Bill Text: CA SR20 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled

California Senate Resolution 20 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-4)

Status: (Passed) 2019-02-28 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 38. Noes 0. Page 267.) [SR20 Detail]

Download: California-2019-SR20-Enrolled.html

Enrolled March 01, 2019

Passed IN Senate February 28, 2019

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Resolution

No. 20

Introduced by Senators Dodd, Archuleta, Borgeas, Bradford, Galgiani, Glazer, Hill, Jones, Nielsen, Portantino, Rubio, Wiener, and Wilk

February 20, 2019

Relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SR 20, Dodd.

WHEREAS, The month of March 2019 is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem Gambling, which was established in 1972, and its 35 state affiliates, including the California Council on Problem Gambling, which was established in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is not only an addiction, but also a public health issue in which some problem gamblers experience both physical and mental health issues. During the 2017–18 fiscal year, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and elevated tobacco use were the most common cooccurring physical health problems among clients served in the California state-funded gambling treatment program, while mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, were the most commonly reported cooccurring mental health issues; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is a treatable disease, and treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to individuals, families, and society as a whole. The Office of Problem Gambling and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program currently operate the California Gambling Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS), which, since 2010, has provided treatment services to over 14,500 problem gamblers and others affected by a gambling disorder. CalGETS offers a wide array of services ranging from self-help workbooks, telephone counseling, and outpatient and residential care; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is classified by the American Psychiatric Association as an addiction with similarities to the causes and consequences of alcohol and drug dependence, and is also recognized as the “hidden disease,” as disordered gamblers do not exhibit visible signs of the addiction; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Problem Gambling’s public awareness campaign promotes hope and self-empowerment when seeking treatment for a gambling disorder; 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, 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 to take the first step by seeking help for gambling-related problems; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That March 2019 shall be recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in California and the agencies and organizations described herein are commended for their concerted effort to raise public awareness of problem gambling; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for distribution.