P1 1WHEREAS, The month of March 2016 is recognized as National
2Problem Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on
3Problem Gambling, which was established in 1972, and its 32 state
4affiliates, including the California Council on Problem Gambling,
5which was established in 1986; and
6WHEREAS, “Gambling disorder” is not only an addiction, but
7also a public health issue in which some problem gamblers
8experience both physical and mental health issues. Studies have
9shown that problem gamblers are more likely to have hypertension,
10seek emergency department treatment, and not have a primary care
11physician; and
12WHEREAS, “Gambling disorder” is a treatable disease, and
13treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to individuals,
14families, and society as a whole. The Office of Problem Gambling
15and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program currently operates the
16California Gambling Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS)
17that, since 2010, has provided treatment services to over 10,000
18problem gamblers and others affected by a gambling disorder.
19CalGETS offers a wide array of services ranging from self-help
20workbooks, telephone counseling, and outpatient through
21residential care; and
22WHEREAS, “Gambling disorder” is classified by the American
23Psychiatric Association as an addiction with similarities to the
24causes and consequences of alcohol and drug dependence, and is
P2 1also recognized as the “hidden disease,” as disordered gamblers
2do not exhibit visible signs of the addiction; and
3WHEREAS, The Office of Problem Gambling’s public
4awareness campaign “Don’t Ignore the Signs” indicates that some
5of the signs of gambling disorder may be depression, anxiety,
6relationship issues, shame, guilt, lies, loneliness, and debt; and
7WHEREAS, The Bureau of Gambling Control within the
8Department of Justice, the California Gambling Control
9Commission, the California State Lottery, California Friday Night
10Live Partnership, California Gaming Association, Media Solutions,
11NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, National Asian Pacific American
12Families Against Substance Abuse, and the UCLA Gambling
13Studies Program have joined the Office of Problem Gambling
14within the State Department of Public Health and the California
15Council on Problem Gambling to raise awareness and urge
16Californians to “Don’t Ignore the Signs” of gambling disorder;
17now, therefore, be it
18Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That March
192016 shall be recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness
20Month and the agencies and organizations described above be
21commended for their concerted effort to raise public awareness of
22problem gambling; and be it further
23Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
24this resolution to the author for distribution.
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