, Gambling disorder has been recognized as the "hidden
disease," since compulsive gamblers do not exhibit visible signs in
the way individuals with other addictions, such as substance abuse
disorders, do; and
   WHEREAS, The Bureau of Gambling Control within the Department of
Justice, the California Gambling Control Commission, the California
State Lottery, California Friday Night Live Partnership, California
Gaming Association, the California Tribal Business Alliance, Media
Solutions, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, National Asian Pacific
American Families Against Substance Abuse, and the UCLA Gambling
Studies Program have joined with the Office of Problem Gambling
within the State Department of Public Health and the California
Council on Problem Gambling to raise awareness and urge Californians
"Don't ignore the signs" of gambling disorder; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate
recognizes the month of March 2015 as National Problem Gambling
Awareness Month, and the agencies and organizations described above
be commended for their concerted effort to raise public awareness of
problem gambling; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate provide copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.