Bill Text: NJ SR104 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizes March 6 through March 12, 2011 as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week"; recognizes March 2011 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-01-31 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee [SR104 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-SR104-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator ANTHONY R. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris)
SYNOPSIS
Recognizes March 6 through March 12, 2011 as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week"; recognizes month of March 2011 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution recognizing the week of March 6 through March 12, 2011 as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week" and recognizing the month of March 2011 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, In any given year, approximately two million adults on a national basis meet the criteria for compulsive gambling and six to eight million are considered problem gamblers, and there are an estimated 350,000 New Jersey residents who are compulsive or problem gamblers; and
Whereas, Problem gambling is not only destructive to the personal and professional lives of individuals afflicted with the addiction, but it is also harmful to spouses, children and other family members as well as friends, co-workers and employers; and
Whereas, Problem gambling is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling, and a need to bet more money despite mounting negative consequences; and
Whereas, Problem gambling can be identified in every social class across the entire economic spectrum, and can affect age groups spanning from adolescents to senior citizens; and
Whereas, The symptoms of problem gambling are not as physically evident as other addictions such as alcoholism and drug abuse, and in certain cases, greater understanding of problem gambling may be needed to identify its symptoms; and
Whereas, Each year the National Council on Problem Gambling organizes "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week" in cooperation with The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.; and
Whereas, Issues involving problem gambling are addressed by The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc., in conjunction with eleven gambling treatment programs, which provide free evaluations and literature to New Jersey residents affected by problem gambling; and
Whereas, Public awareness of problem gambling will promote a greater understanding of this issue and encourage programs dedicated to identification, treatment and prevention; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House hereby recognizes the week of March 6 through March 12, 2011 as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week" and recognizes the month of March 2011 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public awareness of this illness and to promote programs devoted to support, treatment and prevention.
2. Duly Authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and attested by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. and the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.
STATEMENT
This Senate resolution recognizes the week of March 6 through March 12, 2011 as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week" and recognizes the month of March 2011 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public awareness about this illness and to promote programs devoted to support, treatment and prevention.
Problem gambling is described as an addiction characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling, and a need to bet more money despite mounting negative consequences. This illness affects adolescents through senior citizens of every social class and economic situation and is not only destructive to the lives of the individuals afflicted, but it also harms their families, friends, co-workers and employers. New Jersey residents affected by problem gambling may seek the assistance of The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
