Bill Text: CA SR16 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled

California Senate Resolution 16

Bill Title: Relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-4)

Status: (Passed) 2023-02-27 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 265.) [SR16 Detail]

Download: California-2023-SR16-Enrolled.html

Enrolled February 28, 2023

Passed IN Senate February 27, 2023

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Resolution

No. 16

Introduced by Senator Dodd
(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Ashby, Bradford, Glazer, Jones, Nguyen, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, and Wilk)

February 15, 2023

Relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SR 16, Dodd.

WHEREAS, The month of March 2023 is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem Gambling, which was established in 1972, and its 37 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 conditions. During the 2021–22 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 mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety were the most commonly reported cooccurring mental health conditions; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is a treatable disease, and treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to individuals, families, and communities. The Office of Problem Gambling and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program currently operates the California Gambling Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS) program that, since 2009, has provided treatment services to over 18,000 problem gamblers and others affected by a gambling disorder. CalGETS offers a wide array of services including the Problem Gambling Helpline, text and chat support programs, community support groups, toolkits, 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 “concealed disease,” as disordered gamblers do not exhibit visible signs of the addiction; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Problem Gambling’s ongoing public awareness campaign promotes focus and self-empowerment for individuals 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, the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, Pechanga Development Corporation, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, and the gambling recovery community have joined with the Office of Problem Gambling 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 2023 is hereby recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in California and the agencies and organizations described in this resolution 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.